Lead Pipe is a tubular product manufactured from pure lead or low-alloy lead, historically used for plumbing and now reserved for industrial, chemical, nuclear, radiation-shielding, and vibration-damping applications. While restricted in potable water systems, lead pipes remain indispensable in harsh chemical and shielding environments.
The word plumbing itself originates from plumbum, the Latin term for lead.
Typical Chemical Composition – Pure Lead Pipe
| Element | Typical Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | 99.90 – 99.99 |
| Silver (Ag) | ≤ 0.005 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.002 |
| Bismuth (Bi) | ≤ 0.001 |
| Antimony (Sb) | ≤ 0.001 |
| Tin (Sn) | Trace |
Alloyed Lead Pipes (Specialised)
| Alloy Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Pb–Sb (0.5–3%) | Improved stiffness & creep resistance |
| Pb–Sn | Improved solderability |
| Pb–Ca | Battery & corrosion control |
Key Mechanical Properties (Pure Lead)
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 12 – 18 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 5 – 10 MPa |
| Elongation | 40 – 60% |
| Hardness | 4 – 6 HB |
| Elastic Modulus | ~16 GPa |
| Creep Resistance | Low |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 11.34 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 327.5 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~35 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~4.8 MS/m |
| Radiation Shielding | Excellent |
| Corrosion Resistance | Very High |
Manufacturing Process
Lead pipes are primarily manufactured by extrusion, producing seamless pipes with uniform wall thickness. Casting, drawing, and spinning are used for thick-wall and specialty sizes.
Available Forms & Sizes
Straight pipes • Coiled tubing • Thick-wall pipes • Radiation-grade pipes • Chemical-duty pipes • Custom OD/ID
Diameter: 6 mm to >300 mm
Wall Thickness: 1.5 mm to 25+ mm
Applications of Lead Pipe
Radiation & Nuclear
X-ray shielding conduits, nuclear transfer lines, hot-cell piping
Chemical Industry
Sulfuric acid lines, electroplating solutions, pickling plants
Industrial & Construction
Roof drainage, vibration isolation, soundproofing, cable sheathing
Advantages
✔ Exceptional corrosion resistance
✔ Extreme flexibility and sealing ability
✔ Outstanding radiation shielding
✔ Superior vibration and noise damping
Limitations
❌ Low mechanical strength
❌ Creep under sustained pressure
❌ Toxic – regulated handling and usage
Why Choose Lead Pipe?
Lead pipes are selected when chemical stability, radiation shielding, flexibility, and vibration damping are critical and structural strength is not the primary requirement.