Rohrwandung

Rohrwandung is the wall of a pipe—the cylindrical shell that encloses the bore. It comprises the material, thickness, and geometry that together determine how much internal pressure the pipe can safely contain, as well as its strength, stiffness, and resistance to corrosion and external loads. The term emphasizes the structural aspect of piping systems.

The key dimensions are the outer diameter (Do), the inner diameter (Di), and the wall thickness (t). Di equals Do minus twice the wall thickness (Di = Do − 2t). In engineering practice, wall thickness is specified by thickness classes or schedule numbers that reflect manufacturing tolerances and intended service pressures. The choice of material and thickness depends on service conditions such as temperature, pressure, chemical exposure, and mechanical stress.

Materials and production methods vary. Pipes may be metallic (steel, stainless steel, ductile iron) or non-metallic (PVC, HDPE, fiberglass). Wall thickness can be uniform or vary along the length, depending on design. Manufacturing methods include seamless and welded processes. In many installations, an inner lining or coating is added to improve chemical resistance or wear performance, creating a composite Rohrwandung.

Quality control and standards are essential for Rohrwandung. Thickness is checked by non-destructive testing methods such as ultrasonic thickness measurement, radiography, and dimensional checks. Standards from DIN, ISO, EN, API, and other bodies provide requirements for wall thickness, materials, and testing according to the application.

Applications of Rohrwandung span water supply, gas distribution, oil and gas transport, chemical processing, and infrastructure projects. The term conveys the structural aspect of pipes and is commonly used in German engineering and technical documentation.