EFF-TM2-IND DECEMBER 2008

Effast PVCu and ABS

High performance PVCu and ABS Pressure Pipe Systems
 Effast
Effast from Polypipe is a well established brand name
that is recognised throughout both the industrial
process market and construction industries for its
market-leading range of thermoplastic pipework
systems suitable for use within industrial applications.
The company now provides these components to
customers all over the world and leads the way in the
research and development of advanced new solutions
that satisfy the specific needs of the market.
Polypipe, with its large UK based manufacturing
capabilities, has developed Effasts comprehensive
product portfolio such that it now offers a proven and
effective solution to virtually any requirement. No
matter what the project, the Effast range can offer the
perfect combination of pressure pipe fittings, ball,
butterfly, diaphragm and actuated valves, compression
joints, adaptors and other fittings.
For further information please see our contact
details on the back cover of this brochure.
2
Normally available in both metric and imperial
dimensions these products are suited to many
different commercial applications in such areas as
food and beverage processing, chemical manufacture,
water treatment and agriculture.
Outstanding performance and reliability have come
to represent the hallmarks by which Polypipes Effast
products are recognised. With these products also
carrying BSI Kite Mark accreditation and conforming
to various other European standards they can be
specified with complete confidence.
Dedicated to supporting its customers at every stage
the company also complements its products and
systems with a full technical information and support
service, while a nationwide distribution network
means that products are readily available, even when
needed next day.
Contents

Effast
Introduction to plastics 4-6
Material selection 7 - 11
Pressure and temperature relationships 12 - 17
Selection of pipeline systems 18 - 22
Pipeline system design 23 - 27
Storage, handling and installation 28 - 35
Methods of jointing 36 - 40
Pipe and fittings dimensions 41 - 43
Guide to chemical resistance 44 - 79
Dimensions, units and conversion tables 80 - 81

3
 Introduction to plastics

1.1 Plastics: Polymers and mers 1.3 Macromolecule types

Plastics are a group of engineering materials, belonging to
the larger family of polymers. Polymers are often
chain molecules and commonly two and three-dimensional
networks of repeating mer units, hence
poly-mers. The basic structure in plastics is based on
carbon (C) and hydrogen (H); a range of other atoms
including chlorine (Cl), nitrogen (N), fluorine (F) and
silicon (Si) may be present depending on the polymer.
Polymer molecules are conventionally thought of as long
chains, but side branches or cross-linking between chains
can occur. The latter can produce a 2-D or even a
3-D network, with properties such as Youngs modulus
increasing with the extent of the cross linking.

The simplest C-H polymer is based on C2H4 (ethylene)

Linear
H H
C C
H H
monomer formed into chains of polyethylene (C2H2)n in
which the monomers are linked end-on.
H H
C C
n
H H Side-branched

1.2 Common monomers and polymers

Beyond the simplest common group above, there are a
number of others, some of which are easily recognisable by
name from the polymers which they make up.
Table 1.1 shows examples of monomers, their structure, Cross-linked
and the resulting polymer.
Putting this cross linking in place can be used to harden and
Table 1.1 Monomers stiffen polymers; vulcanisation of rubber achieves this.

Monomer name Formula Structure Polymer The structure of the molecular chains will determine how
3 closely they will nest together and how crystalline
H C H3
Propylene C3H6 C
1
C
2 Polypropylene the resulting polymer is.
PP
H H

C2H3R
R can take many
H R 1.4 Bond types and properties
C C Polyvinyl Chloride
Vinyl forms (Including H,
PVC Polymer molecules are held together by two types of
when it becomes H H
ethane). bonds:-
H CH2
C Primary, covalent bonds between the atoms in the chain
H H
Polystyrene
Styrene C8H8
PS molecules. These are high strength bonds and can only be
H H broken irreversibly by high temperatures.
H

Secondary, hydrogen or van der Waals bonds, between

chain molecules. These bonds are easily broken down by
heating but reform on cooling

4
1.4.1 Thermoplastic plastics
These consist of covalently bonded chain molecules, perhaps
with some side chains, held in a solid by secondary bonds.
Heating softens and melts these materials, which can be
remoulded and shaped; cooling allows them to hold a new
shape when the secondary bonds reform. Hence
thermoplastics can be recycled, although excessive heat will
break down the chains and change the material irreversibly.
1.4.2 Thermosetting plastics
These materials consist of 2-D or 3-D networks of heavily
cross linked chain molecules. The bonding is principally
primary covalent, so heating only serves to ultimately
destroy them. Thermosets are not recyclable, so when
hardened, thermosets cannot be melted, deformed or fused.
Thermosets are usually reinforced with filling materials such
as glass fibre, carbon or textile fibres. Resins used in this case
include the following: -
Phenolic resin (PF)
Polyester resin (UP)
Epoxy resin (EP)
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene C8H8C4H6C3H3N)n
is a copolymer made by polymerizing styrene and
acrylonitrile in the presence of polybutadiene.
CH2 CH2
N H2C
Acrylonitrile 1,3-butadiene
CH2
Styrene
The proportions can vary from 15% to 35% acrylonitrile,
5% to 30% butadiene and 40% to 60% styrene. The result is
a long chain of polybutadiene criss-crossed with shorter
chains of polystyrene-co-acrylonitrile. The nitrile groups from
neighbouring chains, are polar and attract each other
binding the chains together with secondary bonds. Therefore
ABS is stronger than pure polystyrene. The styrene group
gives the plastic a shiny, impervious surface whilst the
butadiene, provides resilience even at low temperatures.
ABS can typically be used between -40 C and +60 C.

PP (polypropylene) is an addition polymer made from the

1.4.3 Elastomers
Like thermosets, these materials contain large amounts of
cross linking between chains. The progressive straightening
under tension of these long and convoluted chains provides
the reversible elastic behaviour of these materials.
Elastomers resume their normal shape after being distorted
and also retain their elasticity at low temperature.
Elastomers cannot be melted, fused or reshaped although
some thermoplastic elastomers have been developed.
Typical examples of elastomers are ethylene propylene
rubber (EPDM), nitrile rubber (NBR) and fluorine
rubber (FPM).
monomer propylene, unusually resistant to many
chemical solvents, alkalis and acids and exhibits a level of
crystallinity intermediate between that of low density
polyethylene (LDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE).
PPs Youngs modulus is also intermediate. Less tough than
LDPE, it is much less brittle than HDPE. This allows
polypropylene to be used as an alternative to engineering
plastics, such as ABS. Polypropylene has very good resistance
to fatigue. The way in which the propylene group repeats
down the chain determines crystallinity and hence a lot of
properties of PP can be engineered at the polymerisation
stage, using pressure, temperature and type of catalyst to
control the structure as shown below.

1.5 Structure of plastics PVCu,

H H H H H H H H CH3 H H H CH3 H H H
ABS and PP C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C
PVCu stands for unplasticised PVC. Polyvinyl chloride is CH3 H CH3 H CH3 H CH3 H H H CH3 H H H CH3 H
produced by polymerization of the monomer, vinyl chloride
as shown. PVCu is a hard plastic that is made softer and more
flexible by the addition of plasticizers, the most widely used
being phthalates.

