Determining the burst and collapse pressure of a steel pipe is essential for maintaining its safety and structural integrity in pressure-sensitive applications. This calculation identifies the maximum pressure the pipe can endure before failure, enabling engineers to design systems with adequate safety margins.  

How is Burst Collapse Pressure Determined? 

The burst collapse pressure is calculated by determining the internal pressure at which a pipe or tube will fail due to tensile stress. This is typically done using the material’s yield strength, the pipe’s outside diameter (OD), and wall thickness (or minimum wall thickness), often via Barlow’s equation: 

P = (2 * Yield Strength * Wall Thickness) / OD 

A higher yield strength, larger OD, and thicker wall result in a higher burst pressure. 

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Key factors in calculating burst collapse pressure: 

• Yield Strength (Y): This material property represents the stress at which the pipe begins to permanently deform, playing a critical role in determining burst pressure. 
• Outside Diameter (OD): The pipe’s outer diameter affects the total surface area exposed to internal pressure. 
• Wall Thickness (t): The thickness of the pipe wall is a direct factor in its ability to resist internal pressure. 
• Minimum Wall Thickness: For conservative calculations, the minimum wall thickness is often used to account for potential variations in thickness.