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What is a Carrier Pipe?

H. Bliss
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 20,743
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A carrier pipe is an inner pipe, or a hollow cylindrical tube contained inside an outer sheath. Responsible for carrying fluids, the carrier pipe runs through an outer, insulated casing that acts as a containment system that protects against spills. Carrier pipes can be made from strong metal, like steel, as well as plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or fiberglass. The containment pipe surrounding a carrier pipe can be either insulated or hollow. If the containment pipe is hollow, small blocks called spacers situated within the containment pipe help keep the carrier pipe properly aligned within the containment system.

In a protected pipe system that employs a carrier pipe, the outer pipe is often called a containment pipe, a casing pipe, or a protective pipe. This technology is most often used in a type of pipe called the double-walled pipe. In the oil industry, an outer containment pipe that protects an upward-running oil carrier pipe is sometimes called a riser. Some newer technology in carrier and containment piping has produced carrier pipes that are paired with flexible carrier pipes to create bendable pipes designed to move liquids, often oil, between vessels that could be unexpectedly jostled by waves.

Some carrier pipes have two containment pipes or containment pipes with double walls. These systems are called double containment systems. Double containment systems add advanced protection against leakage in pipes carrying hazardous liquids. In some double containment systems, a breach of the inner containment wall triggers an alarm that alerts technicians of the leak. Using a leak notification system in a double-walled pipe helps keep damage from carrier pipe leakage to a minimum by identifying the leak before the outer containment wall is breached.

City water and sewer carrier pipes are housed inside containment pipes, particularly when a pipe is built exposed. Protecting exposed municipal pipes helps stave off corrosion, environmental damage, or vandalism. Many city codes also require all underground pipes to have double containment walls.

In manufacturing, carrier pipes are protected and insulated to keep them from damage or exposure and protect the liquids from changes in temperature. Outer pipes insulate the carrier pipes to keep their liquid contents at a stable and desired temperature. This feature can be important in food processing, where temperatures too high or too low can result in quality problems that can be as serious as food contamination. In the home, water carrier pipes that run through an attic may rest inside protective casing that protects them from changes in temperature.

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H. Bliss
By H. Bliss
Heather Bliss, a passionate writer with a background in communication, brings her love for connecting with others to her work. With a relevant degree, she crafts compelling content that informs and inspires, showcasing her unique perspective and her commitment to making a difference.
Discussion Comments
By ceilingcat — On Feb 14, 2012

When I was reading through this article, I was thinking that the fact that the oil industry employs carrier pipes was really nice. You know, it's good for the environment for oil not to spill everywhere.

However, it's pretty clear this is also a money saving action for the oil industry. If there are two layers of pipes, that decreases the likelihood of any oil spilling and being lost. Oil spills result in decreased profits for oil companies because they've lost the oil, and then they have to clean up the spill. So carrier pipes seem only sensible in this instance.

By JaneAir — On Feb 13, 2012

@SZapper - Yeah, as the article said, there are a ton of applications for carrier pipes. I imagine it makes sewer pipe repair a lot easier too, because it kind of contains the mess.

I'm also interested in carrier pipes that are insulated. In fact, maybe most pipes should be insulated. I know I've heard of peoples pipes in their house getting damaged because they froze, or got too hot. Having your pipes insulated would prevent this and also save money in the long run.

By SZapper — On Feb 13, 2012

I don't think about piping much in my daily life, so I had no idea there was any such thing as a carrier pipe. However, the whole idea makes a lot of sense to me. I see exposed pipes on the outside of buildings all the time, and I don't know why I never thought they might be double layered.

Even if you forget about vandalism and the weather, there's always the possibility that a pipe can become damaged. Using a plastic plumbing pipe encased in another pipe prevents spillage of whatever is going through the pipes. I imagine even if just water leaked out of a pipe it could cause costly damage to a building.

H. Bliss
H. Bliss
Heather Bliss, a passionate writer with a background in communication, brings her love for connecting with others to her...
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