H H H H H H
C C C C C C
CI H CI H CI H
Vinyl chloride Polyvinyl chloride
monomer polymer

5
 Introduction to plastics

1.6 Synthesis 1.6.2 Polycondensation

Polycondensation separates the by-products such as water or
Oil, natural gas, coal and cellulose (vegetable in origin) are
acids formed during the process while aligning both like and
the raw material sources from which plastics can be made.
unlike monomers, to produce macromolecular chains such as
When oil is refined it is broken down by distillation and
polyamides and resins.
separated into groups according to evaporation rate. Gas
heads the group, followed by benzene, petroleum, gas oil and
1.6.3 Polyaddition
finally the bitumen residues. Benzene (used in the production
Polyaddition is the creation of macromolecules from
of plastics) in its raw state is further subjected to the process
molecules which are disimilar. During the process the
of heat cracking, which effectively breaks it down into
by-products are included and not subjected to separation.
ethylene, propylene, butylene and other hydrocarbons. These
Epoxide resins are produced in this manner.
are then modified by using polymerisation, polycondensation
or polyaddition processes to produce the required group of
plastics.

1.6.1 Polymerisation
This is the most common of the processes used in plastic
synthesis. In polymerisation the basic molecules
(the monomers) are lined up to make macromolecular chains.
In turn these macromolecular chains are aligned in their
entirety (no separation of by-product or other material) to
produce the plastic. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene
(PP) and polyethylene (PE), along with other plastics are all
produced by polymerisation.

Table 1.2 Polymer groups

Plastics

Thermoplastics Thermosets Elastomers

AMORPHOUS SEMI-CRYSTALLINE RESINOUS POLYMER CHAINS ELASTIC PLASTICS

(Random, unorganised molecular structure) (Partially ordered molecular structure) (Hardener cross-linked on polymer chains) (Synthetic and natural rubbers)

Vinylchlorides and Styroles Polyolefines Thermosets are usually reinforced by Natural Rubber (NR)
using a filling material such as glass,
Polystyrene (PS) Polyethelene (PE) Latex
carbon or textile fibre producing:-
Polycarbonate (PC) Polypropylene (PP)
Glass-Fibre Plastic (GFK)
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Polybutylene (PB) Synthetic Caoutchouc
Carbon-Fibre Plastic (KFK)
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPDM)
Carbon-Fibre Phenolic Resin (KF-PF)
Nitrile Rubber (NBR)
Glass-Fibre Epoxy Resin (GF-EP)
Chloroprene Rubber (CR)
Fluorine Rubber (FPM)
Silicone Rubber (SIR)

Thermally reversible They don't melt

Jointing by Chemical Welding Jointing by Fusion Welding Not suitable for jointing

Thermoelastomers
Thermoelastomers have similar properties to a thermoset, but
with almost the same hardness as the base thermoplastic.
i.e. Cross Linked Polyethelene (PEX).

6
Material selection
2.0 Material selection
There are a number of properties of engineering plastics
which are key in making selection decisions. The range of
intrinsic physical properties largely depends on molecular
chain length, molecular mass, crystallinity, the proportion of
primary bonds and the amount of cross linking.
The key properties and their relevance are detailed here:
2.1 General properties
Density (Mg/m3)
This represents the mass of a given volume, polymers have
the lowest density of all classes of engineering materials.
Energy content (MJ/kg)
The energy liberated during the combustion of the
substance.
Recycle fraction
Thermoplastics can be recycled, higher fractions indicate
a more environmentally sensitive material. Thermosets
cannot be recycled, but may bedown cycled by
incorporating them as a particulate filler in other
materials.
2.2 Mechanical properties
Youngs modulus or modulus of elasticity (GPa)
This modulus is a measure of the materials resistance to
elastic deformation. For two components of the same
shape and size, a higher Youngs modulus will give a higher
stiffness of component.
Elastic limit (MPa)
Material can sustain certain stress due to axial loading
without permanent deformation. This is known as Hookes
Law and is limited to the point known as the Elastic limit,
beyond which the material will not retain its original shape
if loading increased.
Tensile strength (MPa)
This is defined as the maximum load carried by the
component acting on the area of cross-section.
Poissons ratio
When a component is placed in tension, its elastic response
will be an increase in length, combined with a reduction in
cross section (it gets longer and thinner). Poissons ratio is
a ratio of the narrowing (lateral) strain to the lengthening
(longitudinal) strain. As a number, typically around 0.4
for plastics.
Hardness, Vickers
This is the standard method for measuring the hardness of
materials; the surface is subjected to a standard pressure
for a standard length of time by means of a pyramid
shaped diamond. Vickers Hardness is often given as a
hardness number rather than a stress.
Fracture toughness (MPa.m)
A measure of the ability of a material to withstand impact
and is not the same as strength. A tough material is the
opposite of a brittle one; an ideal material would be
strong and tough.
Ductility (%)
The strain or proportional elongation at fracture. Higher
values imply a more ductile material. Ductility may be
quoted as a simple ratio e.g. 0.1 = 10%.
2.3 Thermal properties
Specific heat (J/kg.K)
A measure of the amount of energy required to raise the
temperature of a mass of material through a specified
temperature. This property becomes important in an
application where storage or release of thermal energy is
an issue with higher values indicative of a material which
could store more heat.
Thermal expansion coefficient (mm/m.C)
This is the rate of expansion or contraction due to a
change in temperature and whilst the units of mm/m.C
seem quite small, this can lead to serious stresses in
materials which are constrained and experience
temperature changes. Where plastics are joined to other
materials of very different thermal expansion coefficients,
this difference can lead to stresses at the joint or
interface.
Thermal conductivity (W/m.K)
Indication of the transfer of heat through the material.
Higher values indicate a material which allows the
passage of heat more readily. Lower values imply a better
insulating material.
2.4 Electrical properties
Dielectric constant
A dielectric material is a substance that is a poor
conductor of electricity, but an efficient supporter of
electrostatic fields.
Resistivity (Ohms.m, in the range 1013 )
The surface resistance of a plastic is, as the name
suggests, the resistance to the flow of electrical current
over its surface.
7
 Material selection

2.5 Selection of plastics for pipe systems

In order to select the most suitable material for a pipe system
the following factors need to be addressed: -

The medium or fluid conveyed and its chemical composition

Operating pressure

Operating temperature

These factors are interlinked and only when all are addressed
can the correct material be selected. In addition to the above
it is necessary to be familiar with the characteristics of the
material for the pipe system.

Picture supplied courtesy of Sterling Hydrotec.

Table 2.1 Comparative properties of PVCu, ABS and PP

Property PVCu-Rigid ABS High Impact PP Homopolymer

General

Composition (CH2-CH-CI)n (CH2-CH-CH2--CH-CN-C6H4)n (CH2-CH-CH3)n

Density (Mg/m) 1.35 to 1.55 1.03 to 1.07 0.90 to 0.92

Energy Content (Mj/kg) 85 to 106 85 to 120 90 to 110

Recycle Fraction 0.15 to 0.25 0.45 to 0.55 0.25 to 0.35

Mechanical

Young's Modulus of elasticity (GPa) 2.2 to 3.5 2.1 to 2.8 1 to 1.6

Elastic Limit (MPa) 35 to 52 40 to 45 28 to 33

Tensile Strength (MPa) 30 to 70 45 to 48 25 to 40

Compressive Strengh (MPa) 55 to 60 55 to 60 40 to 45

Ductility 0.1 to 3 0.06 to 0.07 1 to 2

Endurance Limit (MPa) 27 to 31.2 24 to 27 15.4 to 18.2

Fracture Toughness (MPa.m ) 1 to 2 2.3 to 2.6 1.9 to 2.1

Hardness Vickers 10.6 to 15.6 5.6 to 12.2 9.3 to 11.2

Poisson's Ratio 0.38 to 0.43 0.38 to 0.42 0.4 to 0.45

Thermal

Normal Service Temperature (C) 0 to 60 -40 to 60 -10 to 110

Thermal Expansion (mm/m.C) 0.055 to 0.095 0.070 to 0.100 0.080 to 0.150

Specific Heat (J/kg.K) 1000 to 1100 1500 to 1510 1920 to 2100

Thermal Conductivity (W/m.K) 0.24 to 0.26 0.17 to 0.24 0.16 to 0.24

Electrical

Dielectric Constant 3.1 to 3.2 2.8 to 3.3 2.26 to 2.4

13
Resistivity (10 ohm.m) 3.16 to 10 6.31 to 15.8 10 to 1000

8
Plastic pipe systems have certain advantages when compared with metal pipe systems and the following
illustrates some of these advantages: -

SLU
RR
Y

Lightweight Abrasion resistance

Easier to handle. Density range 0.9 - 1.8 g/cm Plastic is more resistant than
steel due to its lower frictional
characteristics.

