Pipe Schedule Explained – How to Choose the Right Thickness (Simple 2025 Guide)

Pipe Schedule refers to the wall thickness of a pipe. Higher the schedule → thicker the pipe wall → higher pressure capacity.

Examples:

• SCH 40 → Standard wall
• SCH 80 → Thick wall
• SCH 160 → Extra thick
• XXS → Extremely heavy wall

It ensures the pipe can safely handle internal pressure without bursting.

• Prevents leakage
• Handles higher pressure
• Ensures safety
• Avoids pipe burst
• Maintains compliance (ASME, ASTM)

Choosing the wrong schedule can damage equipment and cause expensive downtime.

• SCH 10 → Thin wall, low pressure
• SCH 20 → Light pressure
• SCH 40 (STD) → Standard
• SCH 80 → High pressure
• SCH 160 → Very high pressure
• XXS → Extreme duty

Low Pressure Applications

Use: SCH 10 / SCH 20

For: Water lines, Firefighting, HVAC

Medium Pressure Applications

Use: SCH 40 (STD)

For: Chemical lines, Utility pipelines, Structural use

High Pressure Applications

Use: SCH 80 / SCH 160

For: Steam lines, Oil & gas, High temperature lines

Extreme Pressure Applications

Use: XXS

For: Boiler tubes, Petrochemical reactors, High-pressure steam lines

• Seamless Pipes – Best for SCH 80, SCH 160, XXS (high pressure)
• Welded Pipes – Suitable for SCH 10, 20, 40 (medium pressure)

Rule: Higher schedule → higher stress → seamless is safer.

• SCH 10 → Food, pharma, low-pressure pipelines
• SCH 40 → Oil, chemical, utility lines
• SCH 80 → Steam, refinery, high temperature
• SCH 160 → Pressure vessels, offshore lines
• XXS → Boilers, reactors, severe-duty pipelines

Pipe schedule may look confusing, but understanding it ensures safer installation, higher performance, longer service life and zero leakage. Always choose the right schedule based on pressure, temperature and fluid type.

When unsure, the Moksh Tubes technical team can assist with precise schedule selection.