Advantages of tubes

Advantages of tubes

What is a tube?
Tubes are ideal for transporting fluids or protecting electrical or optical connections and wires. Although there are slight differences, the words “pipe” and “tube” are virtually identical – in general, a tube has higher technical standards than a pipe.

Today’s fluid systems are much more demanding than they were years ago. Leaks that were once considered a nuisance are now classified as air emissions or hazardous waste that can cause factories to close.

The basic concepts of tubing connections haven’t changed that much over the years, even though modern processes require higher pressures, flow rates and temperature requirements.

Some of the advantages of tubing are as follows:
Since there is no need to cut threads with special tools, standard wrenches are sufficient to install the tube.
Tubes are easier to handle and bend due to the smaller wall sections.
No threading tolerance is required in the tube, so the thickness is sufficient without sacrificing a thin tube.
On the other hand, a smooth tube bend reduces pressure drops, whereas sharp bends in elbows can cause large pressure drops due to interference and energy loss.
In applications where there are many connections, such as domestic plumbing systems, tubes are a better option than pipes.
Pipes have compression fittings and joints that are bonded together with adhesive. Tubing has no joints or fittings because it does not require welding or gluing.
Instead, pipes are joined using a process called compression fitting, where the pipe is placed in a fitting without a joint and then compressed using a compression fitting machine. This creates a very strong joint where there is no chance of leakage.
Although tube fittings cost more than pipe components, tubing is generally the less expensive option. This is because systems have less downtime and are easier to install and remove.
As industrial fluid systems become more complex and stringent, tubing offers a solution to these challenges. Tubing is used to transport fluids in industrial applications, but tubing has several advantages over pipe. They are easier to install, less expensive and offer better performance.
Tube fittings are used as connections. Disassembly is simple and risk-free. This, combined with a tight seal, makes maintenance quick and easy. There is no need to disconnect successive lengths of tubing and fittings to remove a component from the system.