Article Introduction
If you are using PVC for your compressed air system, you may be putting people and property at risk. PVC is not a safe or approved material for compressed air piping. In fact, the use of PVC piping for compressed air can lead to dangerous or deadly explosions.
Article Contents：
- Application of Pvc Pressure Pipe in practice
- The Difference Between Moving Liquids and Gases
- How much pressure can PVC pressure pipes hold
- The Problem with PVC Pressure Pipe Ratings
- Summary
- About SAM-UK
Application of Pvc Pressure Pipe in practice
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and its cousin, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), are synthetic plastic polymers that are widely used in building, construction, and a variety of consumer and industrial goods. PVC is versatile, easy to work with, and highly cost-effective to manufacture. These characteristics have made the materials very popular for piping and plumbing fixtures. However, PVC piping that is appropriate for plumbing is not rated for use in compressed air applications.
The Difference Between Moving Liquids and Gases
Many people make the mistake of assuming that a pressure rated pvc designed for plumbing can also be used for air lines in a compressed air system. However, there is a big difference between moving liquid and moving gases. Unlike liquid, gases are compressible.
When you compress a gas, you are storing energy—after all, that is the whole reason that we can use compressed air to power tools and production lines. While a liquid will simply stop flowing if there is a blockage (think what happens with your hose when it is kinked), a gas will continue to further compress, leading to over-pressurization. When that happens inside a high pressure pvc fittings, you have essentially created a plastic pipe bomb.
How much pressure can PVC pressure pipes hold
Many pvc pressure coupling are rated for 300-600 PSI. Since the average industrial compressed air system is pressurized to 100-125 PSI, this may sound like it is more than enough. However, there are several problems with this assumption.
The Problem with PVC Pressure Pipe Ratings
Pressure ratings on PVC pipe can lead to confusion.
The rating is for the pipe itself, not for seals and joins. PVC is notorious for failing at the joints when used for compressed air. Many adhesives used for PVC piping are not compatible with compressor lubricants, making a failure just a matter of time.
upvc pressure pipe ratings are highly temperature specific. When the temperature drops below freezing, PVC pipe becomes highly brittle and prone to shattering. high pressure pvc pipe fittings ratings also drop at higher temperatures: the pressure rating at 110°F is typically half the rating for room temperature applications. This is a particular problem for compressed air, because compression of a gas naturally generates heat (known as “heat of compression”).
Summary
PVC pipe becomes more brittle with age. After ten years in service, pvc high pressure fittings is much more prone to failure.
PVC pressure pipe should not be used for compressed air. Using PVC for compressed air can be dangerous and even deadly, and is illegal in many jurisdictions. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) prohibits the use of PVC for transporting compressed air and gases above ground.
About SAM-UK
SAM-UK are a professional 18+ years manufacturer in producing vinyl building profile products and PVC,CPVC, PPH,PPR,PP pipes and pipe fittings, valves, taps and so on. We own the certificates of SGS\SONCAP\ISO9001\CE\NSF，support color /size customization. Welcome to consult for Catalog and Product. you can contact us at email sales@sam-uk.com
