Polyvinyl Chloride

PVC Datasheet

PVC

Resistant to most solutions of acids, alkalis and to organic compounds miscible with water. Not resistant to aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Wall thicknesses are either Schedule 40, 80 or make use of the SDR (and DR) sizing convention.

The pressure ratings given are for water, non-shock, @ 73°F. The The following temperature derating factors are to be applied to the working pressure ratings (W.P.) listed when operating at elevated temperatures.

Applications

PVC Molecule

PVC piping is commonly used in the following applications:

• Drain-waste-vent (DWV)
• Sewers
• Water mains
• Water service lines
• Irrigation
• Conduit
• Various industrial installations

PVC should not be used for transporting high pressure gas.

PVC can be installed above ground, underground or indoors depending on the application. Because ultraviolet light makes PVC very brittle, it must either be covered, wrapped, painted or contain stabilizers and UV inhibitors to shield against ultraviolet radiation. If the pipe is buried too deeply, there can be problems with collapse if there is a large load placed on the buried area.

Advantages

• Resistance to aggressive materials such as chemical effluents and aggressive soils.
• Availability in long lengths. Pipe diameters are available up to six inches on spools. This decreases the amount of bonds that need to be made and could reduce installation costs.
• Light weight
• Low resistance to fluid flow. The surface roughness of PVC pipe is much lower than cement lined pipe or steel pipe.
• Generally low initial cost. Certain sizes of PVC require special equipment to install and the mobilization and demobilization costa

Identification

While there is no color standard for PVC pipe, typically the following colors are used to denote different applications:

• White for DWV and some low pressure applications.
• White, blue, and dark gray for cold water piping.
• Green for sewer service.
• Purple for reclaimed wastewater.
• Dark gray for industrial pressure applications.
• Light Gray for Electrical Conduit

Temperature Derating

Since PVC is a thermoplastic, its maximum pressure decreases as the temperature increases. For a list of PVC maximum pressures see the Plastic Pipe Datasheets page.