What are PVC Pipes?
Polyvinyl chloride, abbreviated as PVC, is a chlorinated hydrocarbon polymer. It is formed when chlorine atoms replace hydrogen in a hydrocarbon polymer. Naturally, it is brittle and rigid. But after combining with additives like plasticizers, it comes out to be more malleable and resilient.
PVC has a wide range of applications like electric insulation, furniture, medical tubing, flooring, etc. But mainly, it is used for the manufacturing of pipes used in plumbing, water supply, and irrigation.
A few variants of PVC pipes are also used for cold or hot water conduits in commercial contexts. It’s been more than 80 years since PVC pipes are being used in industries. Alone in the United States, two million miles of PVC pipelines are being utilized today.
Benefits of PVC Pipes
- In a multitude of industries, PVC pipes are the primary medium for conveying water and power. Their intense heat and corrosion resistance are the primary reasons for their widespread use.
- When compared to concrete and metal, PVC has a low level of friction with moving liquids due to its smooth surface. As a result, it is a popular choice for water supply pipes.
- It’s light and portable, making it ideal for laying pipelines across long distances. This reduces the amount of gasoline used to transport them, making them more environmentally friendly.
- It is cost-effective since it is mass-produced using a relatively simple technique.
- It’s simple to form into various shapes, making it a versatile material with a wide range of uses.
- PVC’s chemical inertness, or resistance to chemical interactions with other compounds, is a valuable chemical feature. This ensures that drinking water and water used for home purposes are transported safely.
- When put underground, PVC can endure a hundred years. This makes it a low-maintenance and preferred material for large pipeline networks, where historical materials like steel, iron, and cement would have extremely high maintenance and overhaul costs.
- Installing, dismantling, and maintaining PVC pipes are simple. When compared to traditional materials, its failure or break rate is exceedingly low.
- PVC has a low carbon content, which results in less hazardous emissions during production. They are simple to recycle and reuse for different applications, whether from building trash salvaging and repurposing or industrial waste recycling. Through the Vinyl Plus program, 8,000 tons of PVC is recycled each year throughout Europe.
Now that you know about the benefits of PVC pipe. You may be perplexed by the many numbers and sizes when you decide to walk to the top PVC pipe manufacturer. Fortunately, learning about the various PVC pipe sizes (dimensions) and types only takes minutes.
PVC pipes are classified into numerous categories based on their length and wall thickness. The wall thickness of a pipe is crucial during construction operations since a pipe with too thin a wall may rupture due to pressure.
Schedule 40 vs. Schedule 80
Analyzing the thickness of PVC pipes is one technique to look at their diameters. The pipes are separated into two kinds here. These are PVC pipes with schedules 40 and 80. The difference is found in the pipe wall thickness. PVC pipes with a schedule 40 rating have thinner walls than those with a schedule 80 rating. If you come across a schedule number other than 40 or 80, keep in mind that the higher the number, the thicker the pipe wall.
How to Calculate Thickness of PVC Pipes?
The formula for determining the thickness of a pipe’s wall is straightforward. It’s a method for determining the pipe’s wall dimensions.
Step 1
Place your ruler or measuring tape above the PVC pipe’s opening.
Step 2
From the top of the outer wall to the bottom of the outer wall, measure the diameter of the pipe. Make a note of it on a piece of paper.
Step 3
From the top of the inner wall to the bottom of the inner wall, measure the diameter. Make a note of this number on a piece of paper.
Step 4
Calculate the thickness of the wall using the following formula:
Thickness = (Diameter of outer wall – Diameter of the inner wall)/2
PVC Pipe Length
When it comes to PVC sizes, length is another critical thing to consider. How long are the PVC pipes supposed to be? Any PVC pipe has a nominal length of 30 feet. For the most part, this is the ideal length. It is up to you to begin cutting or trimming the PVC pipes to ensure that they fit precisely into your intended application.
PVC Pipe Weight
The weight of the PVC pipe is another essential factor to consider. The weight or lightness of the pipe will influence whether or not it is appropriate for your application. A PVC weight chart is the simplest way to determine the pipe’s weight. You may calculate the approximate weight of your PVC pipe using the chart. Another option is to use a PVC pipe weight calculator online.
That was it for the ultimate guide to PVC pipe size and specifications. Are you looking for a reliable PVC pipe manufacturer? If yes, then Unitech Pipes is your next stop.
UNITECH Pipes, being India’s leading PVC pipe manufacturers and suppliers, are revolutionaries. They are the pioneers, having spent over 30 years researching and producing a comprehensive range of plastic pipes, fittings, sheets, cables, and other products.