Material characteristics Plastic pipework

1 material characteristics

1.1 abs (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
1.2 upvc (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) , cpvc (post chlorinated polyvinyl chloride)
1.3 pb-1 (polybutylene)
1.4 pp (polypropylene)
1.5 pe (polyethylene)
1.6 pvdf (polyvinylidene fluoride)
1.7 upvc (polyvinyl chloride)
1.8 pe rt

material characteristics
abs (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)

acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (abs) used conveyance of potable water, slurries , chemicals. commonly used dwv (drain-waste-vent) applications. has wide temperature range, -40 °c +60 °c.

abs thermoplastic material , developed in 1950s use in oil fields , chemical industry. variability of material , relative cost effectiveness has made popular engineering plastic. can tailored range of applications modifying ratio of individual chemical components.

they therefore used in industrial applications high impact strength , rigidity essential.

this material used in non-pressure piping systems soil , waste.

upvc (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) , cpvc (post chlorinated polyvinyl chloride)

upvc has high chemical resistance across operating temperature range, broad band of operating pressures. due long-term strength characteristics, high stiffness , cost effectiveness, upvc systems account large proportion of plastic piping installations.

cpvc resistant many acids, bases, salts, paraffinic hydrocarbons, halogens , alcohols. not resistant solvents, aromatics , chlorinated hydrocarbons. can carry higher temperature liquids upvc.

pb-1 (polybutylene)

pb-1 used in pressure piping systems hot , cold potable water, pre-insulated district heating networks, , surface heating , cooling systems. key properties weldability, temperature resistance, flexibility , high hydrostatic pressure resistance. 1 standard type, pb 125, has minimum required strength (mrs) of 12.5 mpa. has low noise transmission, low linear thermal expansion, no corrosion , calcification.

pb-1 piping systems no longer sold in north america. market share in europe , asia small steadily growing. in markets, e.g. kuwait, uk, korea , spain, pb-1 has strong position.

pp (polypropylene)

polypropylene suitable use foodstuffs, potable , ultra pure waters, within pharmaceutical , chemical industries.

pp thermoplastic polymer made polypropylene. first invented in 1950s , has been used pipes since 1970s. due high impact resistance combined stiffness , high chemical resistance makes material suitable sewer applications. performance @ operating temperature range 60 °c (continuous) makes material suitable in-house discharge systems soil&waste. special pp grade high temperature behaviour 90 °c (short-term) makes material choice in-house warm water supply

pe (polyethylene)

polyethylene has been used safe conveyance of potable , waste water, hazardous waste, , compressed gases many years. 2 variants hdpe (high-density polyethylene) , more heat resistant pex (cross-linked polyethylene).

pe has been used pipes since 1950s. pe pipes made extrusion in variety of sizes dimensions. pe lightweight, flexible , easy weld. smooth interior finish ensures flow characteristics. continuous development of material has enhanced performance, leading rapidly increasing usage major water , gas utility companies throughout world.

the pipes used in lining , trench-less technologies, so-called no-dig applications pipes installed without digging trenches without disruption above ground. here pipes may used line old pipe systems reduce leakage , improve water quality. these solutions therefore helping engineers rehabilitate antiquated pipe systems. excavation minimal , process carried out below ground.

also pe pipe material, several studies demonstrated long track record expected lifetime of more 50 years.

cross-linked polyethylene commonly referred pex. thermoplastic material can made in 3 different ways depending how cross-linking of polymer chains being made. pex developed in 1950s. has been used pipes in europe since 1970s , has been gaining rapid popularity on last few decades. supplied in coils, flexible , can therefore led around structures without fittings. strength @ temperatures ranging below freezing boiling makes ideal pipe material hot , cold water installations, radiator , under floor heating, de-icing , ceiling cooling applications

pvdf (polyvinylidene fluoride)

pvdf has high chemical resistance means used in chemical industry piping system aggressive liquids.

upvc (polyvinyl chloride)

polyvinyl chloride or upvc (unplasticised pvc) pipes not suited hot water lines , therefore not allowed inside water supply lines in usa homes 2006 present date. code irc p2904.5 upvc not listed. upvc pipes certified safe drinking water per nsf standard 61 , used extensively water distribution , transmission pipelines throughout north america , around world. upvc allowed waste lines in homes , number one, used pipe sanitary sewers.

upvc thermoplastic material derived common salt , fossil fuels. pipe material has longest track record of plastic materials. first upvc pipes made in 1930s. beginning in 1950s, pvc pipes used replace corroded metal pipes , bring fresh drinking water growing rural , later urban population.

further pressure , non-pressure applications in field of sewers, soil , waste, gas (low pressure) , cable protection followed. material s contribution public health, hygiene , well-being has therefore been significant.

based on standard polyvinyl chloride material, 3 other variants in use.

another variant called opvc, or pvco,represents important landmark in history of plastic pipe technology. molecular-oriented bi-axial high performance version combines higher strength impact resistance.

a ductile variant mpvc, polyvinyl chloride modified acrylics or chlorinated pe. more ductile material high fracture resistance used in higher-demand applications resistance against cracking , stress corrosion important. in several studies long track record of upvc pipes has been investigated. recent investigations @ german krv , dutch tno have confirmed upvc water pressure pipes, when installed correctly have useful life span of on 100 years.

pe rt

polyethylene of raised temperature resistance or pe-rt expands traditional properties of polyethylene. enhanced strength @ high temperatures made possible through special molecular design , manufacturing process control.

its resistance low or high temperatures makes pe-rt ideal broad range of hot , cold water pipe applications