ASTM A312 TP304 3 Inch Stainless Steel Sch 10S Pipe For Chemical Processing Plants
Schedule 10S stainless steel pipes are manufactured from premium-quality stainless steel materials to provide reliable performance in low-pressure piping systems. They are available in a wide range of stainless steel grades, including austenitic, ferritic, duplex, and martensitic alloys, allowing them to meet the requirements of different industrial applications.
As a lightweight pipe schedule, Schedule 10S features a relatively thin wall thickness, making it an economical choice for low-pressure fluid transportation while maintaining excellent corrosion resistance and durability. These pipes are produced in accordance with internationally recognized standards such as ASTM, ASME, and API, and are available in various diameters, wall thicknesses, and lengths to accommodate diverse project specifications.
Key attributes
| Item |
Specification |
| Product Name |
Schedule 10S Stainless Steel Pipe |
| Material Grades |
TP304, TP304L, TP316, TP316L, TP321, Duplex 2205 |
| Manufacturing Process |
Seamless / Welded |
| Standard |
ASTM A312, ASTM A358, ASTM A778, ASME B36.19M |
| Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) |
1/2" – 12" (DN15 – DN300) |
| Outside Diameter (OD) |
21.3 – 323.9 mm |
| Wall Thickness |
Sch 10S (2.11 – 4.57 mm) |
| Length |
5.8 m, 6 m, 12 m, or Customized |
| Surface Finish |
Pickled & Annealed (P&A), Bright Annealed (BA), Polished |
| End Type |
Plain End (PE), Beveled End (BE), Threaded End (Optional) |
| Inspection |
PMI, Hydrostatic Test, Eddy Current Test, Ultrasonic Test, Dimension Inspection |
| Certification |
EN 10204 3.1, ISO 9001, Mill Test Certificate (MTC) |
| Applications |
Chemical Processing, Petrochemical, Food Processing, Pharmaceutical, Water Treatment, Heat Exchangers, Oil & Gas, Marine Engineering |

Products Description
Stainless Steel SCH 10S Pipe is a pipe made of stainless steel material that meets the SCH 10S (Schedule 10S) wall thickness standard.
Different pipe schedules are available to accommodate various pressure and service requirements, with each schedule featuring a specific wall thickness. Schedule 10S stainless steel pipe is characterized by its thinner wall design, making it lighter in weight and more cost-effective than heavier schedules. As a result, it is widely used in commercial and industrial piping systems where low-pressure service is required. Despite its lightweight construction, Schedule 10S pipe offers excellent resistance to corrosion, ensuring reliable performance in demanding environments.
Thanks to its outstanding corrosion resistance and durability, Schedule 10S stainless steel pipe is commonly used in industries such as water distribution, pulp and paper production, seawater desalination, oil and gas processing, heat exchanger manufacturing, petrochemical plants, and other industrial fluid handling systems. Depending on the stainless steel grade, alloying elements such as chromium, nickel, and molybdenum enhance the pipe's resistance to oxidation, pitting, and crevice corrosion. Chromium forms a stable passive oxide layer on the surface of the steel, protecting the base material from aggressive media, while nickel and molybdenum further improve corrosion resistance, particularly in chloride-containing and aqueous environments.
