PVC is a very versatile matter and finds use in piping, external casing for wire & cables, tubing for drug delivery, medical & food packaging.
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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.
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.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Water Well UPVC Filter Pipe.
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.
What Is The Safest Pipe For Drinking Water?
Water is one of the most important resources on planet Earth, especially drinking water. Life on Earth cannot survive without water. Our own bodies are 70% water, as is the earth itself.
That&#;s why one of the most important utilities in our home is running water. Access to running water allows us to cook our food, clean dishes, wash ourselves, and most importantly drink water.
When building a house, planning out your plumbing system requires as much attention as the siding, the color of your walls, or the layout of your rooms. There are many options on the market for pipes in your home. This may lead you to wonder what is the safest pipe for drinking water.
Keep reading below as we explain which pipe material is the safest for drinking water and some pipe materials you should avoid!
Safest: Copper Pipes for Drinking
It may come as a surprise but copper is one of the best materials for pipes when it comes to clean drinking water. In particular, you should look for copper pipes that have lead-free joint materials. This combination is very long-lasting and durable. Copper pipes can last up to 100 years with proper care.
But you must check your water&#;s pH level in the very beginning. If your water has a pH value lower than seven, you may have to find a way to balance water acidity such as using a purifier. Otherwise, the acidity of the water could cause the copper to corrode. If the copper pipes corrode into your drinking water, it can cause stomach problems.
Copper pipes are also very expensive. If you install copper pipes in your home, test the water&#;s acidity regularly and see if there are any copper contaminants in your drinking water. You should replace those pipes if you find more than 1 mg per liter of copper particles in your water.
Safe: Plastic Pipes for Drinking
Plastic pipes, such as CPVC, and PEX are pipe materials that are safe for drinking water. Generally, these pipes wouldn&#;t be a safe option in a cold climate. Yet, in our beautiful home of Hawaii, CPVC, and PEX pipes can last a very long time without any issues. You also don&#;t have to worry about plastic-based pipes breaking down when exposed to moisture, unlike a polybutylene pipe.
PVC pipes are the most well-known plastic pipe, but it has some major drawbacks. If that pipe transports water as hot as 140 *F, it can warp and break down. You should avoid using PVC pipes for your main drinking water.
Here are some options for plastic pipes for safe drinking water:
CPVC
CPVC stands for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride. CPVC is made through CPVC resin into a pipe shape using high temperatures and pressure. CPVC pipes are perfect for transporting water from the municipal system and throughout your home. They&#;re very durable and won&#;t corrode easily. Installers can effortlessly bend and cut the pipe to fit the tight spaces in your home.
PEX
PEX is cross-linked polyethylene. It&#;s rather inexpensive, especially in comparison to copper. PEX is very resistant to acidic water. If your water supply has a pH level of less than 7, PEX pipes may be a good plumbing solution. PEX is also more flexible than PVC, making it a good substitute.
HDPE
High-density polyethylene pipes are one of the toughest pipe materials available on the market. Like the others we mentioned above, HDPE does not corrode with acidic water. HDPE pipes are also considered leak-proof when taken care of. Since HDPE pipes have a smooth interior, they can improve water pressure since they create little to no friction on the water.
Don&#;t trust all plastic pipes
Not all plastic pipes are safe. Polybutylene pipes were very common in the &#;70s through the &#;90s since they&#;re a low-cost material. However, they break down very easily and need to be replaced nearly every decade.
Easy New Construction Plumbing with 535 Plumbing
At 535 Plumbing, we take care of all your plumbing needs for renovations, additions, and new construction. Every new home, shop, or office building needs some sort of plumbing, including piping, water heaters, fixtures, garbage disposals, and more. If you are working on a new construction project and need help with plumbing services, look no further than 535 Plumbing.
For more information, please visit HDPE Dredging Pipes for Philippines.