Today's KNOWLEDGE Share:PVC Vs CPVC

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

The main difference between CPVC and PVC processing:

The main difference between PVC and CPVC processing lies in thermal stability and viscosity.If you don’t apply moderate temperatures and heat to CPVC, it won’t melt, and its physical properties won’t perform well. Hydrochloric acid decomposes when exposed to high temperatures.

Temperature Tolerant:

Because of the change in composition, CPVC can withstand a broader range of temperatures. The ASTM standard enables PVC to be used in applications not going beyond 140 degrees F. Meanwhile, products made from CPVC such as pipe have a recommended max operating temperature of 200°F. CPVC operational temp can satisfactorily range from 200°F to 230°F, given proper conditions of pressure and chemical suitability.Because of this, many building codes stipulate that CPVC rather than PVC be used in hot water applications.

Chemical Resistance:

CPVC is known for its superior chemical resistance compared to PVC. CPVC is highly resistant to acids, bases, and other corrosive chemicals, including many that can damage or degrade PVC over time. This property helps CPVC become the preferred choice for applications in chemical processing plants or where there is a risk of chemical exposure. PVC, on the other hand, is more susceptible to chemical attacks and may degrade over time exposed to certain chemicals.

Mechanical Resistance:

The addition of chlorine to CPVC increases its heat tolerance, yet alters the material's strength. CPVC and PVC are both relatively sturdy materials, however, due to CPVC's higher degree of hardness, the latter is more likely to crack. CPVC is more brittle than PVC, it may be deformed or fractured with less effort.On the other hand, CPVC is more flexible than PVC. 

CPVC Pipe

Chlorinated Polyvinyl chloride is manufactured by chlorination of the Polyvinyl Chloride polymer. Chlorination is the process of adding chlorine to any element to treat any impurities, for example, the chlorination of water makes it germs-free. CPVC pipes are more flexible than UPVC or PVC pipes. CPVC pipes have a unique ability to transfer hot and cold water. 

Here are some of the characteristics of a CPVC pipe:

Corrosion-resistant 

Just like a UPVC pipe, CPVC pipes prevent damage against harmful UV rays and are suitable for outdoor usage as well.

Lower bacterial growth

Due to the chlorination of the PVC material,CPVC pipes have a lower growth rate of bacteria as compared to metal, cement, and other thermoplastic based pipes.

Self extinguishing

These pipes are self-extinguishing,it’s the reason why they’re sometimes used for water sprinklers.

Flexible and strong

CPVC pipes are really strong just like any other variant of the PVC pipe family. However, these pipes are surprisingly much more flexible than the other variants.

Temperature resistant

CPVC pipes are resistant to temperature changes that makes them a suitable option for the supply for both hot and cold water.

source:Europlas/vectus