When it comes to transport the fluid, Piping and Pipeline are the most frequently mentioned words. They both are used to transport various liquids, gases and sometimes slurry and powder material. What is the difference between piping and pipeline? In this passage, you will learn something about that.

Definition: Straight Vs Complex

Piping is a complex network of pipe & fittings within the defined boundaries of the plant. While the pipeline is a series of straight pipe welded together over a long distance.

Service Environment: Above Ground / Under Ground / Sub-sea

The pipeline can run underground, above ground and underwater such as a sub-sea pipeline. Whereas Piping is mostly above ground with very few underground services.

Size: Large Diameter Vs Small Diameter

Another difference between Piping and Pipeline is that Pipelines are a mostly large diameter that transport bulk liquid or gas from one place to other sometimes thousands of miles in distance. Whereas Piping can be from half an inch to eighty inches as per the plant design requirements that transfer fluid from one equipment to another within the plant boundary.

Use of Equipment

In the pipeline, the use of pipe fittings is limited. Mostly long radius bends with very few other types of fittings that use at a pumping station and valve station. Whereas in the case of the piping very wide range of pipe fittings are used that server different purpose within the piping system such as change the direction, size, branching, blinding etc.