Tubing and Casing Pipe for Oilfield and Industrial Applications
Baker Tubulars supplies tubing and casing for oil, gas, water, and other industrial applications.
Tubing and casing are essential components in oil and gas wells and other subsurface applications. While they are often mentioned together, tubing and casing serve different purposes and are selected based on pressure, depth, environment, and operational requirements. Understanding how tubing and casing work and how they differ helps operators, engineers, and buyers select the right pipe for each stage of a project.
What Is Tubing in Oil and Gas Operations?
Tubing is the pipe installed inside a completed well to transport produced fluids such as oil, gas, or water from the reservoir to the surface. It is a removable component that allows operators to maintain, replace, or modify the production system without disturbing the well structure.
Tubing is designed to handle internal pressure from flowing fluids and exposure to corrosive environments over time. Because it is installed after drilling and casing operations are complete, tubing selection focuses on production conditions rather than structural support.
Typical tubing characteristics include smaller outside diameters than casing, tighter tolerances, and grades selected for pressure and corrosion resistance. Tubing is commonly replaced during the life of a well as production conditions change.
What Is Casing in Oil and Gas Wells?
Casing is the pipe installed during drilling to stabilize the wellbore and protect surrounding formations. It is cemented in place and provides long term structural integrity for the well.
Casing serves multiple critical functions. It prevents the wellbore from collapsing, isolates different subsurface zones, protects groundwater, and allows safe drilling and production operations. Once installed and cemented, casing remains in the well for its entire service life.
Because casing supports the well itself, it is larger in diameter and designed to withstand external pressure, formation stress, and long term environmental exposure.
Key Differences Between Tubing and Casing
The primary difference between tubing and casing is function.
Tubing is used for production. It carries fluids to the surface and can be removed or replaced as needed.
Casing is used for structure and safety. It supports the wellbore and remains permanently installed.
In practical terms, casing is installed first during drilling, and tubing is installed later after the well is completed. Casing sizes are larger, while tubing sizes are optimized for flow efficiency and pressure management.
Common Tubing and Casing Sizes and Grades
Tubing sizes and grades
Common sizes range from smaller macaroni tubing up through standard production tubing sizes
Frequently used grades include J55, N80, L80, P110, and corrosion resistant alloys
Selection depends on depth, pressure, temperature, and fluid composition
Casing sizes and grades
Casing sizes range from surface casing to intermediate and production casing
Common grades include H40, J55, L80, P110, and higher strength options
Grade choice is driven by well depth, formation pressure, and regulatory requirements
Both tubing and casing may be supplied in API and non API specifications depending on project needs.
Tubing and Casing Applications by Industry
Tubing and casing are most commonly associated with oil and gas operations, but their use extends beyond traditional drilling.
Oil and gas wells rely on casing for structural integrity and tubing for production flow.
Water wells and injection wells use casing to protect aquifers and tubing to manage flow paths.
Geothermal projects use tubing and casing to handle temperature extremes and corrosive environments.
Agriculture uses tubing and casing for constructing fences, gates, chutes, cattle guards, and more. It is also used in irrigation systems.
Industrial and infrastructure projects may use similar pipe for subsurface containment or fluid transport applications.
How to Choose the Right Tubing and Casing
Selecting the correct tubing and casing starts with understanding the operating environment.
Well depth and pressure determine minimum strength requirements.
Fluid composition affects material and corrosion resistance needs.
Regulatory and specification requirements may dictate grade or testing standards.
Availability, lead time, and budget also play a role, especially for projects on tight schedules.
Working with an experienced supplier helps ensure the selected pipe meets both technical and logistical requirements.
Tubing and Casing Supply from Baker Tubulars
Baker Tubulars supplies tubing and casing for oilfield and industrial applications across the United States. Inventory includes new and used options to support drilling, production, maintenance, and infrastructure projects.
Customers work with Baker Tubulars for product knowledge, responsive service, and logistics coordination. Tubing and casing are sourced to meet project specifications and delivered through a domestic supply network focused on reliability and turnaround time.
This page is intended to support technical understanding and selection. For available inventory and product details, please contact us to receive a tubing and casing quote!
FAQ - Tubing and Casing
Is tubing the same as casing?
No. Tubing and casing serve different purposes. Casing provides structural support and well integrity, while tubing is used to transport produced fluids to the surface during production.
Can casing be used instead of tubing?
Casing is not typically used in place of tubing. Tubing is designed for production flow and maintenance access, while casing is cemented in place and intended for structural support.
What grades are most common for tubing and casing?
Common tubing grades include J55, N80, L80, and P110. Common casing grades include H40, J55, L80, and P110. Grade selection depends on depth, pressure, and environmental conditions.
Do tubing and casing have to meet API specs?
Not always. Many oil and gas projects require API specifications, but some industrial and specialty applications may use non API pipe depending on regulatory and operational needs.
Request Tubing and Casing Information
If you are sourcing tubing and casing for an upcoming project, working with an experienced supplier simplifies specification, availability, and delivery. Contact Baker Tubulars to discuss requirements and next steps for your application.