Versions Compared

Key

  • This line was added.
  • This line was removed.
  • Formatting was changed.

Table of Contents: 

Table of Contents
 


Image Removed

Figure 1: Image of PVC pipes [1]

Image of a stack of PVC pipes. Image Added




What is PVC? 

PVC or polyvinyl chloride is a resin produced through the polymerization of vinyl chloride (CH2=CHCl). In its pure form, PVC is a light and rigid plastic, while it can be manufactured to be flexible as well. PVC is used in both industrial and consumer products. Pure PVC is used to create objects such as pipes, due to its rigidity and strength. When vinyl chloride is reacted with free-radical initiators, PVC is produced. In this reaction, the double bond in vinyl chloride monomers is broken. The resultant single bonds link the vinyl chloride monomers together to form the repeating unit of the polymer [2]. 

Image Removed


Image Removed

Figure 2: Polymerization of vinyl chloride [3]Figure 3: Various applications of PVC [4]

Image showing the polymerization reaction of PVC.Image Added

Image showing how PVC can be used to create a diverse range of items including pipes, packaging, and cables.Image Added



Advantages and Disadvantages of PVC Pipes:

Advantages Of PVC Pipes

Disadvantages of PVC Pipes

  • Durability - they are resistant to certain chemical rotting, weathering, corrosion, shock, and abrasion [4]
  • Resistance to all inorganic chemicals including diluted acids, diluted alkalis, and aliphatic hydrocarbons [5]
  • Cost - PVC pipes are cheap, since they are to last for a long time and require low maintenance [6]
  • Resistance to microbiological film growth [7]
  • Poor resistance against aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, esters, certain nitro ether and amines, and nitro compounds [4]
  • Poor heat resistance and are able to melt between 170°C and 210°C , should not be used above 60°C [4]
  • PVC pipe joints can be bulky, which restricts them from being placed in tight spaces [6]



Applications of PVC Pipes:

Applications of PVC pipes include:

  • Water plumbing [7]
    • Pipes are used to transfer water supplies to buildings, facilities or equipment
    • Recommended to transfer unheated water
  • Waste handling and control [7]
    • Pipes are used in sewers, wastewater conveyance, drains and vents associated with structures and equipment such as sinks and toilets
  • Chemical handling, delivery, process, or transfer [7]
    • PVC pipes are able to withstand contact with many chemicals
    • Common chemicals that are used with PVC pipes include organic and inorganic acids, anhydride acids, alcohols, hydrocarbons, ammonias, alkalis, halogens, salts and oxidizing acids


PVC Pipes Sizing:

Image Removed

Figure 4: Sizing chart for various PVC pipe sizes [8]

Image of a sizing chart for PVC pipes.Image Added




Contributors:

Contributors Summary
modelist
columnslastupdate
showLastTimetrue
orderupdate

Faculty Advisor: Mary Robinson