PVC Pipes

Table of Contents:

Figure 1: Image of PVC pipes [1]

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].

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

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, 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