Regular PVC ( polyvinyl chloride ) is a common, strong but lightweight plastic used in construction. It is made softer and more flexible by the addition of plasticizers . If no plasticizers are added, it is known as uPVC ( unplasticized polyvinyl chloride ), rigid PVC , or vinyl siding in the U.S.
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Uses of PVC vs. uPVC
Stacked blue PVC pipes
In Construction
As a flexible plastic, PVC is used to produce a wide variety of piping. Larger PVC pipes are often used in plumbing to distribute non-potable water. PVC piping can also be used to insulate electrical cables.
uPVC is used as a replacement for wood in construction, such as in double glazed window frames and window sills and in what is known as vinyl siding in the U.S. It is a versatile material that can be manufacturered in many colors or made to look like other materials (e.g., wood). uPVC is also used instead of cast iron for certain types of heavy-duty plumbing and draining.
uPVC vs. PVC Pipes
PVC is used as a replacement for copper and aluminum pipes and is used in waste lines, irrigation systems and pool circulation systems. It is easy to cut into smaller pieces and can be fastened with glue, making it a good alternative to metal.
uPVC is used for the majority of plastic pipes in the world, as it is incredibly resistant to chemical erosion and has smoother inner walls that help to encourage water flow. It also functions well in a wide range of temperatures and operating pressures. It is incredibly strong, stiff and cost-effective, and so is often used for sewage lines and exterior drainage pipes. Even so, uPVC piping is much less common in the U.S., where PVC piping is preferred.
Neither PVC nor uPVC is used to transmit drinking water. cPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) is used instead.
Windows
PVC is not used for window frames, although some manufacturers may use &#;PVC&#; to refer to their uPVC windows. Instead, uPVC is used for window frames, as it does not decompose and is weather-resistant.
uPVC will not change shape under normal weather conditions, but it can be reshaped at very high temperatures. uPVC windows are more energy-efficient than those with wooden or metal frames. Moreover, uPVC can also be used for door frames and conservatories.
This video shows how a typical uPVC window is installed:
Other Uses
Small and slender PVC pipes are sometimes found in medical equipment. PVC is also used in leather-like or waterproof clothing materials, vinyl flooring, shoes, toys, car interiors and car cables, shower curtains, and numerous other plastic products.
Because uPVC has fewer health concerns associated with it, it is found in medical and dental pieces. For example, uPVC is sometimes used for dental retainers.
Durability
Because it is designed to be softer and more flexible than many other plastics, PVC is less durable than uPVC. However, both plastics are resistant to sunlight, oxidation, and a variety of chemicals. PVC piping's ability to withstand sunlight sometimes makes it more useful than ABS pipes.
Cost
It is very cheap to manufacture many PVC and uPVC products, which is why they are so ubiquitous in a wide variety of affordable products.
PVC pipe can be bought by length or weight. The thicker the piping, the most expensive the pipe will be. Still, PVC pipe is very affordable, with many 10-foot lengths costing less than $10.00 a piece.
Safety and Risks
PVC-coated wires can form HCl fumes in a fire, which can be a health hazard. Plasticizers may leach out of PVC into the environment.
Phthalates are what allow PVC to be flexible. Some of the phthalates used in PVC have been restricted or banned over the years, and many others are being replaced with safer phthalates. Dibutyl, benzyl butyl, and DEHP are some of the more commonly banned or restricted phthalates.
To date, there are no mainstream concerns regarding the use of uPVC, which does not use phthalates or BPA.
Disposal
Neither PVC nor uPVC are biodegradable. However, uPVC is recyclable and can be reshaped into new products or pipes at very high temperatures.
References
PVC is a very versatile matter and finds use in piping, external casing for wire & cables, tubing for drug delivery, medical & food packaging.
PVC or UPVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) & UPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride) are synonyms. PVC by nature is a rigid material and plasticizer are used for making it soft. In this article, we would focus on understanding the difference between UPVC and CPVC.
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PVC pipes are mostly used for water supply in irrigation, drainage of soil & waste in buildings, conduits for electrical wires & industrial chemical transportation. In some cases, PVC pipes are also used for water supply pipes inside buildings.
PVC pipes and fittings are made with PVC resin added with additives to make it workable for manufacturing pipes and fittings. Piping manufacturers have been using lead as a processing aid as it is very cheap compared to other additives. World over lead has been banned for use of processing aid for PVC piping in potable water use as lead leaches out from pipes and creates health issues due to poising of potable water.
