CPVC pipe is more difficult to handle than PVC, but has high temperature resistance

For nearly 50 years, CPVC has been successfully used in residential, commercial and industrial applications. It is most commonly used in single-family and multi-family hot and cold water distribution systems. However, it can be used in residential fire sprinkler systems, chemical drainage wastewater systems and industrial treatment. The main advantages of CPVC include resistance to corrosion, pitting and scaling, ease of installation and light weight. CPVC pipes have high temperature resistance and are very suitable for hot water pipes. In this application it is comparable to polybutylene-piping systems. The installation of CPVC pipe is as simple as that of PVC pipe. It also requires a solvent seal as opposed to PE pipe which requires heat sealing. CPVC is as safe as PVC pipe in terms of production, handling and installation.

Chlorinated PVC called CPVC is PVC with chlorine on its hydrocarbon backbone replacing chlorine in PVC. Therefore, it is a heavier molecule and results in a higher density than PVC, but is more difficult to process. CPVC is highly flame retardant. It has a Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) of 60, indicating that it needs 60% (or nearly 3 times normal atmospheric oxygen). Although PVC and CPVC belong to the plastic family and have similar core materials, they behave very differently. The chlorination process used to make CPVC gives the material excellent properties in high temperature and high pressure applications. The extra chlorine molecules make CPVC very difficult to burn. CPVC will not sustain a flame by itself because there is not enough oxygen in the atmosphere for it to burn. CPVC will self-extinguish when the flame source is removed. Also, CPVC should not be confused with polybutylene piping, which suffers from reliability issues as it can be detrimental to some elements in various water systems. It's manufacture is somewhat more difficult and is in the hands of a very few suppliers.

It was first commercialized by BF Goodrich and has now become Noveon. It then sold CPVC to Lubrizol in 2001. Lubrizol offers CPVC compounds under the Temprite and CPVC processed products under the Corzan brand name. Compared to PVC with a global consumption of more than 34-35 ml CPVC is a niche polymer with a small consumption in the world. Similarly, there are very few process industries involved in CPVC handling. There are many well-known processors of CPVC-Ajay Industries in India, Ashirvad Pipes PVT. Ltd., Astral Polytechnik Ltd.

Benefits of CPVCs

CPVC is an attractive alternative to glass, stainless steel, lined steel, high silicon cast iron, PP (polypropylene) and PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), for chemical waste, and an excellent choice for long-term value. The material can withstand temperatures up to 220 degrees F. In many cases, CPVC is the most suitable solution on the market as it overcomes the most common disadvantages associated with other materials. CPVC is easier to join than PP or PVDF systems, requiring mechanical or hot melt installation. CPVC pipe is lightweight, about six times the weight of iron, and requires no special tools for cutting. They join solvent cement, the most popular material in the chemical process industry, to thermoplastic pipe and fittings.