Plastic pressure pipe systems: Difference between revisions
| Line 38: | Line 38: | ||
[[Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipe]] |
[[Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipe]] |
||
== References == |
== References == |
||
{{reflist}} |
|||
[[Category:Piping]] |
[[Category:Piping]] |
||
Revision as of 19:45, 4 March 2008
Plastic pressure pipe systems are used for the conveyance of drinking water, waste water, chemicals, heating and cooling fluids, foodstuffs, ultra-pure liquids, slurries, gases, compressed air and vacuum system applications, both for above and below ground applications. Plastic pressure pipe systems have been in use since the 1950s.[citation needed]
Types of pipe systems
The most common pipe systems are named after the materials they are made from. The type of pipe in use is dependent on the material passed through the pipe, the operating pressure, and the operating temperature. To ensure pipes from different vendors work together, the ISO set standards[1] for manufacturers to follow.
Materials
In addition to the fittings, valves, and accessories that comprise a pipe system, the pipes themselves vary in size and composition, depending on the application.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS is suitable for the conveyance of potable water, slurries and chemicals, and is used for chilled water applications, due to its low temperature properties and compressed airline systems.
In residential settings, it is often used for drain pipes.[2]
uPVC (Polyvinyl Chloride, Unplasticized)
uPVC has excellent chemical resistance across its operating temperature range, with a broad band of operating pressures.[citation needed] Due to its long term strength characteristics, high stiffness and cost effectiveness, uPVC systems account for a large proportion of plastic piping installations.[citation needed]
cPVC (Polyvinyl Chloride, Post Chlorinated)
cPVC has many of the same properties as uPVC, and is also resistant to many acids, bases, salts, paraffinic hydrocarbons, halogens and alcohols. It is not resistant to solvents, aromatics and some chlorinated hydrocarbons.[citation needed]
In some places, it has been approved in residential water supply systems.[3]
PP (Polypropylene)
Polypropylene is suitable for use with foodstuffs, potable and ultra pure waters, as well as within the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.[citation needed] Polypropylene is adversely affected by UV radiation and requires insulation or a protective coating if installed outside.[citation needed]
PE (Polyethylene)
When compared to other plastics, polyethylene shows excellent diffusion resistance, and because of this property, polyethylene has been used for gas conveyance for many years.[citation needed]
PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride)
PVDF is widely used in the chemical industry as a piping system for aggressive liquids.[citation needed] PVDF is a homopolymer without additives such as stabilizers and processing agents. It also displays excellent flame retardant properties.[citation needed]