Introduction

When refer to the pipeline of industrial and home building, some materials are designed for special purposes. Black pipe (carbon steel pipe) is one of the most popular material in various of piping systems, especially in the systems of gas line and fire protection. If you don’t know more about it, this article will explain you what black pipe is, what it comprise and where it plays function.

What Is a Black Pipe?

Black pipe is a kind of steel pipe without any coating which is commonly used for transportation of different gas. It is called black pipe is just because its surface has a layer of black iron oxide coating that gives it an unique color. Black pipe is mainly used for the gas distribution systems of home building, commercial and industrial application. It is an important part of infrastructure of natural gas and propane systems which is providing a safe and efficient transport way for gas.

The dark appearance doesn’t mean pipe has any special coating, on the contrary it is formed during the manufacturing period. Black pipe is different from the galvanized pipe which has zinc coating, if it is not maintained properly more easily to rust.

Features of Black Pipe

Material: black pipe is made of carbon steel, durable and flexible.

Uncoated: compared with galvanized pipe black pipe doesn’t have any coating that means it easily be corroded as time go on.

Strength: black pipe is designed specially used for managing high pressure gas system and home building and industrial settings.

What is the function of black pipe?

The major function of black pipes are in the gas pipelines they transport the gas or propane from the supply to home buildings, commercial and industrial buildings. Their capacity to handle the high pressure makes them become the ideal choice to complete the transportation purpose.

Gas distribution: black pipe is the standard of transportation of gas in homes and enterprises.

Fire sprinkler system: black pipes are also applied to the fire sprinkler system due to its strength and fireproof performance, which can help to prevent the spread of fire.

Water supply: water supply is not common but sometimes black pipe is used for undrinkable water system.

What are the differences between black pipe and galvanized pipe?

Black pipe and galvanized pipe looks very similar but they are different in the comprise and applications. Coating is the key distinction:

Black pipe: it is produced by uncosted steel, which is usually used for gas pipeline because of its strength. But black pipe is very easily rusted and corroded due to there is no coating protection.

Galvanized pipe: galvanized pipe has the zinc coat to prevent it is rust which makes it is often chosen to supply water.

The other main difference is the durability. The service lift of galvanized pipe is a little longer because its zinc coating can cut off rust. But black pipe is gas pipeline due to it can take more higher pressure.

Why Black Pipe can be Used for Gas Lines?

Black pipe is particularly suitable for gas pipeline, the reasons as below:

Strength and durability: black pipe can be used for high pressure gas doesn’t have the burst risk.

Seamless design: black pipes are seamless that means there are no the joints probably to leak gas.

Heat resistance: black pipe is the ideal choice for fuel transportation because it can bear the heat produced during the gas combustion.

Common Types of Black Pipes

There are two types of common black pipes have different functions:

Black pipe Sch40: it is the most common black pipe, the wall thickness is thin which is usually used for gas pipeline of home building.

Black pipe Sch80: the wall thickness of this type is thick, which is allied to industrial system with high pressure.

The above two types are both made of carbon steel but the difference of wall thickness decides their strength and suitable applications.

Can Black Pipe Be Used for Water Pipe?

Black pipe is very suitable for gas pipeline but it is not suitable for water system. If it applies to water pipeline as time goes on the rust of inside of black pipe mix with water will lead pollution. In addition, black pipe stays in the moisture can be corroded along with time goes on that is why the pipeline for water system commonly should avoid corrosion.

For pipeline of water system, generally cooper pipes and PVC pipes are adopted due to they don’t have rust issues.

How to Install Black Pipe?

The method of installing black pipe is similar to install other types of steel pipes. The below are the common steps:

Cutting pipe: using cutting machine to cut the black pipe to requested length.

Thread the ends: screwed the ends of pipes to make them can connect other pipes or pipe fittings.

Connect pipe fitting: using pipe fittings (elbows, tees, reducers etc) to connect all parts.

Sealing the joints: apply sealant on the pipe joints and threads to prevent leakage.

System testing: after installation using a gas leak detector to check if there is any leakage in the gas pipeline.

The key important point is having a professional person to install especially for the gas pipeline to ensure the safety.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Black Pipe

Advantages:

Low cost: black pipe is cheaper than galvanized pipe and cooper pipe.

Strength: specially design for high pressure which makes it ideal choice for gas transportation.

Fire resistance: the fire resistance of black pipe makes it a good choice for automatic fire sprinkler system.

Disadvantages:

Corrosion risk: the black pipe easily rust along with the time goes on without protective coating especially in the moisture.

Use limit: black pipe is not suitable water supply system because it probably rusts.

Summary:

In summary, black pipe is a kind of useful steel pipe with widely functions which is usually used for the gas lines of home buildings and commercial buildings. Its strength, fire resistance and high pressure tolerance make it an ideal choice for gas distribution. But it is easily corroded as time goes on not suitable for water supply.

When you choose the materials for your project to know more about the advantages and boundedness of black pipe is crucial, that will ensure you choose the suitable materials for your needs.