What Is Black Pipe Used For: The Facts You Should Know!
Black pipes are mainly used in sectors related to the conveyance of specific fluids. If you are in need of transporting gases from one place to another, someone may suggest black pipes. But, you might not have any idea about them.
So, before you set up a conveyance system with black pipes, it would be better for you to have a general idea regarding them. Otherwise, you may face various problems in case you use them in unsuitable projects.
Let us provide all the necessary information regarding the use of black pipes.
Table of Contents
What is Black Iron Pipe
A black iron pipe is a pipe made of iron. Unlike normal metal pipes, this pipe does not have zinc coating or paint. Moreover, during the manufacturing process, iron oxide is formed over the surface. This causes the surface of the pipe to have black color. Hence, the pipe is named the black iron pipe.
Length of Black Iron Pipes
The black iron pipes have varying lengths depending on their usage. The available sizes on the market vary from 6 inches to 6 feet in length and 0.25 inches to 1 inch in diameter.
You can also make custom pipes based on your needs. However, you have to spend some extra cash on this.
Black pipe composition
Black steel pipe is composed of different grades of malleable iron. It has a low carbon content, unlike carbon steel pipes. Moreover, iron oxide is formed on the surface of the pipe. The pipe is also uncoated and not galvanized.
Usage of black pipe
Black pipes are used in many industrial and household works. Most prominently, black pipes are used to carry gases from one place to another.
For instance, they can transport gas to rural areas. Industries also use black pipes to transport large amounts of oil and gas through remote places.
Black steel pipes also carry gases within a house. Moreover, it can also be used in the sewage system.
However, it is not recommended to carry water through black pipes. This causes the pipe to corrode as it is not galvanized. As a result, the water becomes contaminated.
Can black pipe be used as a ground?
Using a black pipe underground is highly discouraged. As it has no cathodic protection, using a black pipe is totally not worth it. Instead of black pipes, using steel pipes with plastic or tar coating will provide a better result.
Can black pipe be welded?
Black pipe is composed of mild steel, as we have mentioned previously. Like other steel components, black pipes can also be welded. You can follow almost any welding process to weld black pipes. This includes TIG, Flux core, stick arc welding as well as MIG welding process.
How do you join a black pipe?
The most typical method to join black pipes is using fittings and connectors. The process is not that complicated.
- First, fit the connectors or fittings at the end of a black pipe.
- Then connect the end of another black pipe on the other end of the fitting.
- You must use either pipe joint compounds or Teflon tapes on the threads to seal the joints.
- As an alternative, you can weld the joints.
How do you protect black pipes from rust?
The formation of rust is a common problem in black pipes. As black pipes are neither galvanized nor coated, it is quite tricky to deal with this problem. One prospective solution would be to use a rust-inhibitive primer.
These sprays will work as a thin coating on the surface of a black pipe and prevent it from rusting. Providing 3 layers of primers should suffice. Also, spraying is an easy and time-saving process than galvanizing.
How do you seal black pipes?
Sealing black pipes is not that hard. You can weld the joints for a seamless pipe. This will prevent any type of leakage. However, you can also apply Teflon tapes on the threads as an alternative.
What do you put on black pipe threads?
Black pipe threads are not naturally fluid sealants. As black pipes are mainly used to transport gas and oil, it is essential to put something on the threads that can seal the pipe joints.
The most commonly used sealant is Teflon tape, which we have mentioned previously in this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Black iron pipes are generally not placed outside. They are susceptible to damage outside due to their constitution. However, if galvanized, they become resistant to weather. In that case, you can place them outside.
The inside diameter of the black pipe is taken as the pipe diameter. However, each of the pipes has a designated outside diameter for a specific inside diameter.
No. Black iron pipes corrode pretty easily upon coming into contact with water. This problem can be solved by galvanizing the surface of the pipe.
Verdict
This article has covered everything regarding the usage of black pipes. After reading this article, you should have a clear knowledge of them.
Now you must consider whether or not you have the use black pipes. Installing a black pipe is almost the same as the installation of regular pipes. However, ensure proper sealing of black pipes. Otherwise, fatal accidents might occur.
We hope that this article was helpful to you.
All the best!