Heat loss
Plastics provide good
insulation and are poor
heat conductors.

Elastic properties
Good impact resistance. Good bend stress resistance.
Low temperature operation
Plastic pipelines can accommodate
ice expansion and thaw without
damage.

Chemical stability
Good chemical resistance to a broad range of
materials conveyed.

Thermal expansion
Plastics expand much more than steel, as they are more
affected by thermal change.

Electrical conductivity
Corrosion resistance Plastics do not conduct electrical
Plastic does not corrode, whereas many metals combine with charge and there is no electrolytic
oxygen and corrode or rust. reaction as with metals.

Smoother surface finish Colours

Plastic pipes unlike metal pipes are not prone to Plastic can be made in many permanent colours aiding
encrustation of lime-scale, etc; and therefore will have colour-code identification and eliminating the need for
smaller pressure losses. paint maintenance.
9
 Material selection

2.6 Effast pipe system plastic materials
2.6.1 Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl chloride, an amorphous thermoplastic is suitable for
injection moulding and extruding (i.e.reshaped with heat),
making it ideal for the manufacture of pipes, fittings and
valves. It can be heat welded or solvent cemented (chemically
welded). It can also be recycled and reprocessed. PVC in its
ABS, being non-toxic, complies with the toxicological
requirements of the British Plastics Federation/British
Industrial Biological Research Association (BIBRA) Code of
Practice for food usage 45/5.
ABS can be used in applications that require: -
Good chemical resistance

natural state is a strong semi rigid material and is denoted in
its abbreviated form as PVCu or PVCuH where the u
identifies the product as unplasticized and H as high impact.
PVCu pipes and fittings are widely used within the Potable
and Wastewater treatments industries. During the
manufacturing process certain additives may be used to
enhance its processability and performance characteristics: -
Stabilizers:
Normally calcium or tin based, provide protection against
the adverse effects of heat degradation and ultraviolet
(UV) radiation. Polymers used by Effast meet the
requirements of the many international regulatory bodies
governing the food and potable water industries.
Pigments:
These are colours that may assist in use identification and
ease of maintenance.
Lubricants:
Are used to aid extrusion and the release of moulded
products from mould cavities.
These additives typically make up less than 5% of the
finished PVC components mass. PVC pipe and fittings can be
used in applications that require: -
Environmental resistance to aggressively caustic or
acidic media
Good abrasion resistance
Operating temperature range: 0C to +60C
Solvent welding
Good abrasion resistance
Good material strength and high impact resistance
Operating temperature range: -
- 40C to +60C
- Suitable for low temperature usage
Solvent welding
2.6.3 Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene, a semi-crystalline thermoplastic is suitable
for injection moulding and extruding (i.e. reshaped with
heat), making it suitable for the manufacture of pipes,
fittings and valves. It can also be recycled and reprocessed.
Polypropylene is produced by polymerising propylene along
with a catalyst and other additives. The material can be
produced in either homo-polymer form (PP-H) and block or
random copolymers (PP-B or PP-R). Polypropylene is
adversely affected by UV radiation and pipelines that are
installed outside or in direct sunlight should be protected by
insulation or protective coating. Polypropylene is suitable
for use with foodstuffs, potable and ultra pure waters, as
well as within the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
Polypropylene can be used in applications that require: -
Environmental resistance to most organic and
inorganic chemicals
Good material strength and fatigue resistance
Operating temperature range -10C to +110C
Fusion welding

2.6.2 Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, an amorphous thermoplastic
is suitable for injection moulding and extruding
(i.e. reshaped with heat), making it suitable for the
manufacture of pipes, fittings and valves. It can be solvent
cemented (chemically welded). It can also be recycled and
reprocessed. ABS comprises a styrene and acrylonitrile
copolymer linked to polybutadiene. The constituents can be
changed in proportion and engineered to provide particular
properties required for different applications such as the
containment and conveyance of potable water, slurries
and chemicals.

10
2.7 Specific environmental factors Instructions for solvent cementing joints must be followed
rigidly to avoid the capillary action of solutions.
for pipe systems
The following table summarises certain thermoplastics for
2.7.1 Flammability use in disinfectant operating environments: -
Material flammability can be measured by the Limiting
Oxygen Index (LOI) as defined under BS 2782 method Table 2.3 Disinfectant suitability
141 or ASTM 2863. Materials are assessed and given an Maximum operating Suitability for
Thermoplastic material
index number that reflects their combustion characteristics. pressure (bar) disinfectant use

For example materials with an index: - PVCu 6 *

ABS NA
Under 21, will support combustion in air at ambient room
PP NA
temperature (+15C)
PE and PVDF 10
Above 21, will not sustain combustion
= Yes = No
Above 25, will burn only when there are extreme heat
conditions i.e. where there is direct high temperature heat *PVCu systems rated at 10 bar or above can only be used in

applied (blowtorch, etc.) this application when operated at 6 bar.

Plastics have a wide range of LOI and the following table

2.7.5 Electrostatic charge
demonstrates the LOI for different plastics and its effects
Plastic pipe systems are not suitable for electrically conductive
regarding flammability and toxicity: -
applications. The build up of electrostatic charge may result
in a potentially explosive condition and in order to avoid
Table 2.2 Flamability properties
Thermoplastic such a situation the following guidelines must be followed: -
LOI Flammability Fumes' toxicity
material
PVCu 46 - 49 Self Extinguishing High Stop electrostatic charge accumulating: By wrapping a
metallic earthing tape firmly around the pipe
ABS 18 - 20 Burns Low to medium
circumference or along the length of the pipe system or
PP 16 - 18 Burns Low to medium
painting the pipe with a metallic based, solvent
free, electrically conductive paint.
2.7.2 Ultra violet light (UV)
The majority of plastics when exposed to ultra violet light Disperse the electrical charge: By ionizing the atmosphere,
(present in sunlight) will suffer degradation or loss of increasing humidity to over 65% or using an antistatic
properties to varying degrees. All plastics should be hydroscopic soap.
protected and this can be achieved by either lagging the
pipe where exposed or by painting with a weatherproof 2.7.6 Compressed air
water based paint. Plastic pipelines for compressed air applications can be
subject to damage from the presence of oil, additives and
2.7.3 Hot climates related vapours. These contaminates should be removed
Applications in hot climates should ensure storage and from the system through filtration and traps to ensure clean
installation to allow for thermal expansion, deformation and dry air.
and degradation due to excessive UV radiation or thermal
The following table summarises certain thermoplastics for
exposure.
use in compressed air systems: -

2.7.4 Disinfectants
Table 2.4 Compressor suitability
Disinfectants are anti-microbial agents in either an alcohol
Suitability as Effects from
Thermoplastic material
or aqueous based solution, with detergents to help spread compressed airline compressor oil
the agents through their strong capillary action. The various PVCu Poor suitability* Can become brittle
compositions of disinfectants will have widely differing ABS Suitable Limited resistance
effects on plastics. It is strongly advised when using plastics PP Unsuitable Drastically shortened life
for a pipe system, that confirmation of compatibility with PE and PB Very suitable Good resistance
the material should be sought from the disinfectant
manufacturer. * PVCu should only be used where the air pressure does
not exceed 3 bar or the application is an open ended
dispersion system.

