What does 'scheduling' refer to in relation to piping?

Scheduling in relation to piping refers specifically to the wall thickness and pressure rating of pipes. This is based on a system developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) that categorizes pipes into different schedules, such as Schedule 40 or Schedule 80. The number assigned to the schedule indicates the thickness of the wall of the pipe; as the number increases, so does the thickness of the pipe wall.

This standardized approach is essential for determining how much pressure a pipe can handle, which is critical in various applications, particularly in plumbing and industrial settings. Higher schedule numbers typically correspond to pipes that can handle higher pressures, making it important for engineers and pipefitters to select the correct schedule based on the specific requirements of their projects.

In contrast to scheduling, factors such as the type of materials used in pipe construction, methods of installation, or processes for cleaning pipes do not define what scheduling is. These elements, while important in their own right, pertain to different aspects of piping systems and do not encompass the definition or significance of scheduling.