What is High Pressure Tubing?

In various industrial systems that require pressure or hydraulic systems, petrochemical industries, power plants, high-pressure water systems, oil and gas industries, as well as pressure testing systems and many other industrial applications, in addition to requiring high-pressure pumps, the use of high pressure tubing is equally important. In this article, we will explain what this tubing is, what materials it's made from, and what industries or applications it can be used in.

What is High Pressure Tubing?

High Pressure Tubing is piping designed to withstand fluid or gas pressure that is several times higher than normal pressure, for efficient and safe containment or transport of liquids. Generally, high pressure tubing refers to pipes that can withstand pressure from 1,000 psi or 70 bar and above, and are typically made from strong materials capable of withstanding very high pressures.

What Materials Are High Pressure Tubes Made From?

• Carbon Steel - Carbon steel is one of the main materials, with carbon as the primary component along with iron. It has high strength and excellent pressure resistance. Popular grades include A106 Grade B and API 5L, standards that certify quality and safety in use. This material is inexpensive compared to other metals, making it the first choice in oil, natural gas, and steam system industries. However, the disadvantage is that rust prevention through plating or painting is required.

• Stainless Steel - Stainless steel is produced by adding at least 10.5% chromium and nickel, resulting in metal with very high corrosion resistance. Grade 316 has additional molybdenum, making it more resistant to acids and chlorides than 304. This material requires minimal maintenance and can be used in high humidity conditions or with corrosive chemicals, making it popular in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and hospital industries. Although more expensive than carbon steel, maintenance costs are lower, making it very suitable for high pressure tubing applications.

• Alloy Steel - Alloy steel is created by adding various elements such as chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, and tungsten to enhance special properties, particularly resistance to high temperature and high pressure simultaneously. Grades P91 and P92 can operate at temperatures up to 600°C while maintaining strength. This material is therefore suitable for coal power plants, oil refineries, and petrochemical industries with both high heat and high pressure. Welding and installation require high expertise due to special properties.

• Copper and Copper Alloys - Copper is a metal with natural corrosion resistance properties, especially against water and air. Brass (a mixture of copper and zinc) has greater strength than pure copper. These materials have excellent heat conduction, making them suitable for systems requiring heat dissipation, building plumbing, air conditioning systems, and medium-pressure hydraulic systems. Limitations include prices that fluctuate with global copper market prices and unsuitability for very high pressures like steel.

• Reinforced Plastics - Reinforced plastics are new technology that combines plastic flexibility with reinforcing fiber strength, such as glass fiber or carbon fiber. Reinforced HDPE and PVC can withstand high pressure while being much lighter than metal. They don't rust, don't conduct electricity, and resist certain chemicals well. This material is suitable for water systems, chemical transport, and applications requiring weight reduction. However, there are temperature limitations and possible expansion when heated.

Which Industries Use High Pressure Tubing?

• Oil and Gas Industry - High pressure tubing is crucial for transporting crude oil and natural gas from production sources to refineries and consumers. In drilling processes, pipes are used for Mud Circulation systems and BOP (Blowout Preventer) that must withstand thousands of pounds per square inch. Main gas transmission pipes used for international transport typically operate at 1,000-1,500 psi. Oil refineries use pipes in Cracking, Reforming, and Hydroprocessing units that have both high pressure and high temperature simultaneously.

• Power Generation Industry - Coal and natural gas power plants use high pressure tubing in superheated steam systems with pressures up to 3,500 psi and temperatures of 600°C. These pipes transport steam from boilers to steam turbines to rotate electrical generators.

• Petrochemical Industry - Manufacturing processes for plastics, rubber, and various chemicals require pipes in reactors and separation systems. Ethylene and propylene production requires high pressure in furnaces. Ammonia production for fertilizers uses pressures up to 300 bar in the Haber-Bosch process. High-pressure polyethylene production uses pressures up to 2,000 bar. These piping systems must withstand both high pressure and corrosive chemicals.

• Water Supply Industry - Urban water systems use high pressure tubing to transport water from distant or elevated water sources. Water Booster Pump systems that send water up tall buildings require high-pressure resistant pipes. Water treatment plants use pipes in Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems requiring 15-80 bar pressure to push water through membranes. Fire sprinkler systems and fire hydrants require high-pressure resistant pipes for strong, far-reaching water flow.

• Food and Beverage Industry - Soft drink manufacturing plants use pipes for CO2 systems and carbonation. Pasteurization and sterilization processes using high-pressure steam require high-pressure stainless steel pipes. Dairy plants use pipes in homogenizers to create smooth, consistent milk texture. CIP (Clean-in-Place) cleaning systems use high-pressure hot water and chemicals to clean pipes and tanks.

• Automotive Industry - Hydraulic systems in automotive manufacturing machinery use high pressure tubing for forming presses and machine tools. Engine testing uses pipes for fuel and lubricating oil supply. High-pressure water cleaning systems for parts before assembly. Leak testing systems for fuel tanks and various components require pipes that withstand high pressure and are oil-resistant.

• Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry - Drug manufacturing requires pipes in extraction and purification processes using high pressure. Crystallization and distillation processes use high pressure tubing to control evaporation and condensation. Some chemical production requires high pressure as a reaction catalyst. Cleaning and sterilization systems using high-pressure steam to maintain GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards.

• Aviation Industry - Aircraft hydraulic systems use pipes for landing gear, wing flaps, and various control systems requiring 3,000-5,000 psi pressure. Jet engine manufacturing plants use them in testing systems and fuel systems. Aircraft component strength testing uses high-pressure water to simulate flight conditions. Passenger cabin oxygen production systems use high pressure tubing to store and supply gases.

MAXIMATOR High Pressure Tubing

Key Features of MAXIMATOR High Pressure Tubing

Materials and Manufacturing: Made from seamless stainless steel with continuous quality inspection for maximum durability and safety.

Operating Pressure:

• High Pressure Tubing: Supports maximum pressure up to 65,000 psi (4,500 bar)

• Ultra High Pressure Tubing: Supports maximum pressure up to 152,000 psi (10,500 bar)

Sizes and Connections: Available in sizes from 1/4", 3/8", 9/16", and 5/16" using coned and threaded connections for safety and tight installation sealing.

Quality Testing: Every pipe undergoes rigorous pressure and usage testing, including impulse testing at 4,000 bar pressure and 10 Hz frequency to ensure long-term durability.

High Pressure Tubing is essential for various industries. We, Analytical and Control Technology 2000, provide installation services for all types of high-pressure systems including high pressure tubing installation. We are also authorized distributors of the MAXIMATOR brand along with other leading brands. If interested, you can contact us at:

Email: actc@ksc.th.comTel: +66 2 944 4748Line: @actcom2000