11
 Pressure and temperature

3.0 Pressure and temperature relationship
The required duration of operation for a given working
pressure and temperature must be taken into account when
planning a plastic pipe system. Pressures that can be
sustained for a short time at a certain temperature may not
be sustainable at a higher working temperature; or even at
the same pressure and temperature should the working
duration of the system be extended. It is possible to work
out the maximum permitted working pressures at different
temperatures and the associated safety factors with the
use of regression graphs. Safety factors are used to ensure
that plastic pipeline systems can operate under stress for their
given lifetime without damage or failure and is described as
the ratio between the maximum allowable circumferential
stress which a system can absorb and its operating stress.
The following formula is used to calculate the permissible
working pressure for a pipeline system: -
Where P Permissible operating pressure (bar)
C Safety factor (see table 3.1)
20 Proportionality constant
 Circumferential stress (MPa), taken from
regression charts (3.1, 3.2 and 3.3) at the end of
this chapter.
e Pipes wall thickness (mm)
D Pipes outside diameter (mm)
Note that fittings and other components, with the same
pressure rating as the pipe, are normally thicker walled and
therefore the lowest common denominator of wall thickness
(e) should be used.

Table 3.1 Safety factors for thermoplastics (C)

Thermoplastic material

PVCu metric PVCu imperial ABS metric ABS imperial PP-H metric
Safety factor* 2.5 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1

* Safety factors are based on 50 year expected life at 20C, with water.

The higher the working temperature of a plastic pipe system, the lower will be the working pressure that can be sustained
within the system, please refer to tables 3.2 to 3.5

Worked example 3.1 Worked example 3.2

Calculate the maximum operating pressure for a pipe system Calculate the maximum operating pressure for a pipe system
with the following specification:- with the following specification:-
Material type: PVCu Material type: PVCu
Intended operating life: 20 years Intended operating life: 20 years
Maximum operating temperature: 20 C Maximum operating temperature: 30 C
Pipe dimensions: 63 x 3 mm and 63 x 4.7 mm Pipe dimensions: 63 x 3 mm and 63 x 4.7 mm

Solution
Factor of safety C = 2.5 (from table 3.1).
With life span 20 years and temperature t = 20 C find  = 27
(from chart 3.1).
The formula for determining the operating pressure is used:-
Solution
Factor of safety C = 2.5 (from table 3.1).
With life span 20 years and temperature t = 30 C find  = 22
(from chart 3.1).
The formula for determining the operating pressure is used: -

(PN10) for 3 mm wall thickness (PN10) for 3 mm wall thickness

and and

(PN16) for 4.7 mm wall thickness (PN16) for 4.7 mm wall thickness

12
 Table 3.2 Temperature and pressure relationship for pipes, PVCu imperial
Class C Class D Class E

Temperature (C) bar psi bar psi bar psi

0 9.0 130 12.0 174 15.0 217
20 9.0 130 12.0 174 15.0 217
30 8.1 117 10.8 156 13.5 195
35 7.2 104 9.6 139 12.0 174
40 6.3 91 8.4 121 10.5 152
45 5.4 78 7.2 104 9.0 130
50 4.0 58 5.4 78 6.7 97
55 2.7 39 3.6 52 4.5 65
60 1.3 18 1.8 26 2.2 31

Table 3.3 Temperature and pressure relationship for pipes,

PVCu metric

Pipe pressure rating (bar)

Temperature (C) PN10 PN16

0 10.0 16.0
20 10.0 16.0
30 8.0 12.8
35 7.1 11.8
40 6.4 10.2
45 5.1 8.2
50 4.4 7.0
55 3.3 5.2
60 2.6 4.1

Table 3.4 Temperature and pressure relationship for pipes, ABS imperial
Class C Class D Class E

Temperature (C) bar psi bar psi bar psi

-40 9.0 130 12.0 174 15.0 217
-20 9.0 130 12.0 174 15.0 217
0 9.0 130 12.0 174 15.0 217
20 9.0 130 12.0 174 15.0 217
30 8.1 117 11.3 163 13.5 195
40 6.3 91 8.5 123 10.5 152
50 4.5 65 6.3 91 7.5 108
60 2.7 39 3.8 55 4.5 65

Table 3.5 Temperature and pressure relationship for pipes,

PP-H metric (PN10)

Pipe pressure rating (bar)

Temperature (C) 50 Years 25 Years 10 Years 1 Year

20 10.0 10.6 11.0 12.3
40 6.2 6.6 6.9 8.0
60 3.8 4.1 4.3 5.2
80 - 1.6 2.0 3.5
95 - - 0.9 2.3
110 - - - 1.6

13
 Pressure and temperature

3.1 Calculation of pipe wall thickness (2) The ISO 4065 S series classification
The ISO 4065 S classifies pipes into pressure ratings using a
Thermoplastic pipes based on the nominated standard sizes
series number, therefore pipes with the same series number
are accorded pressure ratings. The basis of this rating is that
are rated to the same pressure.
the outside diameter of the pipe remains standard but the
The series number can be arrived at by use of the
wall thickness is specified according to the strength
following formula: -
requirement. For example the outside diameter of a 32 mm
pressure pipe rated at 10 bar will be the same as that rated
at 16 bar. The higher the pressure that the pipe is required to
hold, the greater the strength requirement and thus the
Alternatively S can be derived with
greater the wall thickness necessary to withstand that
pressure. The pipe wall thickness can be calculated by the
following vessel formula:-

Where S Series number, note this is dimensionless

 Permissible circumferential stress (MPa),
see table 3.6
Note: which in this case P max = P and therefore
P Permissible operating pressure (bar) at 20 C
C = 1 and is not shown.
10 Proportionality constant
D Outside diameter (mm)
Where e Pipe wall thickness (mm)
e Pipe wall thickness (mm)
D Outside diameter (mm)
P Permissible operating pressure (bar) at 20 C
(3) The SDR (Standard dimension ratio)
 Permissible circumferential stress (MPa),
The SDR rating (an American classification) denotes the ratio of
see table 3.6
the pipes outside diameter to its wall thickness and is found
20 Constant of proportionality
by using: -

Due to manufacturing necessity pipes of a small diameter will

have a greater wall thickness than may be expected when using
the vessel formula.
Where SDR Standard Dimension Ratio
Table 3.6 Permissible circumferential stresses for plastics ()
D Outside diameter (mm)
Thermoplastic material Circumferential stress (MPa)
e Pipe wall thickness (mm), this may be
PVCu 10
calculated using the vessel formula
ABS 7.5
PP 5
The SDR may also be calculated from the ISO 4065 S Series (S)
by use of the following formula: SDR = 2 x S + 1
3.2 International standards of ratings
Worked example 3.3
There are three classifications which are accepted as
This example demonstrates the different methods available
International Standards for rating of plastic pipes: -
to determine the S and SDR classification criteria of pressure
rating for plastics.
(1) The PN Nominal Pressure classification
Determine the S and SDR classification for a
The PN classification rates pipes and components for their
110 x 5.3mm PVC pipe.
maximum permissible pressure at 20C. Thus a component
rated at PN16 can be used to carry liquid or other fluid
media at 20C up to a maximum pressure of 16 bar.
This system also rules that pipes, valves and fittings of the
same standard size and same nominal pressure rating will
have the same joint dimensions. This is of significance in
establishing interchangeability of components made by
different manufacturers.

