CPVC, CPVC full form and CPVC Meaning: All You Need to Know

Introduction

What is CPVC?

CPVC full form in plumbing is Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride which means more chlorine has been added to PVC. CPVC products are thermoplastic and are made with CPVC resins. They are one of the strongest and durable materials used in the plumbing applications for more than 50 years now. CPVC is resistant to chemical, reliable, and can withstand high heat temperature to 93 degree C and pressure, thus making it an ideal material for residential, commercial, and industrial piping and fire sprinkler systems.

Applications of CPVC

CPVC is widely used in,

Hot & Cold Water Plumbing Pipes and Fittings
Pipes and Fittings for Fire Sprinkler Application
Sheets and Rods for Industrial Applications
Automotive Parts
Other Applications Requiring High Strength at Elevated Temperatures.

CPVC pipes are ideal for hot and cold water distribution in residential and industrial projects. They are used to carry drinking water and food liquids and are also used in water treatment plants.

CPVC pipes are used in industrial plumbing for chemicals. They are used in the transportation of chemicals and hot corrosive fluids that includes a wide range of inorganic acids, bases used in the chemical processing.

How is CPVC made?

Each step in making CPVC is critical. From raw material to PVC, PVC to CPVC, from CPVC to finished product. In the first step, petroleum is put in a cracker and then ethylene is extracted from it. Manufacturers then react to the two chemicals chlorine and ethylene to form a new liquid chemical known as ethylene dichloride.

The EDC is dehydrated through an oxychlorination process and is ultimately broken down into Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) .Then VCM is then polymerized in a high-pressure reactor to form Polyvinyl chloride. Then PVC resin is manufactured. The PVC is then subjected to the chlorination process.

Polyvinyl chloride is chlorinated through a free radical chlorination reaction. CPVC is then produced by adding chlorine to PVC in a fluidized bed chlorination process. The chlorination process is then initiated by ultraviolet light. The CPVC is compounded with the necessary ingredients and is further processed. Because of extra chlorination CPVC is suitable for hot water plumbing systems.

Physical Properties of CPVC

BASIC PROPERTIES OF CPVC

PROPERTY	TEST	CONDITION	ENGLISH UNITS	SI UNITS
GENERAL
Specific Gravity	ASTM D 792	23°C	1.55	1.55
Specific Volume		23°C	0.645 Cm3 / g	0.645 Cm3 / g
Water Absorption	ASTM D 570	23°C	+0.03%	+0.03%
		100°C	+0.55%	+0.55%
Rockwell Hardness	ASTM D785	23°C	119
Cell Class	ASTM D 1784		23447
MECHANICAL
Izod Impact	ASTM D 256	23°C	1.5 ft lbs/in o.n.	80 j/m o.n.
Tensile strength	ASTM D 638	23°C	8000 psi	55 N/mm2
Tensile Modulus	ASTM D 638	23°C	360,000 psi	2500 N/mm2
Flexural Strength	ASTM D 790	23°C	15,100 psi	104 N/mm2
Flexural Modulus	ASTM D 790	23°C	415,000 psi	2860 N/mm2
Compressive strength	ASTM D 695	23°C	10,100 psi	70 N/mm2
Compressive Modulus	ASTM D 695	23°C	196,000 psi	1350 N/mm2
THERMAL
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion	ASTM D 696			6.1×10-5 m/m/k
Thermal Conductivity	ASTM C 177			0.14 Wm/k/m2
Heat Distortion Temperature	ASTM D 648			103° c
Heat Capacity	DSC	23°c		0.90 j/gk
		100°c		1.10 J/gk.
FLAMMABILITY
Flammability Rating	UL 94	0.062 in/0.157cm	V-0 , 5VB , 5VA
Flame Speed	ASTM E84		15
Smoke developed	ASTM E84		70-125
Limiting Oxygen Index	ASTM D 2863		60%
ELECTRICAL
Dielectric Strength	ASTM D 147		1250 V/mil	4,92000 V/cm
Dielectric Constant	ASTM D 150	60 Hz,-1°c	3.7	3.7
Power Factor	ASTM D 150	1000 Hz	0.007 %	0.007 %
Volume Resistivity	ASTM D 257	23°c	3.4×1015 ohm/cm	3.4×1015 ohm/cm

Main Features and Benefits of CPVC

Fire-Proof

CPVC has the ability to self-extinguish and does not catch fire when exposed to fire because of the high limiting oxygen index (i.e. 60). It does not burn but turns carbonized black when heat is applied.

Resistance to scaling

CPVC has a smooth inner surface. Hence C factor is very high as compared to Copper, Steel & GI (i.e. 150). Higher C value means less friction, less head loss and no scaling.

Corrosion Resistance

CPVC is resistant to corrosion, rust and tube clogging. CPVC is resistant to chemicals like acids, bases, salts and halogens.

NSF Approved

CPVC is non toxic and antibacterial.Certified by NSF. Hence it is suitable for potable water systems.

Easy Installation

Simple solution jointing system. No special tools required for jointing. Easy repairable/modifiable after installation.

Fool-Proof Jointing

Solvent Cement used for CPVC jointing & the process called Cold Welding Process.

Tough, Rigid Material

CPVC has much higher strength than other thermoplastic used in plumbing applications. Hence it requires less support, no snaking, suitable for vertical plumbing & high pressure bearing capacity.

Low Thermal Expansion & Contraction

Less expansion of CPVC pipe when hot water runs. Hence less expansion loop required & less looping & snaking.

Lower Heat Loss

CPVC has low thermal conductivity and possesses excellent warming and cooling effects with no condensation.

UV Resistant

CPVC plumbing system has very good UV resistant property. Hence limited to a surface discoloration, no breakdown of polymer chain, no significant loss in pressure bearing capacity. For further protection apply a single coat of water base paint if it is exposed to sunlight.

Effect of Chlorine

Chlorine, a commonly used chemical to treat water in India is corrosive in nature. CPVC is unaffected by chlorine in water supply.

No Leaching

Additives in CPVC material do not migrate into water even after a long period of water stagnation.

Quieter System

Very Low noise effect due to water hammer effect. Much quieter than the metallic system.