Broadly PVC pipes can be used for potable water supply & Drainage. Let&#;s look at a few Indian standards recommending the use of PVC pipes for various application:
Potable Water supply
IS :
Unplasticized PVC for potable water supply. (This standard covers requirements for plain as well as socket-ended pipes, including those for use with elastomeric sealing rings, for potable water supplies)
Other IS codes for UPVC pipes for Tubewell/pumps: IS , IS
Drainage
IS:
UPVC corrugated pipe, IS: UPVC pipe for Soil waste drain
PVC pipes have excellent properties as below:
- Corrosion-resistant.
- Smooth surface & hence ease of flow.
- Low bacterial growth
- Ease of installation and repairs.
- Cost-effective.
The limitation of PVC pipes are as follows:
As we get deeper into understanding the differences between UPVC and CPVC, it is imperative to look at the limitations UPVC has in comparison to CPVC.
- All grades of PVC pipes are not suitable for potable water (only Lead-free pipes are)
- PVC pipes are not recommended for hot water piping.
- Manufacturers play with the composition of PVC and add fillers above permissible limits making the pipe poor in impact and brittle.
- PVC pipes also have limited UV stability and tend to become brittle.
In , when PVC became popular, a need arose to overcome the limitation of PVC as the advantages were numerous. This is when after 9-10 years of R & D CPVC was invented in :
So, let&#;s see what CPVC is and how it is better than PVC for Hot & Cold potable water house piping and commercial piping systems.
CPVC Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is a thermoplastic produced by chlorination of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. This new modified version of PVC called CPVC is a more stable polymer & can withstand higher temperatures than standard PVC.
Generally, PVC has 56-57% Chlorine whereas post chlorination of PVC the chlorine content increases and CPVC has 63-67% of Chlorine on its hydrocarbon chain. This introduction of Chlorine makes the polymer a very stable polymer and provides higher temperature stability. This also reduces the oxidization potential of the polymer which is the main reason for the degradation of polymers on exposure to UV radiation, heat, oxygen.
Further CPVC is lead-free which makes it safe for potable water use across the world.
CPVC pipes & fittings are approved for potable water use by USA national Model Codes, NSF International, DVGW (Germany), WRAS (UK), CSTB (France), KIWA (The Netherlands), TSE (Turkey) & CSA (Canada). The Bureau of Indian Standards BIS: CPVC Pipes for Potable Hot & cold water distribution.
The above approvals are based on extraction studies that have verified that ingredients such as heat stabilizers do not migrate from CPVC at levels that would be unsafe.
Conclusion
When it comes to understanding the differences between UPVC and CPVC, With this article you would be now clear that CPVC is a higher grade / upgraded version of PVC, as it uses all the advantages of PVC and overcomes all the limitations which can be summaries as follows:
- CPVC one pipe system can be used for both hot & cold water.
- CPVC pipes have BIS approval for use in hot & cold water.
- CPVC can withstand higher temperature water.
- CPVC has better UV stability and can be used for internal & external applications.
- CPVC has potable water certification around the world.
NOTE: For drainage applications, if there's a choice between UPVC vs CPVC, PVC/ UPVC pipes are preferred over CPVC.
Make an informed choice as homes are not built daily and by using the right material you would have trouble-free plumbing for years to come.
Why trust
FlowGuard
® Plus by Lubrizol for CPVC Pipes in India?
- CPVC was invented in by Lubrizol in the USA.
- Lubrizol sells CPVC Compounds to its licensed customers who sign an agreement to meet and adhere to Lubrizol quality standards for manufacturing CPVC systems.
- Lubrizol customers shall use the brand name of
FlowGuard
® Plus on their pipes.
- Lubrizol&#;s
FlowGuard
® technology is time tested and has the most references for successful installation in India and around the world.
- Lubrizol customers manufacture the complete range of pipes, fittings, and solvent cement certified by Lubrizol quality standards.
- Lubrizol and its customers spend time and resources to train and certify plumbers to ensure a quality installation.
- Lubrizol has committed resources for resin & compound plants to support the Make in India initiative and provide world-class competitive raw materials to its customers.
- Lubrizol customers have a state of the art manufacturing, testing facilities & a whole team of technical sales team, and support staff to ensure a trouble-free plumbing experience for you.
In India, Ashirvad Pipes Pvt Limited and Prince CPVC Pipes & fittings Limited manufacture and sell it through their vast retail channel all over the country.
Use CPVC Piping systems ask for FlowGuard® Plus&#;.
Do check out our blog focusing on the importance of having a holistic view point while purchasing CPVC and not just considering CPVC Pipe Price as the sole factor.
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