14
Solution It is recommended that if the allowable negative pressure
From table 3.3 for PVC at 20C, the pressure rating is 10 bar. (Pe) is less than 1 bar then the pipeline system will not sustain
From table 3.6 for PVC at 20C, the permissible circumferential vacuum. (1 bar = 0.98 Atmospheres.) Different thermoplastics
stress  = 10 MPa. have different operating temperatures under a vacuum and
maximum installation temperatures must be observed, as
Hence
shown in table 3.7: -

Table 3.7 Maximum installation temperatures for

vacuum conditions
S can also be calculated by: Thermoplastic material Maximum temperature under vacuum (C)

PN10 PN16
PVCu 40 60
ABS 60 60
PP 80 80

Worked example 3.4

A PVCu pipe (PN10) operates under the following condition: -
Pipe outside diameter: 110mm
alternatively:
Intended service life: 10 years
+ + Safety factor: 2
Modulus of Elasticity 2200 MPa
Poissons Ratio 0.4
3.3 Maximum working conditions for
Determine the collapsing pressure and determine whether the
negative pressure
vacuum pressure can or can not be sustained,
The design safety factor for negative for two cases: -
pressure is 2. Pipe wall thickness: 5.3mm
Pipeline systems operating below atmospheric pressure Pipe wall thickness: 3.0mm
(1 bar) are subjected to vacuum or negative pressure
and will tend to collapse radially inwards due to the Solution
greater outside pressure. The collapsing pressure is given by: -
The collapsing pressure can be shown by the following
formula: -

(a) For e = 5.3mm, the collapsing and the vacuum pressure are
calculated: -

Where Pc Collapsing pressure (bar)

20 Proportionality constant
E Modulus of elasticity (MPa) (See table 2.1)
Poissons ratio (See table 2.1)
e Pipe wall thickness (mm) Therefore the pipe will sustain this condition,
D Pipe outside diameter (mm) as Pe is greater than 1.
C Safety factor = 2 (Design safety factor for (b) For e = 3mm, the collapsing and the vacuum pressure
negative pressure) are calculated: -

The maximum allowable negative pressure (Pe) is obtained

from the collapsing pressure (Pc) and safety
factor (C) with: -

This pressure is lower than 1 bar; hence the pipe system can
not support this condition.
15
 Pressure and temperature

Chart 3.1 Life regression for PVCu

100

50
40
30
20C
20 30C
40C
Circumferential stress (MPa)

10 50C
60C

1
Years
1 5 10 25 50

0.1
0.1 1 10 100 103 104 105 106
Load duration (hours)

Chart 3.2 Life regression for ABS

100

50
40
30
20C
20 30C
Circumferential stress (MPa)

40C
10 50C
60C

1
Years
1 5 10 25 50

0.1
0.1 1 10 100 103 104 105 106
Load duration (hours)

16
 Chart 3.3 Life regression for PP-H
100

50
40
30
20
Circumferential stress (MPa)

10 20C
30C
40C
50C
60C
70C
80C
95C
1
120C
Years
1 5 10 25 50

0.1
0.1 1 10 100 103 104 105 106
Load duration (hours)

17
 Selection of pipeline systems

4.0 Pipeline system selection Table 4.2 PVCu (metric sizes) pressure ratings -
fittings, valves and pipes
Pipeline system selection is usually based on a number
Pressure rating at 20C
of parameters: - Product Size - mm
bar psi

The effect of working conditions such as pressure, Fittings

temperature and the fluid carried as described in 16 - 160 16 232

Solvent cement
chapter 3. 200 - 315 10 145
Metric solvent x 16 x /8" -
10 145
Flow rate of the fluid usually governs the pipe size. BSP adaptor 110 - 4"
The relationship between the pipe size and the pressure Valves
rating is shown in tables 4.1 to 4.4 for the different types 16 - 63 16 232
Ball
75 - 110 10 145
of thermoplastics; these tables also include pressure
Diaphragm 20 - 63 10 145
ratings for pipe fittings and valves.
Butterfly 90 - 140 10 145
160 6 87
Table 4.1 PVCu (imperial sizes) pressure ratings - 16 - 63 16 232
fittings, valves and pipes Check
75 - 90 10 145
Pressure rating at 20C Pipes
Product Size - inches
psi bar PN rated 16 - 315 10 and 16 145 and 232
Fittings
-6 217 15
Solvent cement
8,10 and 12 130 9 Table 4.3 PP-H (metric sizes) pressure ratings -
Threaded /8 - 4 145 10 fittings, valves and pipes

- 2 174 12 Size - mm Pressure rating at 20C

Union Product
(inches) bar psi
3-4 145 10
Flange Blanks Fittings

1-2 232 16 Socket fusion 16 - 110 10 145

2 - 4 145 10 Valves
5-6 87 6 Ball union end/ 20 - 63
10 145
socket fusion ("- 2")
Valves
/8 - 2 232 16 Ball union end/
Ball (" - 2") 10
threaded BSP 145
2 - 4 145 10
3 Way ball -2 145 10 90 - 140
10 145
(3" - 5")
Diaphragm -2 145 10
Butterfly
Butterfly 3-5 145 10 160 - 225
6 87
(6" - 8")
6 87 6
Knife gate 1 - 4 36 2.5 20 - 63
Check 10 145
(" - 2")
/8 - 2 232 16
Check
2 - 3 145 10 Pipes
2-6 145 10 PN rated 16 - 110 10 145
Wafer check
8 87 6
Pipes
Class E -6 217 15
Class D 1 - 6 174 12
Class C 2 - 12 130 9
Class T
Threading and /8 - 2 174 12
machining only

18
 Table 4.4 ABS (imperial sizes) pressure ratings - Table 4.5 Valve selection
fittings, valves and pipes
Valve features Ball valve Butterfly valve Diaphragm valve
Size - inches Pressure rating at 20C
Product Standard seal EPDM, FPM EPDM, FPM EPDM
(mm) psi bar
Flow Full Restricted Restricted
Fittings
Limited, Good, Good,
-4 217 15 Flow adjustment
not positive positive positive
Solvent cement 5-6 174 12
Frictional
8 145 10 Low Medium High
pressure loss
Threaded BSP /8 - 3 145 10
Behaviour
- 2 174 12 Fair Limited Limited
water hammer
Union
3-4 145 10
Flange Blanks
1-2 232 16 Table 4.6 Valve seal behaviour
2 - 4 145 10 Seal features Ball valve Butterfly valve Diaphragm valve
5-6 87 6
Liquid, particle
Valves Good Good Good
free
/8 - 2
232 16 Liquid, Good, but needs
(16 - 63mm) Limited, needs
Ball particulate or occasional Good
regular cleaning
2 - 4 crystal forming cleaning
145 10
(75 - 110mm)
Liquid, viscous Good Limited Limited
/8 - 2
232 16
(16 - 63mm)
Check Gases Good Good Limited
2 - 3
145 10
(75 - 90mm)
Pipes
Class E /8 - 4 217 15
Class D 6 174 12
Class C 1-8 130 9
Class T
Threading and /8 - 2 174 12
machining only

4.1 Valve selection

Valve selection is based upon a number of key parameters: -

The primary valve body material is selected along with

the material best suited for the pipe system.

Thereafter valve selection will depend on the properties

of the conveyed medium and the valve characteristics
themselves, as shown in table 4.5.

The compatibility of the seal material to the conveyed

medium within the known operating parameters must
be confirmed, which can be determined by reference
to the valve seal behaviour in table 4.6.

Additionally, valves have another important characteristic

known as torque rating which is very important in
actuated applications. Charts 4.1 to 4.6 show the
torque-valve diameter rating for three types of valves.