schedule 10 stainless steel pipe dimensions chart – Dimensions, Weight & Wall Thickness
| Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) |
DN |
Outside Diameter (OD) mm |
Wall Thickness (Sch 10S) mm |
Inside Diameter (ID) mm |
Weight (kg/m) |
| 1/2" |
DN15 |
21.3 |
2.11 |
17.08 |
0.99 |
| 3/4" |
DN20 |
26.7 |
2.11 |
22.48 |
1.26 |
| 1" |
DN25 |
33.4 |
2.77 |
27.86 |
2.09 |
| 1-1/4" |
DN32 |
42.2 |
2.77 |
36.66 |
2.68 |
| 1-1/2" |
DN40 |
48.3 |
2.77 |
42.76 |
3.09 |
| 2" |
DN50 |
60.3 |
2.77 |
54.76 |
3.91 |
| 2-1/2" |
DN65 |
73.0 |
3.05 |
66.90 |
5.33 |
| 3" |
DN80 |
88.9 |
3.05 |
82.80 |
6.55 |
| 4" |
DN100 |
114.3 |
3.05 |
108.20 |
8.47 |
| 5" |
DN125 |
141.3 |
3.40 |
134.50 |
11.50 |
| 6" |
DN150 |
168.3 |
3.40 |
161.50 |
13.80 |
| 8" |
DN200 |
219.1 |
3.76 |
211.58 |
20.20 |
| 10" |
DN250 |
273.1 |
4.19 |
264.72 |
27.70 |
| 12" |
DN300 |
323.9 |
4.57 |
314.76 |
35.50 |
Common Materials
| Grade |
Standard |
| TP304 |
ASTM A312 |
| TP304L |
ASTM A312 |
| TP316 |
ASTM A312 |
| TP316L |
ASTM A312 |
| TP321 |
ASTM A312 |
| Duplex 2205 |
ASTM A790 |
Sch 10S stainless steel pipe applications
Food and Beverage Industry: Used in piping for food processing equipment handling dairy products, fruit juices, beverages, and other foods; complies with the GB 4806.9 food-grade standard to ensure hygiene and safety.
Pharmaceutical and Pure Water Systems: Piping for the distribution of pure water and water for injection in pharmaceutical plants, meeting sterile and contamination-free requirements.
Building Water Supply Systems: Used for hot and cold water distribution in municipal buildings, schools, hospitals, and other structures; features low leakage rates, a long service life, and excellent seismic resistance.
Low-Pressure Gas Piping: Replaces galvanized pipes; features high tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and a long service life, making it suitable for residential gas service lines.
Chemical and Environmental Protection: Transports low-corrosive media and is used in piping for wastewater treatment and environmental protection equipment.
Decorative and Structural Applications: Used for stair handrails, guardrails, curtain wall supports, and more, combining strength with aesthetic appeal.
Difference between schedule 10 and schedule 40 stainless steel pipe
SCH10 and SCH40 are "Schedule Numbers" for stainless steel pipes in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) standards, used to indicate the wall thickness grade and pressure-bearing capacity of the pipes. The main difference between them lies in their wall thickness and pressure-bearing capacity.
📏 Wall Thickness Differences
SCH10S (Thin-Wall): Has a thinner wall thickness for the same outer diameter. For example, the nominal wall thickness of a 6-inch (168.3 mm) SCH10S stainless steel pipe is approximately 3.4 mm.
SCH40S (Medium-Thick Wall): Has a significantly thicker wall thickness. For example, the nominal wall thickness of a 6-inch SCH40S stainless steel pipe is approximately 7.11 mm.
⚡️ Pressure-Carrying Capacity
The pressure-carrying capacity of SCH40S is significantly higher than that of SCH10S, typically more than twice that of SCH10S.
For pipes of the same diameter, the wall thickness of SCH40S is approximately 2.1 times that of SCH10S.
🔧 Applications
▶ SCH10S: Suitable for low-pressure fluid conveyance systems and applications with low pressure requirements, such as:
• Pipelines for transporting media in the food and beverage industry
• Pure water systems in pharmaceutical plants
• Transportation of low-pressure corrosive media in the chemical industry
• Ultrapure water systems in the electronics industry
▶ SCH40S: Suitable for medium- and high-pressure piping systems where high pressure-bearing and mechanical strength are required, such as:
• Transportation of medium-pressure steam or liquids in industrial processes
• Pipelines requiring higher resistance to impact or external pressure
Advantages of SCH10 Stainless Steel Pipe
SCH10 stainless steel pipe (SCH10S) is a type of thin-walled stainless steel pipe defined by the ASME standard. Its advantages primarily include lightweight construction, low cost, excellent corrosion resistance, and a wide range of applications.
1. Lightweight Design and Cost Advantages
SCH10S pipes have thin walls and are lightweight, resulting in lower transportation and installation costs. They are suitable for applications with low pressure requirements. Compared to SCH40S, the wall thickness is only about one-third for the same pipe diameter, resulting in significantly reduced weight and material costs.
