Different Types of Industrial Piping & Their Applications

In industrial settings, a reliable piping system is critical to the success of any facility, transporting water, gas, chemicals, and other fluids safely and efficiently across sites. Even so, industrial pipes offer varying performance for pressure control, corrosion resistance, and other characteristics, so it’s important to know the types and how they differ.

Let’s delve into the different industrial piping types along with their applications and uses.

What is industrial piping?

Industrial piping refers to engineered networks of pipes, fittings, valves, and insulation used to transport fluids or gases. These systems are commonly found in oil and gas, chemical processing, water treatment, and manufacturing industries.

Unlike residential or commercial plumbing, industrial piping must withstand high temperatures, pressures, and corrosive substances, which makes it paramount to have the right material selection and system design.

6 common types of industrial pipes

1. Carbon steel pipe

Carbon steel makes for strong, durable pipes suitable for oil, gas, and water.

Carbon steel pipes boast exceptional strength, affordability, and the ability to handle high pressures and temperatures. They are available in various grades and wall thicknesses, making them versatile enough for structural, processing, and utility applications.

For example, carbon steel pipes of ASTM A106 and A53 grades are commonly used in high-temperature systems and pressure-based lines due to their strength and weldability.

Benefits:

• Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
• High resistance to pressure and mechanical stress
• Cost-effective for large-scale pipe fabrication

Carbon steel pipes are widely used for conveying oil, gas, steam, and water in power plants, refineries, and chemical processing plants. They are also a go-to choice in factory buildings for structural support systems and pressure-based applications.

2. Stainless steel pipe

Stainless steel pipes are corrosion-resistant, making them ideal for environments requiring hygiene.

Stainless steel pipes are ideal for environments with high sanitation or chemical resistance requirements. Stainless steel contains chromium, which forms a passive layer that prevents rust and corrosion, making it well-suited for applications that require hygiene and longevity.

304 and 316 grade stainless steel are widely used in industrial piping, with 304 being the standard for general use and 316 offering enhanced resistance in corrosive or marine environments.

Benefits:

• Long service life with minimal maintenance
• Corrosion-resistant and easy to clean
• Suitable for both hot and cold systems

Due to its inert properties, stainless steel is used in food processing, pharmaceutical facilities, marine applications, and chemical handling systems. It’s also suitable for outdoor or humid environments, especially with pipe insulation, where carbon steel would corrode more quickly.

3. PVC pipe

PVC makes for lightweight, easy-to-assemble pipes ideal for low-pressure environments.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a lightweight and affordable thermoplastic commonly used in industrial piping where high strength or heat resistance is not essential. Its non-reactive nature makes it ideal for chemical waste, irrigation, and drain lines.

Benefits:

• Excellent chemical resistance
• Cost-effective for large distribution systems
• Low installation and maintenance costs

PVC is easy to cut, join, and install, often requiring no welding. While it’s not suitable for high-temperature fluids, it excels in low-pressure environments where corrosion from moisture or chemical exposure is a concern, like drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems.

4. HDPE pipe

HDPE is a flexible but robust plastic, making it well-suited.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes are known for their flexibility and toughness. HDPE can absorb shock and movement without cracking, making it suitable for underground or mobile piping systems.

Benefits:

• Corrosion and abrasion resistant
• High flexibility with excellent impact resistance
• Seamless joints through butt fusion welding

Being chemical-resistant, HDPE is often used in industrial and municipal systems involving corrosive fluids, slurries, and non-potable water. Its thermoplastic nature also means HDPE is fusion-weldable, making it practical for long-distance pipe fabrication.

5. Copper pipe

Copper is durable, easy to install, and recyclable — all while offering good heat conductivity.

Copper pipes are widely used in systems requiring good thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability. Copper’s traits make it ideal for closed-loop water systems, refrigeration lines, and heat transfer applications.

Benefits:

• Excellent conductor of heat and electricity
• Long lifespan with low maintenance
• Recyclable and eco-friendly

While it carries a higher material cost, its performance in HVAC and thermal exchange systems often justifies the investment, especially when fitted with pipe insulation. That said, copper is recyclable, making it a greener option for sustainability-focused projects.

6. Concrete pipe

Concrete pipes offer unmatched strength and durability in handling heavy loads like stormwater or run-off.

Precast concrete pipes are a staple in infrastructure and heavy-duty drainage systems. While not suited for pressurised systems, they offer excellent durability and strength for stormwater, sewage, or industrial runoff control applications.

Benefits:

• Strong load-bearing capacity
• Low maintenance over decades
• Resistant to fire and environmental exposure

Concrete pipes are typically installed underground and engineered to handle large volumes and external loads, including road and heavy equipment traffic above. They are often paired with other industrial piping types to support site-wide fluid control across multi-use facilities.

Choosing the right pipe material: how carbon and stainless steel stand out

Among all the materials listed above, carbon steel and stainless steel have remained industry standards due to their adaptability, resilience, and cost-effectiveness. Their performance across both high-pressure and corrosive environments makes them a reliable choice for a wide range of systems and applications, from structural pipelines to process-critical lines.

Given their versatility and demand across sectors, these two materials also form the backbone of our industrial piping expertise and solutions here at SJEC, enabling us to deliver systems that meet demanding site conditions, project requirements, and long-term reliability standards across industrial sectors like oil and gas, manufacturing, and more.

Get expert industrial carbon and stainless steel pipe fabrication with SJEC

Different pipes serve different needs and applications, so it pays to know which material you need. But no matter your industry or project size, you want a reliable pipe fabricator that delivers a system that’s designed, installed, and maintained to the highest standards.

At SJEC, we bring decades of expertise in industrial piping services from fabrication and installation to maintenance and insulation, leveraging the strength and performance of carbon and stainless steel. With our team at your side, we bring you nothing short of precision execution and quality control for your piping projects.

Contact us today and let our experts help you build a high-performance, long-lasting industrial piping system.

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