## Burst Pressure Of Metal Tube

Many factors determine burst pressure of metal tubing. For instance, the surrounding environment. Is the tube being used in high humidity? In addition, is what is traveling in the tube corrosive? And, the tube itself. Its metallurgical composition.  Many other variables will cause metal tube failure, including metal density.

### Failure Can Be Catastrophic

Whether metal tubing is transporting water, liquid, or gas, failure is always expensive. And in the worst scenario, a burst can be catastrophic.

Firefighters training to extinguish a gas line failure.

### Bursting Pressure Equation

Burst pressure, or internal yield pressure can be a tricky thing to figure out. Though there is a scientific equation to the rescue. Although Barlow’s is a precise mathematical equation and therefore accurate, there are many other factors to consider.

### Peter Barlow

A mathematician who applied his calculating genius to physics and engineering, Peter Barlow left his mark in many industries. His life spanned from 1776 through 1862 in England. And in this time, he developed his equation to determine the bursting pressure of tubing.

### Barlow’s Formula

Barlow’s Formula is the industry standard. The resulting calculation determines the internal pressure that a metal pipe can withstand (Operating Pressures).

$\dpi{300}&space;\huge&space;{P}=\frac{2St}{D}$

$\dpi{300}&space;\small&space;P$= internal pressure (psig, MPa)

$\dpi{300}&space;\small&space;S$= allowable stress (psi, MPa)

$\dpi{300}&space;{_t}$= wall thickness (in, mm)

$\dpi{300}&space;\small&space;D$= outside diameter (in, mm)

Wall Thickness – Decimal Equivalent Pressures given in (pounds / sq. inch)

Outside Diameter
22
.028
20
.035
18
.049
16
.065
13
.095
11
.120
10
.134
9
.148
8
.165
7
.180
6
.203
5
.220
1/4
13475
17325
—–
—–
—–
—–
—–
—–
—–
—–
—–
—–
5/16
10588
13475
—–
—–
—–
—–
—–
—–
—–
—–
—–
—–
3/8
8800
11000
16088
23375
—–
—–
—–
—–
—–
—–
—–
—–
1/2
6463
8113
11688
15950
24613
—–
—–
—–
—–
—–
—–
—–
5/8
—–
6463
9213
12513
18975
25025
—–
—–
—–
—–
—–
—–
3/4
—–
5363
7563
10175
15538
20213
22963
25713
—–
—–
—–
—–
7/8
—–
4539
6463
8663
13063
16913
19250
21450
24475
—–
—–
—–
1
—–
3988
5638
7563
11000
14575
16500
18425
20900
23100
—–
—–
1 1/4
—–
—–
—–
6050
8968
11413
12925
14438
16225
17875
20488
—–
1 1/2
—–
—–
—–
4950
7288
9350
10588
11825
13200
14575
16775
18288
1 3/4
—–
—–
—–
—–
6188
7975
8938
10038
11275
12375
14025
15400
2
—–
—–
—–
—–
5500
6875
7838
8663
9763
10725
12100
13200

## Burst Pressure Calculator

Fill out at least three (3) values in form below. The burst press calculator below requires that you input a minimum of 3 numbers. Also, please note, this form calculates results in inches measurement.

## Contact Karay Metals, Inc.

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## Request Latest Metal Tubing Stock List

Fill out the Contact form at the bottom of all pages, or mail sibyle@karaymetals.com, or call (845) 679-3385 x 711, 9-5 EST.

### Another Method:

1. Visit Tubing Catalog and Select a Product.
2. Select OD, ID, and Wall Thickness
3. Select Quantity
4. Click “Get A Quote…”
5. Visit Quote List or Cart Icon
6. Complete Form
7. Click “Request Quote” button.