2. Excellent Corrosion Resistance
Made from stainless steel grades such as 304 and 316, these pipes offer superior corrosion resistance. They are suitable for corrosive environments—including those with moisture, acids, and alkalis—and extend the service life of piping systems.
3. Wide Temperature Range
Stainless steel inherently offers good temperature resistance; SCH10S can operate stably from room temperature to approximately 425°C, making it suitable for both high-temperature industrial equipment and low-temperature environments.
4. Hygienic and Eco-Friendly Properties
With a smooth surface that inhibits bacterial growth, it meets hygiene standards for the food and pharmaceutical industries and is suitable for applications with high cleanliness requirements, such as food and beverage processing and electronic ultrapure water systems.
5. Easy Installation and Fabrication
Despite its thin walls, the pipe maintains sufficient strength to meet general low-pressure fluid conveyance requirements. It supports precision welding processes such as TIG welding, and its cold-bending radius can reach up to three times the pipe diameter, facilitating on-site installation.
FAQ 1. What is schedule 10 stainless steel pipe?
Schedule 10S stainless steel pipe is a thin-wall pipe manufactured according to ASME B36.19M. It is designed for low- to medium-pressure applications and offers excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for industrial fluid transportation.
2. How thick is schedule 10 stainless steel pipe?
The wall thickness of Schedule 10S stainless steel pipe varies depending on the nominal pipe size (NPS). According to ASME B36.19M, Schedule 10S is a thin-wall pipe schedule designed primarily for low- to medium-pressure applications.
3. Can schedule 10 stainless steel pipe be threaded?
Yes, Schedule 10S stainless steel pipe can be threaded, but it is generally not recommended due to its thin wall thickness. Threaded connections are suitable only for some small-size, low-pressure applications. For most installations, welded or flanged connections are preferred to ensure better strength and leak resistance.
4. What is the difference between Sch 10S and Sch 40S pipe?
The main difference is the wall thickness. Sch 10S has a thinner wall and lighter weight than Sch 40S, making it more economical for lower-pressure systems. Sch 40S provides higher pressure resistance due to its thicker wall.
5. What materials are available for Schedule 10S stainless steel pipe?
Common grades include ASTM A312 TP304, TP304L, TP316, TP316L, TP321, Duplex 2205, and Super Duplex 2507, depending on the application requirements.
6. What standards are used for Schedule 10S stainless steel pipe?
Schedule 10S stainless steel pipes are commonly manufactured in accordance with ASTM A312, ASTM A358, ASTM A778, and ASME B36.19M dimensional standards.
7. What industries commonly use Sch 10S stainless steel pipe?
These pipes are widely used in chemical processing, petrochemical plants, food and beverage production, pharmaceutical manufacturing, water treatment, heat exchangers, marine engineering, and oil & gas industries.
8. Is Schedule 10S stainless steel pipe suitable for high-pressure applications?
Schedule 10S is generally intended for low- and medium-pressure piping systems. For higher-pressure services, thicker schedules such as Sch 40S or Sch 80S are typically recommended.
9. What is the outside diameter of a 3-inch Sch 10S stainless steel pipe?
A 3-inch (NPS 3) Schedule 10S stainless steel pipe has a standard outside diameter of 88.9 mm (3.500 inches) and a wall thickness of 3.05 mm, in accordance with ASME B36.19M.
10. Can Schedule 10S stainless steel pipe be welded?
Yes. Grades such as 304L and 316L offer excellent weldability and are widely used in welded piping systems without requiring extensive post-weld heat treatment in most applications.
11. What surface finishes are available?
Common surface finishes include Pickled & Annealed (P&A), Bright Annealed (BA), Polished, and Mechanical Polished. Custom finishes are also available upon request.
12. How do I choose the right Schedule 10S stainless steel pipe?
When selecting a Schedule 10S pipe, consider the operating pressure, temperature, corrosion environment, material grade, dimensions, applicable standards, and project specifications. Choosing the correct grade and schedule helps ensure long-term performance and cost efficiency.