Views: 182 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-07-12 Origin: Site
Titanium pipe has become an essential material in various industrial sectors, particularly due to its exceptional corrosion resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, and longevity under extreme conditions. But while the advantages of titanium are well established, one common and crucial question remains: What sizes are available for titanium pipe? Understanding the range of titanium pipe dimensions is fundamental for engineers, procurement specialists, and designers who aim to meet precise system requirements.
Titanium pipes, like other metal piping products, are typically specified by their nominal pipe size (NPS) and schedule (SCH), which jointly define the outer diameter (OD) and wall thickness. This system is standardized by ASME/ANSI B36.10 and B36.19, although titanium itself follows additional ISO or ASTM guidelines, such as ASTM B861, B862, and B338 depending on the grade and application.
For instance, a titanium pipe with a nominal size of NPS 2 doesn't mean the pipe is exactly 2 inches in diameter. Rather, it refers to a standardized OD (2.375 inches for NPS 2) and a variable wall thickness depending on the schedule.
Common pipe schedules include:
SCH 5
SCH 10
SCH 40
SCH 80
Each schedule increases wall thickness, thereby increasing pressure resistance. Titanium’s naturally strong structure allows for thinner walls in many applications, making SCH 10 or SCH 40 popular choices in industries like chemical processing and aerospace.
Titanium pipes are manufactured in a wide range of sizes to meet the demands of industries such as marine engineering, aerospace, medical, desalination, and oil & gas. The available size range typically falls within the following parameters:
| Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) | Outer Diameter (inches) | Outer Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8" | 0.405 | 10.29 |
| 1/4" | 0.540 | 13.72 |
| 1/2" | 0.840 | 21.34 |
| 1" | 1.315 | 33.40 |
| 2" | 2.375 | 60.33 |
| 4" | 4.500 | 114.30 |
| 6" | 6.625 | 168.28 |
| 10" | 10.75 | 273.05 |
| 12" | 12.75 | 323.85 |
| 24" | 24.00 | 609.60 |
This list is not exhaustive, as custom sizes can be manufactured upon request. However, these are the most commercially available NPS sizes, commonly stocked and fabricated in titanium grades such as Grade 2 (commercially pure) and Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V).
Titanium pipe wall thickness is another critical factor that directly affects the pipe’s mechanical properties and pressure-handling capabilities. As mentioned, schedules define the wall thickness. Below is a comparison of wall thicknesses for selected sizes:
| NPS | SCH 10 (inches) | SCH 40 (inches) | SCH 80 (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1" | 0.109 | 0.133 | 0.179 |
| 2" | 0.154 | 0.154 | 0.218 |
| 4" | 0.237 | 0.237 | 0.337 |
| 6" | 0.280 | 0.280 | 0.432 |
It’s important to remember that titanium’s low density and high tensile strength allow thinner walls to provide the same mechanical strength as thicker walls in stainless steel or copper pipes. This not only saves material costs but also reduces overall weight — a critical advantage in aerospace and medical applications.
Titanium pipes are produced with strict dimensional tolerances to meet precise engineering requirements. According to ASTM B861 and ASTM B862, typical tolerances are:
Outer Diameter: ±0.5% to ±1.0%
Wall Thickness: ±10% of nominal
Length: Fixed lengths or random lengths (usually 3-7 meters)
Additionally, surface finishes are critical for corrosion resistance and system cleanliness. Titanium pipes can be supplied with:
Annealed or stress-relieved condition
Pickled surface for corrosion protection
Polished for sanitary or aesthetic applications
Beveled ends for welding or plain ends for socket fitting
Yes, titanium pipes can be custom-manufactured in non-standard diameters, wall thicknesses, and lengths to meet unique project specifications. This is particularly common in R&D, aerospace, and high-purity chemical applications where standard sizes may not be suitable.
Absolutely. Many international projects follow ISO standards, which use millimeter-based (mm) sizing. While ANSI/ASME sizes dominate in the U.S., metric sizes are widely available globally. For example, a pipe may be labeled as DN 50 (Diameter Nominal 50 mm), which is roughly equivalent to NPS 2.
Standard production methods generally cap titanium pipe diameters at around 24 inches (610 mm). However, larger diameters can be achieved using techniques like welding titanium plates into cylindrical forms, particularly for low-pressure applications.
Grade 2: Commercially pure titanium, excellent corrosion resistance, used in chemical plants and seawater applications.
Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V): High-strength alloy used in aerospace.
Grade 12: Enhanced corrosion resistance and weldability, ideal for chemical processing.
Choosing the right titanium pipe size is not just a matter of dimensions; it’s about aligning the mechanical properties, pressure ratings, and corrosion resistance with the intended environment.
For example:
In marine desalination, titanium Grade 2 in NPS 4 with SCH 10 is commonly used due to seawater corrosion resistance.
In pharmaceutical or high-purity chemical transport, small-diameter titanium tubes with thin walls (e.g., 1/2” OD, 0.035” wall) are chosen for precision and purity.
In nuclear or aerospace sectors, stringent strength requirements demand Grade 5 titanium in thicker schedules and larger diameters.
Be sure to consult both mechanical design criteria and industry standards when selecting pipe sizes. Engineering calculations involving internal pressure, fluid dynamics, and safety factors are essential.
Understanding the available sizes of titanium pipe is critical to ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective engineering solutions. With sizes ranging from as small as 1/8” OD to over 24” OD, and wall thicknesses across various schedules, titanium piping systems offer unmatched flexibility for both standard and custom applications.
By aligning your project needs with the correct NPS, wall thickness, and grade, you ensure not only functional reliability but also compliance with global standards and long-term value. Whether you're working on a new chemical processing plant, upgrading marine infrastructure, or designing next-generation aerospace components, knowing the full spectrum of titanium pipe sizes puts you in control — ready to meet today’s industrial challenges with confidence and precision.
