What is the purpose of pipe schedules, and how do they relate to pipe wall thickness?

The purpose of pipe schedules is to standardize the nominal wall thickness of pipes based on their size, internal working pressure, and material. The pipe schedule number is a non-dimensional value that indicates the pipe’s wall thickness, with higher schedule numbers corresponding to thicker walls. This standardization enables engineers to specify and select pipes that meet specific requirements for strength, durability, and corrosion resistance.