The first decision of pipe selection depends on the type of material that is to be used in a specific project. Two common choices in this regard are GI, which means galvanized iron pipes, and MS, which means mild steel pipes. They all have their advantages and disadvantages and the decision on which to use depends on the circumstance of use. Tuspipe gives a simple comparison that will assist in making the right decision on which pipe to go for, GI Pipe Full Form And GI Pipe Vs MS Pipe.
Understanding GI Pipes
GI pipes, also referred to as galvanized iron pipes, are steel or iron pipes with an outer surface alloy of zinc. This process of coating protects the pipes against rusting and corrosion, which is very much required when pipes are exposed to water or humidity. This zinc coating gives GI pipes greater strength and resistance from corrosion within environments that can be hostile to other piping systems. The biggest strength of GI pipes is that they do not rust and are often used for plumbing and water supply works. These boards are often employed in home construction, farming, and any other construction project that is prone to contact with moisture. This is because they are relatively cheap and can be easily operated by anyone in the society.
Understanding MS Pipes
MS pipes or mild steel pipes are manufactured from low-carbon steel contents or materials. This type of steel is strong and flexible, and therefore, the MS pipes can be used in different fields. There are; GI pipes are not coated with zinc, and hence, they are more vulnerable to rusting when exposed to water. But they can be protected with a layer of some material or painted to increase their service life. The most important characteristic of the MS pipes is their strength and flexibility. They can be used in high pressure and are common in structural and industrial projects. They are easily weldable and can be easily machined thus making them ideal for projects that need some fabrication or alteration.
Main Differences between GI and MS Pipes
GI and MS pipes differ significantly in terms of their rust-proof qualities. While GI pipes are naturally protected by a zinc layer from rusting, MS pipes need to be coated or painted for a similar purpose. It is due to this distinction that the GI pipes are most appropriate for water-related services as compared to service-related ones while the MS pipes are more preferable in services related to strength and flexibility. The other difference is cost. While comparing both pipes, it is found that the GI pipes are slightly costlier than the MS pipes because of the process of galvanization. Nonetheless, the lower frequencies of maintenance and replacement costs, which are the functions of GI pipes, can justify the prices for long-term usage in specific application areas. Another parameter is weight. MS pipes are normally heavier than GI pipes, this may at times be a disadvantage or an advantage depending on the project. For instance, the increased weight of MS pipes can improve structural applications’ stability but can also raise transportation and handling costs.
Applications of GI Pipes
GI pipes are used in water supply systems for homes and buildings and also in industries. Because of their rust resistance, they are appropriate for moving the water without any effect from other impurities or dulling over time. In agriculture, they use the GI pipes in the irrigation systems to have a proper delivery of the water to the crop department. These pipes are also used in the construction of fences, handrails, and scaffolding in structures that are located outside. Because of this, they can withstand various weather conditions which makes them suitable for use when the project is exposed to various weathers. Also, GI pipes are employed in some industrial purposes, for example, in air or gas distribution where the pipes have to be resistant to corrosion.
Applications of MS Pipes
MS pipes prove very useful in structure and industrial applications because of their strength and flexibility. It is apparent to find them in construction sites with applications in columns, beams, and other structural parts that have loads placed on them. They are easy to fabricate and can be welded thus making them suitable for use in projects with special designs. In some fields like oil and gas industries, the MS pipes are used to transport fluids that require high pressure. It can also be used in the automotive industry, machinery, and other industrial sectors in instances where strong and versatile material is required.
Conclusion
GI pipes are perfect for those projects where durability and rust are high priorities while MS pipes can be used for structural and industrial applications. Knowledge of the differences between these two materials enables the right material to be used for each project which results in long-lasting and efficient structures.