Why 20 inch pipe is not 20 inches
Nominal Pipe Size is a label, not a measurement. NPS 20 pipe has an outside diameter of 20.000 inches, and it keeps that outside diameter in every schedule made. What the schedule number changes is the wall: at schedule 60 the wall is 0.812 inches, so the bore comes out at 18.376 inches.
That is the practical consequence. Fittings, flanges, supports and threading dies are sized to the outside diameter, so they fit any schedule of the same trade size. Flow, pressure drop and anything that has to pass through the pipe depend on the inside diameter, which changes with every schedule. Order by trade size and schedule; work your hydraulics from the bore.
Frequently asked questions
What is the wall thickness of 20 inch schedule 60 pipe?
0.812 inches (20.62 mm). The outside diameter is 20.000 inches (508.00 mm) whatever the schedule, so this wall leaves an inside diameter of 18.376 inches.
What is the inside diameter of 20 inch schedule 60 pipe?
18.376 inches (466.76 mm). Inside diameter is outside diameter minus twice the wall: 20.000 - 2 x 0.812 = 18.376 inches.
Is 20 inch pipe actually 20 inches?
No. NPS 20 is a trade size, not a measurement. The pipe measures 20.000 inches across the outside and 18.376 inches across the bore in this schedule. Only the outside diameter is fixed across schedules.
How much does 20 inch schedule 60 pipe weigh?
166.56 pounds per foot plain end (247.84 kg per metre), for carbon steel. Stainless of the same dimensions runs a little lighter, and the figure excludes coatings, linings and fittings.