19
 Selection of pipeline systems

Torque charts for ball valves

Chart 4.1 Torque for economy ball valve PVCu

70

60

50
Torque (Nm)

40

30

20

10

0
16 20 25 32 40 50 63 75 90 110
Please note:
Please note:Some
Some75mm ballValves
75mm Ball valvesare
are based
based on
on 90mm
Pipe diameter (mm) 90mm bodiesbodies
and thus havehave
and thus a higher torques
a higher torquesrating.
rating.

Chart 4.2 Torque for industrial ball valve PVCu and ABS

35

30

25
Torque (Nm)

20

15

10

0
20 25 32 40 50 63 75 90 110
Please note:
Please note:Some
Some75mm ballValves
75mm Ball valvesare
are based
based on
on 90mm
Pipe diameter (mm) 90mm bodiesbodies
and thus havehave
and thus a higher torques
a higher torquesrating.
rating.

Chart 4.3 Torque for industrial ball valve PP

35

30

25
Torque (Nm)

20

15

10

0
16 20 25 32 40 50 63 75 90
Pipe diameter (mm)
20
Torque charts for butterfly valves

Chart 4.4 Torque for butterfly valve PVCu

35

30

25
Torque (Nm)

20

15

10

0
90 110 125 140 160
Pipe diameter (mm)

Chart 4.5 Torque for butterfly valve PP

90

80

70

60

50
Torque (Nm)

40

30

20

10

0
90 110 140 160 225
Pipe diameter (mm)

21
 Selection of pipeline systems

Torque chart for diaphragm valves

Chart 4.6 Torque for diaphragm valve PVCu

12

10
Torque (Nm)

0
20 25 32 40 50 63
Pipe diameter (mm)

22
Pipeline system design

This chapter describes the design calculations for a plastic Worked example 5.1
pipeline system by using the following criteria: - (a) What size of PVCu pipe should be used if the volumetric

Pipeline diameter for a given fluid flow rate flow rate is 10 l/s and the flow velocity is restricted to
3m/s?
Frictional and pressure losses of the system
(b) What is the effect of using a smaller or larger size pipe
Pumping power requirement to do the job? Take pipes of external diameters and wall
Pressure transients (i.e. water hammer) thicknesses as: -
(i) D = 50mm and e = 1.8mm.
The above parameters are shown and worked examples are (ii) D = 75mm and e = 2.2mm respectively.
provided to demonstrate the calculation
procedure for each aspect. Solution
(a) The pipe internal diameter formula is used:-
5.1 Pipe diameter calculation
Q 10
Pipeline sizing is a three-way relationship between the d = 35.68 = 35 . 68 = 65 mm
internal pipe flow area (A in m), the flow velocity
u 3
(u in m/s) and the volumetric flow rate (Q in m/s) as (b) In case the suppliers do not have the exact diameter
given by: - determined above (65mm), let us examine two options: -
(i) When the flow area is decreased to 50mm
diameter, then the velocity will increase as
Where the cross-section of the pipes internal flow shown by the Continuity equation in terms
area (A) is of velocity: -
2 2
35.68 35.68
u=Q = 10 = 5.91 m/s
d 50 3.6
The above relationship can be expressed in terms of the
internal pipe diameter (d in m): - This is clearly over the recommended design limit
of 3m/s for flow velocity of liquids in this pipeline
system and is not advisable.
(ii) When the flow area is increased to 75mm

If the flow rate is expressed in litres per second (l/s), then the diameter, then the velocity will decrease as shown

pipe diameter (mm) relation can be simplified to: - by the Continuity equation: -

2 2
35.68 35.68
u=Q = 10 = 2.55 m/s
d 75 4.4
Note that there are two factors which influence the selection This flow velocity is lower than the maximum
of flow velocity: - recommended value of 3m/s and is therefore

In order to avoid increasing pressure losses due to friction, acceptable. Remember that lower flow velocity

if the pipe internal diameter is reduced the flow velocity means proportionately lower pressure losses,

should be proportionately reduced.
Noise generation increases rapidly with velocity,
especially for gas flow applications and the following
limiting velocities are accepted for the general design
of pipeline systems: -
therefore, always go for the next size up if your
calculated size is not available.
5.2 Flow regimes in pipeline system
Flow regimes in a pipe were classified by Osborne Reynolds
(in the early twentieth century) into three categories: -

Table 5.1 Noise limiting flow velocities in Laminar: Where the flow behaves in an orderly manner
plastic pipeline systems running in parallel stream lines.
Medium carried Maximum velocity (m/s)
Turbulent: Where the flow streams are interlinked.
Liquid under suction 1
Liquid under delivery 3 Transient: An intermediate condition where the flow
Gas 25 is neither Laminar nor Turbulent.

23
 Pipeline system design

Reynolds identified these categories by calculating a The friction factor ( f ) can also be determined graphically
dimensionless group of three flow parameters, later given using the Moody diagram (Chart 5.1) shown at the end of
the name Reynolds number, which is defined by:- this chapter.

DArcy presented the following relationship to determine the

Head loss ( H ) due to frictional resistance to the flow
f
in pipelines: -
Where Re Reynolds number 2
u Flow velocity (m/s) Hf = 4 f L u
d Pipe internal diameter (m) d 2g
v Kinematic viscosity (m/s), see table 5.2 below Where f Coefficient of friction
L Length of pipe (m)
Table 5.2 Kinematic viscosity of water g Acceleration due to gravity (9.81m/s)
Temperature Kinematic viscosity (m/s x 10-6) u Flow velocity (m/s)
0 1.752 d Pipe internal diameter (m)
5 1.501 Usually hydraulic loss is evaluated in metres per 100m length
10 1.300
(i.e. L = 100) so the above formula can be simplified to: -
15 1.137
2
Hf = 20.4 f u
20 1.004
25 0.893
30 0.800 d
35 0.722 5.4 Pressure losses due to obstructions
40 0.656 in pipeline systems
45 0.600
50 0.551 Obstruction losses are due to the presence of valves and fittings
in pipeline systems. These losses are grouped into one lot

Reynolds concluded that if Re is less than 2000 the flow is and the associated hydraulic loss ( HO ) is calculated as the
clearly laminar and when Re is over 4000 the flow is clearly sum of all loss coefficients multiplied by the velocity head of the

turbulent. However when Re is between 2000 and 4000 the approaching fluid: -
u2
flow is transient and the flow prediction is not reliable.
HO = ( k i )
2g
Table 5.3 Reynolds flow regimes
Where g Acceleration due to gravity (9.81m/s)
Regime Reynolds number (Re ) Characteristics u Flow velocity (m/s)
Laminar <2000 Streamline flow k The sum of k-values for fittings and valves for
i
Transient 2000 - 4000 Unsettled flow
the pipe system, see tables 5.5 and 5.6
Turbulent >4000 Very mixed flow

Table 5.5 Obstruction loss coefficient for fittings

5.3 Pressure losses due to friction
Obstruction k
in pipelines
Pipe entry 0.5
The coefficient of friction which is an indication of the Pipe exit 1.0
resistance the pipe surface offers to the flow is dependent on 90 elbow 0.40
the value of the Reynolds number and the roughness of the 45 elbow 0.30
90 bend 0.60
pipe internal surface. Plastics have a unique advantage over
45 bend 0.40
metal pipes in that they are considered perfectly smooth
Tee straight through 0.80
when new and do not suffer from the build up of rust or Tee branch 90 0.95
coagulation; thus their original internal dimension is Sudden enlargement diameter ratio
retained. The friction factor for plastic pipes is given in table 5.4 1:2 0.15
1:3 0.19
1:4 0.24
Table 5.4 Friction coefficients 1:5 0.30
Regime Reynolds number (Re) Coefficient of friction ( f ) Sudden contraction diameter ratio
Laminar <2000 16/Re 5:1 0.40
Transient 2000 - 4000 No data 4:1 0.37
Turbulent >4000 0.079 Re -0.25 3:1 0.33
2:1 0.30

