What does the schedule designation for a pipe indicate?

The schedule designation for a pipe primarily indicates the wall thickness. This classification system helps in determining various factors, such as the pressure rating and the strength of the pipe, by specifying how thick the walls are relative to the pipe's diameter. In addition to wall thickness, the schedule number also informs users about the overall capacity of the pipe to handle fluids at different pressures.

Understanding the significance of wall thickness is crucial in applications where pipes are subjected to high pressures, as a thicker wall can improve the pipe's ability to withstand those pressures without failure.