FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The durability of PVC pipes is related, as it is for all other thermoplastics materials, to the chemical degradation of the polymer used in the pipes. However unlike other thermoplastic pipes PVC pipes do not oxidise.
Stabilisers are used in PVC pipes to prevent degradation of the polymer during the extrusion process and storage of the pipes before they are buried in the ground. However, when the pipes are buried in the ground, no chemical degradation is expected to take place. For this reason the durability of the PVC material in buried pipes is expected to be very good (maybe even be more than 1000 years.
In standardised pipes for potable water the expected lifetime of PVC pipes under pressure is extrapolated based on hoop stress testing of pipes for up to 20000 hours. This allows an estimation of the durability by extrapolation to a life expectancy under pressure of 50 to 100 years.
PVC-U piping systems belong to the category of so called "flexible designed pipes". This flexibility provides a great advantage compared to pipes made of traditional materials such as concrete or clay.
For flexible designed pipes: the soil supports all the stresses on the pipe (including soil weight) and the pipes deform slightly but do not break. For pipes made of traditional materials, the soil concentrates the stresses directly on to the crown of the pipe; these pipes do not deform but a failure mode results in a break in the pipe.
For most of the "good quality soils" (e.g. granular types of soil) the soil supports all the stresses and, as this type of soil can be easily compacted, the deformation of the PVC pipes is only 1 or 2% which does not affect the functional properties nor the tightness of the systems at all. In weak soils ("plastic soils") the PVC piping systems deform slightly more (in the range of 5 to 10%) but they still perform perfectly well.
For all piping materials very difficult soil conditions will need a thorough examination or calculation by qualified civil engineers and certain European or national standards ask for static calculation for the piping systems.
- Shows high resistance against chemicals polypropylene pipes.
- Rust , corrosion will not be deprived. Can work in acidic and basic environments.
- The formation and growth of algae and bacteria in the face of a superior, does not allow the formation of.
- PPRC pipes of the inner surface is smooth because there is a chance of the fluid on the surface of the pipe-like grip.
- Flexible, unbreakable, portable and easy to lay.
- PPRC pipes can be used without any isolation in downlight applications. PPRC pipes does not interact with materials such as cement.
- High-grade shows high resistance against heat. So used in heating installations at a temperature of 95 ° also can be used safely. The problemhas been faced till now.
- At 20 ° C at a pressure of 25 ATM working life is 50 years.
- Shows high pressure against chemical substances.
- High welding performance. So, don't live any resources for narrowing diameter
- It is difficult to ignite.
- Heat and sound insulation
- IS ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY.
- Hot and cold plumbing systems inside and outside the building
- Solar energy systems
- Solar collectors
- Compressed air systems
- Air conditioning systems
- Industrial piping systems
HDPE pipes with a history of 60 years of technological developments that have positively influenced and until today has become one of today's most preferred tube.
- It maintains the general properties of the fluid inside.
- Moss on hold due to the inner surface can be used in drinking water systems.
- Due to its chemical nature, it has a high resistance to chemicals.
- To take shape and slope of the sloping terrain by laying is very simple due to be flexible.
- Due to its high elasticity properties, for use in areas where a lot of seismic activity is very comfortable. It can orient itself according to the direction of movement of ground motion and does not break.
- welding and assembly methods are very simple.
- Easy to carry because of the weight and thus shipping is cheap.
- It is highly resistant to acids and alkalis. Only damaged by nitric acid.
- Environmentally Friendly.
- Are not affected by underground, there is no refractive properties.
- It do Not conduct electricity.
- A good level of friction, wear and has a rustproof.
- It is strong against microorganisms.
Permeability is the ability of chemical substances to enter the pipe system through the pipe walls or joints.
The occurrence of this kind of event has been reviewed by various water distribution companies and no major problem has occurred with PVC piping systems.
As an example the intrinsic permeability of PVC is in the order of 10 times lower than for polyolefins.
PVC pipes have excellent resistance to chemical attack which make them particularly suitable for a wide range of applications.
In normal civil engineering applications PVC push-fit pipes are not subject to chemical attack. In contaminated ground or specific foul water and industrial systems, they are highly resistant to strong acids, alkalis and surfactants. They can be used in the presence of sulphuric acid which often exists in abnormal conditions relating to sewerage systems.
PVC piping systems are used in industrial applications for their excellent chemical resistance. However, sealing rings are not recommended for these applications and solvent cemented joints are preferred.
PVC is resistant to most oils, fats, alcohols and petrol, but some petrol-based fuels containing benzene cause swelling.
Across Europe, with some exceptions like the Netherlands and Denmark where ground water is exclusively used, chlorination of drinking water is a common way of avoiding the presence of pathogenic bacteria and to ensure that EU member states conform to the EU Drinking Water Directive.
Although chlorine can affect the taste and odour of water, it has long been considered as the best way to provide safe water at the tap. The concentrations used in Europe are calculated so that the remaining chlorine at the tap is in the order of 0.1 mg/l.
Even at levels of 1 mg/l, as used in several countries, there is virtually no interaction with the PVC piping system:
- The "chlorine demand" of the material is nil
- The chemical interaction with PVC is so low that the piping systems can withstand hundreds of years in such conditions (even at temperatures higher than 20°C which is the normal maximum "drinking water" temperature)
Yes, PVC pipes are easily recyclable. Due to the material's unique properties PVC pipes and other rigid PVC products can be recycled 8-10 times without losing their technical properties. This has been confirmed by several studies:
As a result of the combination of the following characteristics, PVC is generally the most efficient, quick installing and cost-effective of all the spectrum of solutions for piping.
- Lightweight: PVC pipes are light and easy to handle (up to 6 m length), significantly reducing the need for mechanical support for placing and fixing the pipes together, leading to a cost efficient installation.
- Joints: PVC piping systems can be installed with different types of joints: solvent cement joints and push-fit joints. Across Europe , push-fit joints are usually preferred for municipal installations. The use of push-fit joints is a very important characteristic as it not only assures a watertight, safe and durable union, but permits a fast and simple mounting, an important cost saving during installation, as it avoids using complex welding operations and costly investments in sophisticated equipment and specialised skills.
- Fittings and special operations: PVC pipe systems are normally completed with the widest range of fittings and ancillary products, allowing a modular installation and high quality of the full network. When finishing work has to be done by hand (For example making holes, installing saddles and cuts in the pipes), rigid PVC is easy to work with, and does not need complex tools or special expertise.