Types of Pvc Pipes

When it comes to the selection of pipes and fittings for plumbing and sanitation applications, since the past several decades, polyvinyl chloride or PVC has become one of the most widely used plastic materials. From drinking water supply to wastewater management, PVC finds usage in a wide range of applications around the world. Over the years, several modifications have also been made to the structure of PVC to obtain newer materials which have enhanced properties. Let us take a look at the different types of PVC pipes:

1.Chlorinated PVC or CPVC pipes are another plastic pipe made by manufacturers of PVC distributors for water supply and drainage. These pipes offer better resistance against chemical corrosion and are also flame retardant, which means that they do not catch fire. CPVC pipes can also withstand high pressure, with temperature variation ranging from 0 to 93 degree Celsius, which makes them suitable for transport of high pressure fluids.

2.The addition of modified polymers to PVC results in the production of the PVC-M pipes which imparts the pipes with greater strength and makes them resistant to scratches and cracks, thus further improving their shelf life.

3.Fusible PVC pipes are another advancement to the traditional PVC pipes in which thermal butt fusing technology is used to join PVC pipes instead of a PVC pipe connector. These fusible pipes offer tremendous scope for trenchless installations as the repairs and replacements to these pipes can be made without need for deep excavations. Fusible PVC pipes also do not require seal rings for sanitary pipe fittings and hence are more cost effective.

4.Another modification of the conventional PVC sanitary pipe types is the oriented PVC pipe, or PVC-O as it is known commonly. PVC-O pipes are more lightweight than common PVC pipes  and offer greater hydraulic capacity. They are also highly impact resistant and maintain their durability and strength even under different temperature ranges.

5.To make PVC pipes more resistant to microbial and fungal growth, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are added to the PVC during the manufacturing stage. This also decreases the biodegradation in the pipes and enhances their shelf life further. Additionally, the addition of PHAs improves the flexibility of PVC pipes and their impact resistance.

6.Unplasticized PVC pipes, or PVC-U pipes as they are called, are made without the addition of plastics in the PVC pipes, which makes them an eco-friendly plumbing option. These pipes bring their own set of benefits, one which is that they can be recycled after a lifetime of use. Additionally, they are easy to handle and affordable while also offering higher mechanical performance including better UV resistance.

For the best quality PVC pipes for wastewater management, explore the comprehensive range offered by Wavin, one of the leading manufacturers of sustainable water pipes and fittings for supply and drainage systems.