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. The best ways for push fit system
installation is utilize of fully integrated systems which
gasketes are automatically placed in the socket, thus the risk
of leakage in the long term reduces to half.
Now, in just Thermoplast Co., is able to provide pipe with power
loch push fit system based on PP / EPDM washers.
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.
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.