24
 Worked example 5.2
Table 5.6 Obstruction loss coefficient for valves
A PVCu pipeline system, pumping water, comprises the
Valve 25% Open 50% Open 75% Open 100% Open
following items: -
Ball 10.53 5.54 1.25 0.28
Pipe Length 200m
Diaphragm 1.94 1.59 1.39 1.25
Butterfly 3.74 0.42 0.14 0.10 Outside diameter 110mm
Non-return 6.37 3.5 2.1 1.0 Wall thickness 10mm
Fittings 2x 90 bends k = 0.6
1x pipe entry k = 0.5
5.5 Pump rating
1x pipe exit k = 1.0
5.5.1 Hydraulic losses in pipeline systems 1x butterfly valve (25% open) k = 3.74
The pump in a fluid pipeline system has to: -

Overcome frictional losses,
Overcome obstruction losses due to valves and fittings,
The total hydraulic loss (metres) is therefore given by
Transfer the fluid at the required flow rate between
two stations,
(a) Determine the total hydraulic and pressure losses of this
system when the flow rate of water is 30 l/s if the
operating temperature is 10C. (Take the viscosity of
water from table 5.2)
(b) Determine the pump power to deliver this flow rate to a
point situated 20m above the source given the pumps
hydraulic efficiency is 80%.

The static-lift is the physical difference in elevation between Solution

the two stations in metres. (a)

5.5.2 Pressure losses in pipeline systems

The relationship between head loss and pressure loss is
given by: -

Hence flow
is turbulent.
Where P Pressure loss (N/m or Pa)
 Density of fluid (kg/m)
g Acceleration due to gravity (9.81m/s)

5.5.3 Energy loss in pipeline system

The aforementioned hydraulic losses in a pipeline system
are to be accommodated in the design process and these
losses should be considered when selecting the correct
pump size (duty).
The pumps rating (power requirement in Watts) is given by: -
Total hydraulic losses

Hlosses = Hf + Ho = 33 + 7.2
Where
= 40.2 m
Q Volumetric flow rate Total pressure losses
Hydraulic efficiency of pump P = g Hlosses = 10 3 9.81 40.2
(Refer to manufacturers data) = 394 kPa
Htotal Total effective head Htotal =Hstatic-lift+ Hlosses
(b) Total effective head
(Due to pipe-friction, fittings, plus static-lift)
Htotal = Hstatic- lift + Hlosses
= 20 + 40.2
= 60.2 m
Pump power
= Q g Htotal /
= 10 30 10 9.81 60.2 / 0.8
3 -3

= 22.1 kW
25
 Pipeline system design

5.6 Pressure transients in pipeline Worked example 5.3

systems (water hammer)
There are times when either by poor design or abrupt
changes in the flow condition the pipeline system
undergoes a pressure surge, this phenomenon known as
Water Hammer, may be initiated by any of the following
actions in the pipeline system: -
Abrupt valve closure
Pump start up, shutdown or an abrupt change in speed
Entrapped gas in the liquid flow
There are four important parameters to be considered
at the design stage so that the effect of water hammer
is minimised: -
1. The velocity of the pressure wave (m/s)
A PVCu pipeline system, PN6 rated, 300m in length, with an
outside diameter of 50mm and a wall thickness of
1.8mm with an operational pressure of 4.4 bar, has an
actuated valve with a closing time of 2 seconds.
Where PVCus Youngs modulus (E) is 2.6 GPa and its
circumferential stress is 29 MPa; and waters bulk modulus
of elasticity (K) is 2.05 GPa and its density of 1000 kg/m.
Determine the water hammer characteristics where the
flow rate is 10m/h and 20m/h.
Solution
Flow rate (m/h)
Property
10 20
1. Pressure wave velocity

310 m/s 310 m/s

2. Initial wave velocity

1.643 m/s 3.285 m/s

Where K Bulk modulus of elasticity for fluid (Pa)
 Fluid density (kg/m3)
3. Pressure fluctuation
E Modulus of elasticity of pipe material (Pa)
5.09 bar 10.18 bar
d Pipe inside diameter (mm)
u
e Pipe wall thickness (mm) 3.1 Maximum pressure
9.49 bar 14.58 bar
2. Pressure fluctuation consists of both an upper and lower
pressure limit and these must be kept within the pipes 3.2 Minimum pressure
-0.69 bar -5.78 bar
pressure characteristics, such that the upper limit is within
the pipes maximum operating pressure and the lower 4. Critical wave period
limit is above the pipes collapsing pressure, in order to
1.9 second 1.9 second
avoid permanent damage to the pipe system.
The pressure fluctuation is given by Collapsing pressure

-2.88 bar -2.88 bar

Where u is the velocity change (m/s).

Maximum allowable
The pressure fluctuation results in upper and lower limits of negative pressure
operation and is defined as:- -1.44 bar -1.44 bar

The maximum pressure:

The minimum pressure: Effective safety factor
2.37 1.54
3. The effective safety factor for frequent surges should be
lower than the materials safety factor.
P min is within the
P min is outside the
Pe parameter, hence the
Where  is circumferential stress (MPa) system will withstand the
Pe parameter, hence the
pipe will collapse.
negative pressure.
Statement
P max is less than the
P max is less than the
maximum permissible
maximum permissible
pressure of 15 bar.
pressure of 15 bar.
4. Critical wave period (seconds) given by

Where L is pipe length (m) Note: In cases of negative pressure C has a value of 2
as in section 3.3. In this example the water hammer
procedure was followed (4 steps) in addition Pc and Pe
Actuated valves must have closure times greater than were calculated as outlined in section 3.3 and Cmax as
this wave period in order to minimise the effect of outlined in section 5.6.
water hammer.
26
 Chart 5.1 The Moody diagram

