Benefits of PVC Pipe

The range of useful properties afforded by PVC makes it one of the most versatile of all pipe materials, a fact attested to by the variety of applications and markets served by PVC pipes. The rationale for specifying or using PVC pipe is justified on the basis of any or several of the following attributes.

Corrosion Resistance: PVC pipes are non-conductors of electricity and immune to electrochemical reactions caused by acids, bases, and salts that cause corrosion in metals. This characteristic exists on both the inside and outside of PVC pipe. Consequently, PVC pipe is frequently cost effective in applications where soil is aggressive. PVC pipe can be expected to outlast alternative pipes without the need for protective coatings or liners.

Chemical Resistance: PVC pipes exhibit resistance to a wide range of chemical reagents in temperatures up to 140°F and are resistant to chemicals normally found or used in homes. Some industrial applications will warrant an evaluation of chemical resistance. The chemical resistance quality of PVC is further evidenced by its frequent usage as a protective liner for other pipe materials.

Strength to Weight Ratio, Light Weight: PVC pipes offer a tremendous weight advantage that is a particularly important safety aspect. The material's ability to be handled more easily minimizes worker injury and facilitates lower cost installation and transportation. A person can easily carry two 20-foot lengths of 4-inch PVC pipe, but could carry less than 5 feet of 4-inch iron pipe with the same effort.

Flexibility: PVC pipe's resistance to fracture is an extremely important performance advantage. While PVC pipes are made from rigid (unplasticized) PVC compound, the pipe itself has the ability to yield under
loading without fracturing. The modulus of elasticity of PVC is a major advantage for buried applications, particularly where soil movement or vibration is anticipated. In pressure applications, PVC's modulus of
elasticity also reduces the magnitude of pressure surges (i.e., water hammer).

Long-Term Tensile Strength: PVC pipe compounds are formulated to attain long-term tensile strength. The long-term hydrostatic design basis (HDB) for PVC is two or more times greater than that for other common thermoplastic pipe materials.

Watertight Joints: A major advantage for nearly all piping applications is joint tightness. PVC pipes are available with deep insertion, push-together gasketed joints. Gasketed PVC pipe joints have consistently out-performed those of traditional pipe products in actual service. They are simple and easy to assemble and can be filled, tested, and placed in service immediately after assembly.

Abrasion/Wear Resistance: PVC pipes exhibit outstanding resistance to wear and abrasion. PVC pipe has proven more durable than metal, concrete, and clay pipe for the transport of abrasive slurries.

Impact Strength: Under normal conditions, PVC pipes possess relatively high resistance to impact damage when compared to pipes made from clay, concrete, and most other conventional materials. Even though PVC pipes do exhibit a reduction in impact strength at very low temperatures, the impact strength remains more than adequate, usually exceeding that of alternate pipe materials.

Coefficient of Friction: PVC pipes provide smoother wall surfaces that reduce fluid friction and resistance to flow. This hydraulic smoothness inhibits slime buildup in sewers and virtually eliminates tuberculation and encrustation in water distribution mains. The end results are significantly lower maintenance costs and more efficient initial pipeline design.

Longer Lengths: PVC pipe generally is available in lengths of either 14 feet or 20 feet. This reduces the number of joints required as compared with other pipe products. Fewer joints allow for faster, more efficient installation, less hydraulic friction, and fewer opportunities for leakage.

Water Quality: PVC pipe’s non-corrosive nature and resistance to chemical attack also renders it non-reactive with drinking water. PVC pressure pipes do not adversely alter water quality. There are no corrosion byproducts with PVC pipe. PVC water pipes have been tested extensively using aggressive waters to verify their safety advantage.

Thermal Insulation: PVC has lower thermal conductivity than traditional pipe materials. This characteristic makes PVC pipe desirable for a variety of thermal insulation applications.

Flame Resistance: PVC pipe is difficult to ignite and will not continue burning in the absence of an external ignition source. The spontaneous ignition temperature is 850°F, which is well above that of most construction materials. PVC pipe is sometimes referred to as self-extinguishing because the products of combustion immediately combine with any available oxygen, thus starving the flame.

Environmental Benefit: PVC, as a raw material, is energy efficient to process. More than half of the raw material used in production of resin is provided by salt, of which there is virtually unlimited supply. Similarly, PVC pipe is efficient to manufacture and transport, using less nonrenewable resources than competing materials. However, a complete evaluation of benefit recognizes the entire life cycle of the product, from manufacture to disposal. Given the durable nature of the material, the long life afforded by PVC pipe essentially eliminates the question of disposal. Nevertheless, PVC is recyclable, with existing markets for recycled material, and new ones continually developing.

Favorable Cost: PVC pipe is competitive with other pipes, particularly when installation and life cycle operating costs are taken into consideration.

Information courtesy of Uni-bell PVC Pipe Association