What does NPS stand for?

NPS stands for Nominal Pipe Size. This term is widely used in the piping industry to describe the size of pipes in a standardized manner. Nominal Pipe Size provides a standardized way to indicate the diameter of the pipe, which is essential for ensuring compatibility and interoperability among various piping systems and components.

The "nominal" designation refers to the approximate or rounded diameter of the pipe rather than its actual physical dimensions, as the true internal and external diameters can vary. This system simplifies the selection and maintenance of pipes across various applications. The concept of NPS is crucial for engineers and inspectors to identify the correct piping sizes for installations and repairs, ensuring safe and efficient operation of piping systems.

Understanding NPS is fundamental for anyone working within the fixed equipment and industry standards, as it directly influences the choices made during design, procurement, and installation processes.