Black steel pipe and galvanized steel pipe are the two most common kind of pipe applied to transport liquid and gas. They have several respects similar to each other and many people confuse one to the other one. What is the main difference between black steel pipe and galvanized steel pipe? Black steel pipe and galvanized pipe are made of steel, but galvanized pipe has a zinc coating while black pipe does not and therefore, galvanized pipe is more expensive and more durable. For transportation, black steel pipe tend to erode more easily than galvanized pipe and on account of this, it is more suitable for transporting gas and galvanized pipe is fit for carrying water instead of gas.
Galvanized pipe covered with a layer of zinc which makes it have higher ability of corrosion protection and help to prevent the accumulation of mineral deposits that will block the pipe. Galvanized pipe is mainly used for carrying water to supply home and commercial buildings; it is also serve as scaffolding frames because of its rust prevention. Black steel pipe is manufactured as seamless which makes it a better type for gas transportation. It can be used for fire sprinkler system since it can prevent fire better than galvanized pipe. Since it has a dark color surface that is form by iron oxide during the manufacturing process, it is called black steel pipe. The main difference between steel pipe and galvanized pipe lies in the surface. Black steel pipe is uncoated and made without steam, and therefore, it is widely used for transporting gas like propane and natural gas to residential and commercial building.
Galvanized pipe has zinc on the surface so the mineral will flack off as time goes by and block the pipe. This will lead to a burst. In view of this, transport gas by galvanized pipes is dangerous so it is often used in carrying water. Black steel pipe, on the other hand, is not suitable for water transport. Black steel pipes are tending to corrode in water and mineral of the pipe will dissolve into the water and clog the line as well.
General speaking, black steel pipe is cheaper than galvanized pipe. This is due to the zinc coating on galvanized pipe and the manufacturing process making it. Black steel pipe is low maintenance; it costs less to the fitting. Black steel pipe and galvanized steel pipe looked similar in the eye of many people. So how to differentiate this two pipe? Here are three main methods. First, you can examine the color of the pipe. Black steel pipe is darker than galvanized pipe; it is flat black while galvanized pipe is silver and gray. Second, galvanized pipe is usually applied for water carriage and black steel pipe for gas deliver, you can tell the difference by the material they carry. And last, you can tell from the year the pipe being used. Black steel pipe used later than galvanized pipe. If the pipe is installed after 1950s, it’s likely to be black steel.