PVC Pipe
Introduction
What is PVC pipe?
PVC pipe’s full form is Polyvinyl Chloride. It is a man-made plastic where stabilizers and other additives prevent degradation and give the polymer the desired physical properties. Manufacturers initially used PVC pipes in sewage and drainage applications since the 1950s. However, today, around two million miles and much more of PVC pipes remain in service.
Manufacturers design PVC pipes to resist oxidation and degradation. Additionally, they resist corrosion, scaling, and microbial attack. In fact, the durability of PVC pipe is relatively high, meaning the lifespan of PVC pipes can reach 50 years and longer if properly installed. However, improper installation, including poorly solvent-joined connections or tree roots burrowing into the pipe connection, can damage PVC pipes and may cause failure.
PVC Pipe Uses
Water Supply
PVC pipes are strong, lightweight, resistant, and low-reactive. As a result, this makes them suitable for water distribution applications. Since PVC pipes have a maximum temperature threshold, plumbers use them for cold water lines.
Drainage
PVC pipes do not wear, rot, or rust. Moreover, they resist fracture and have the ability to yield under loading without fracturing. Consequently, plumbers widely use PVC pipes for sanitary and underground plumbing.
Chemical Industry
PVC pipes resist inorganic acids, alkalis, salts, and alcohols. Therefore, industries use them to transport hazardous chemicals, thanks to their high resistance to corrosion.
Types of PVC Pipes
Manufacturers categorize PVC pipes into UPVC (Unplasticised PVC), PVC-O (molecular oriented PVC), and High Impact PVC (PVC-Hi).
1. UPVC
UPVC stands for Unplasticised PVC, and professionals also call it rigid PVC. In other words, manufacturers add no plasticizer to the PVC compound. Builders most commonly use UPVC pipes and fittings for transporting drinking water, soil and waste, sewage, and underground drainage systems. Additionally, UPVC pipes and fittings are light and easy to handle. They offer high mechanical performance, long-lasting durability, resistance to chemicals & UV exposure, and are 100% recyclable. Furthermore, you can use PVC pipes for both pressure and non-pressure applications.
2. PVC-O
Manufacturers turn the amorphous structure of UPVC into a layered structure through a special process, and they call the resulting product PVC-O, or Molecularly Oriented PVC. Along with the benefits of UPVC, such as resistance to corrosion, maintaining water quality, and recyclability, PVC-O pipes strike a balance between strength, stiffness, and flexibility. As a result, PVC-O pipes make an excellent option for pressure pipes carrying drinking water.
3. PVC-HI
PVC-Hi stands for High Impact PVC. Manufacturers obtain it by adding an impact modifier to UPVC, which increases the pipe’s resistance to external pressure or blows.
4. PVC Foam Core Pipe
These are 3-layer pipes consisting of a hard outer and inner layer and a foamed middle layer. Additionally, these non-pressure pipes feature high wall thickness combined with considerable weight savings. As a result, the 3-layer structure gives these pipes high stiffness and hence the ability to take greater soil loads in underground drainage applications.
PVC Pipes Features & Benefits
Features
PVC pipes are traditionally white or dark grey, and manufacturers print the technical description of the pipe on the side. They are non-toxic and safe. Specifically, they come in a rigid form for construction and piping applications, and in flexible forms for electric cable insulation.
Similarly, PVC pipes are strong, lightweight, resistant, and low-reactive, which makes them suitable for sanitary, underground plumbing, and other water distribution applications.
Furthermore, PVC pipes do not wear, rot, or rust, and remain affordable. They also resist fracture and have the ability to yield under loading without fracturing. In addition, PVC pipes suit water, gas, and drainage systems. Since PVC has a maximum temperature threshold, professionals use it for cold water lines.
Benefits
PVC pipes are affordable, and you can use them for long runs. Moreover, they are easier to work with than steel or copper.
For any queries, contact the plumbing experts at Ajay pipes on the Toll Free No. : 1800-11-4050 or via email at our email address info@ajaypipes.com
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