What material of pipes can withstand high pressure, and what is the high pressure threshold range?
what-material-of-pipes-can-withstand-high-pressure-and-what-is-the-high-pressure-threshold-range
Material Type Specific Model/Type High-Pressure Threshold Range (Approximate) Features and Applications
🧿Metal Pipes
Carbon Steel and Low-Alloy Steel 20G ≤16MPa For steam piping with temperatures ≤450°C
15CrMoG ≤16MPa For high-pressure superheater piping with temperatures ≤550°C
12Cr1MoVG - For high-pressure boiler superheater piping below 540°C
High-Alloy Steel P91/P92 (e.g., SA335 P91/P92) - High creep strength, used for main steam piping, with a maximum temperature resistance of 620°C
Austenitic Stainless Steel 304SS, 316SS, TP304H, TP316H Up to 1034MPa High-temperature corrosion resistance, used for leak-proof liquid and gas transmission under extreme conditions
🧿Plastic and Composite Pipes
Polyethylene (PE) Pipe PE80 Grade 0.5-1.6MPa Commonly used in water supply systems
PE100 grade: Up to 2.0 MPa, strong pressure bearing capacity
PE steel wire mesh composite pipe - Up to 3.5 MPa, significantly higher pressure bearing capacity than ordinary PE pipe, suitable for high-pressure transmission applications
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe: PVC polyester high-pressure pipe (fiber reinforced): 1.0-1.5 MPa, tensile strength, corrosion resistance
🧿Other pipes
Fiberglass high-pressure pipe: 2.5 MPa-32 MPa, corrosion resistance, lightweight, high strength, smooth inner wall
High-pressure rubber oil hose: Steel wire spiral hose (such as 4SH and R15 types): Up to 120 MPa, mainly composed of an inner rubber layer, a steel wire reinforcement layer, and an outer rubber layer, suitable for mine hydraulic supports, oilfield development, etc.
🧭 Key Considerations for Material Selection
When selecting a high-pressure pipe material, consider more than just the pressure range. The following factors should also be considered comprehensively:
1. Working Medium: Whether the conveyed medium is corrosive (acidic, alkaline, solvent, etc.) is crucial. For example, stainless steel, fiberglass, and HDPE perform well in certain corrosive environments. The abrasiveness of the medium can also affect pipe life.
2. Temperature Range: Material properties vary with temperature. For example:
Carbon steel (such as 20G) is generally suitable for temperatures ≤450°C.
Alloy steel (such as 15CrMoG, 12Cr1MoVG, and P91/P92) can withstand higher temperatures (550°C or even above 620°C).
PE pipe is generally suitable for use at room or low temperatures, while PVC high-pressure polyester pipe is generally suitable for use between -5°C and 100°C.
Stainless steel pipe (such as 304SS and 316SS) has a wide operating temperature range (from extremely low temperatures to several hundred degrees Celsius).
High-pressure rubber oil hoses typically have an operating temperature range of -40°C to 120°C. 3. Economics and Cost: While meeting technical requirements, consider material costs, installation expenses (such as welding difficulty and the need for special equipment), and maintenance costs. Carbon steel may have lower initial costs, but may be less corrosion-resistant and require ongoing maintenance. Stainless steel and alloy steels may have higher initial costs but may be more durable.
4. Relevant Standards and Regulations: The design, manufacture, and installation of high-pressure pipelines generally adhere to strict national, industry, or international standards (such as China's GB standards and the United States' ASME standards). When selecting materials, ensure they meet the requirements of the corresponding pressure piping grades.
💡 Application Scenarios
Power and Energy Industry (High-Temperature, High-Pressure Steam): Carbon steel (20G) and alloy steels (15CrMoG, 12Cr1MoVG, P91/P92) are commonly used.
Oil and Natural Gas Transportation: High-strength steel pipe, PE100 pipe (especially for underground installation), and high-pressure rubber hoses (for specific connections and equipment) may be used. Chemical processes: Stainless steel (304SS, 316SS) (corrosion-resistant), alloy steel (high-temperature and high-pressure resistant), or fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) pipes (corrosion-resistant) are often chosen.
For high-pressure water jetting and cleaning: Stainless steel high-pressure seamless steel pipe (extremely high-pressure bearing capacity) or specialized reinforced hoses are commonly used.
Industrial hydraulic systems: High-pressure steel wire-wound or braided rubber hoses are widely used.
Water supply systems: For medium and low pressures, PE pipe (PE80, PE100) and PVC pipes can be used. For higher pressures, steel pipe or ductile iron pipe may be considered.
Baoshuo Brand Company specializes in high-pressure pipe repair clamps for repairing high-pressure pipes of various pressure levels.
📝 A final reminder:
The actual pressure bearing capacity of a pipe is a comprehensive technical indicator. When designing and selecting high-pressure pipes, it is strongly recommended to consult with professional engineers and strictly adhere to relevant national and industry standards and specifications, such as the DL standard for the power industry or the HG standard for the chemical industry, to ensure safety and reliability.
        
    