0.08

0.07 0.05
0.04
0.06
0.03
Transient zone

0.05
0.02

0.04
0.01
Friction factor

Relative roughness
0.03 0.005

0.02
0.001

0.0005

0.0001

0.01
Laminar flow Turbulent flow
0.008 0.00001
103 104 105 106 107 108

Reynolds number

27
 Storage, handling and installation
6.0 Introduction
One of the key parts of a successful installation comes from
the way that plastic pipes and components are
stored and handled. This chapter deals with the installation
of plastic pipeline systems and describes the
methods for preserving structural integrity and
compensating for thermal expansion.
6.1 Storage and handling
Pipe is often stored directly on the ground or supported in
racks or pallets and the following conditions
should be observed: -
Ensure that the ground surface is level and cleared of
debris to prevent the pipes from becoming bent, scored
and damaged.
Pipes should never be stacked more than 6 layers high
and in hot climates this should be restricted to 4 layers.
Large bore pipes should not be stacked greater than
1 metre high, thus avoiding ovality due to heat
and pressure.
Pipes of different diameters and wall thickness should be
stacked separately. If this is not practical the larger
diameter and thicker walled pipes should be stored at the
bottom of the stack.
Pipe racks should be constructed to provide full support
to each pipe layer. Side supports should be at least
100mm wide and be placed at regular intervals of
1.2 metres along the pipe length.
Narrow straps to support the pipe stack should
be avoided.
Pipes can be stored in palletised stacks as long as the
pallets and not the pipes support the stack weight and
pallets should be stacked no more than 3 pallets high for
short periods only.
Pipes and fittings stored for an extended period of time
should be protected from direct sunlight to avoid UV
degradation. Fittings should be stored using a method
that allows air circulation such as porous hessian sacks,
boxes or on shelves.
28
The whole purpose of correct handling is to avoid damage
to pipes and should encompass loading, transit and
unloading of the pipes. The following guidelines should be
addressed when handling pipes: -
Pipes should be loaded and unloaded manually without
dragging them over the ground, as this causes damage.
However if handling pallets of pipe by forklift ensure that
the forks do not cause damage.
Flatbed vehicles should be used to distribute pipe loads
and the largest diameter pipe should be loaded first with
the smaller pipe loaded on top or nested inside to avoid
damage. Do not drop pipes off the vehicle when
off loading but handle and stack them correctly.
6.2 Installation of plastic pipes
Thermoplastics expand and contract to a far greater extent
than metals and the following sketch provides a comparison
between some metals and plastics: -
Figure 6.1 Comparison of thermal expansion of
plastics and metals
Mild steel
Stainless steel
Copper
PVCu
ABS
Polypropylene
Polyethylene
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
There are two factors to consider when calculating
expansion or contraction in pipes: -
Environmental temperature (external temperature) at
which the pipe will stabilise prior to installation.
Fluid temperature (internal temperature) which is the
operational temperature of the pipeline system.
The change in length due to thermal expansion or
contraction in a pipeline system is determined by the
following formula: -
Where L Expansion (Le) or contraction (Lc) in mm
T Difference in temperature between the
installation and the operating
temperatures in C (=T operate - T install)
L Length of pipe when installed
Coefficient of expansion
 Worked example 6.1
Table 6.1 Coefficient of linear expansion for thermoplastics ()
Thermoplastic Coefficient Length/temperature Find the expansion and contraction on a 4 diameter PVCu
material (10-5m/mC) equivalent (mm/mC) pipe system installed at 10C, where the maximum and
PVCu 7.8 0.078 minimum operating temperatures are 30C and 8C
ABS 10.1 0.101
respectively and the overall length of the installation is 30m.
PP 15.0 0.150
PE 20.0 0.200
Solution
For example PVCu will expand 0.078mm per metre for Operating temperature (oC)
Step
every 1C raised in mid-wall temperature above the installation 30 8
temperature. Calculate temperature difference = 30 - 10 = 8 - 10
T (=T operate - T install) = +20C = -2C*

Table 6.2 Calculated expansion for 1 metre length pipe Calculate change in length due to expansion
and contraction
Expansion (mm) L = T x L x = 20 x 30 x 0.078 = -2 x 30 x 0.078
Temperature
Comment = 46.8mm = -4.68mm*
difference (C) PVCu ABS PP ( = 0.078 for PVCu)
1 0.078 0.101 0.150
Take the greater value (change in
2 0.156 0.202 0.300 length) regardless of whether it is due
Select length of flexible to expansion or contraction that can
3 0.234 0.303 0.450 arm or compensator accommodate the maximum movement.
For the temperature
4 0.312 0.404 0.600 range not on the In this case L = 46.8mm
5 0.390 0.505 0.750 chart add the factors

6 0.468 0.606 0.900

* Please note a (-) minus value represents the difference in
7 0.546 0.707 1.050 i.e.For PVCu @ 37C temperature (it is not a subzero) and hence it causes a contraction
8 0.624 0.808 1.200 of the length of the pipe.
9 0.702 0.909 1.350 20C = 1.560mm
10 0.780 1.010 1.500 +17C = 1.326mm
11 0.858 1.111 1.650
12 0.936 1.212 1.800 37C = 2.886mm
13 1.014 1.313 1.950
14 1.092 1.414 2.100
15 1.170 1.515 2.250
16 1.248 1.616 2.400
17 1.326 1.717 2.550
18 1.404 1.818 2.700
19 1.482 1.919 2.850
20 1.560 2.020 3.000

Please note that the temperature difference is the difference

between the installation temperature and the working temperature,
in degrees Celsius (C).

29
 Storage, handling and installation

6.3 Flexible arms in pipeline 6.4 How to find the flexible arm (a)
installations length
Flexible arms or expansion bellows are used in order to To calculate the length of a flexible arm () the following
avoid the associated stresses generated from a pipes change formulae can be used: -
in length due to expansion or contraction. Expansion
Single arm:
bellows are not a prime concern of this document and the
installer is advised to seek specialist guidance from the
manufacturers of such products. The flexibility of plastics
Double arm:
permits expansion or contraction to be compensated for by
means of either directional change within a pipe system
(single flexible arm) or by the installation of expansion loops Where a Flexible arm length (mm)
consisting of two flexible arms (double flexible arm), as D Pipe outside diameter (mm)
shown in the following illustrations: - L Expansion or Contraction (mm) for single
arm, for double arm use L/2
Figure 6.2 Single arm Cm Constant for material, see table 6.3
(Lc) (Le)

Table 6.3 Thermoplastic material constant (Cm)

Thermoplastic material Constant

PVCu 33.5
ABS 32.7
PP 30.0
a PE 26.0

Worked example 6.2

A 40mm ABS pipe (Cm = 32.7) has expanded in length by
22mm, what is the length required for single and double
flexible arm arrangements?

Solution
Figure 6.3 Double arm (expansion loop)
Single arm Double arm

(Lc)
(Le)

a = 970mm a = 686mm
b a

6.5 Pre-stressing flexible arms

Sometimes changes of length (L) can only be channelled in

Fixed point
one direction, possibly due to a flexible section having to
operate in a confined space. When this occurs the flexible
arm can be pre-stressed achieving the following:-

The flexible arm can be reduced in length

The flexible arm will straighten under working conditions

thus relieving a large amount of stress

The installation will look better when in service

30
Worked example 6.3
A 15 metre length of 63mm PVCu pipe ( = 0.078 for PVCu)
was installed at 10C, if the working temperature is 50C
determine the layout of the non pre-stressed and
pre-stressed arm arrangements.

Solution

Non pre-stressed Pre-stressed

( )
a = 63 47 33.5 = 1823mm

L
L = 47mm 2 = 23.5mm
15m 15m - 23.5mm

Fixed Fixed
Point Point

a = 1823mm a = 1289mm

There will be an expansion of 47mm, Half of the expansion (23.5mm) is now pre-stressed,
therefore the flexible arm length will be 1823mm. therefore the flexible arm length will be 1289mm.

31
 Storage, handling and installation

6.6 Plastic pipe systems support 6.7 Brackets

and bracketing
Plastic pipe systems require regular support which can vary
according to pipe material, size and wall dimension of the
pipe, the weight (density) of the liquid carried and the
temperature of the pipe wall. There are three types of
mechanism which support or restrain pipe movement:
Restrained within a channel; supported with clips or
brackets at predetermined intervals (see tables 6.4, 6.5,
and 6.6) and limiting rings to restrict axial movement.
Figure 6.4 Supports, brackets and limiting rings
Full support of the pipeline can be achieved by
running along suitable channel and restraining it
from lateral movement.
Pipe brackets need to be made with the inside diameter of
the bracket marginally larger than the pipe outer diameter.
This allows free lineal movement of the pipe and avoids
inhibiting expansion or contraction. They should also be
smooth, to avoid damage to the outer surface of the pipe.
There are two basic types of brackets, as shown in figures
6.5 and 6.6, namely loose brackets and fixed brackets.
Tables 6.4 and 6.5 are based on class E pipe (15 bar) or the
PN16 metric rating. For pipes of a lower rating the spacing
will be closer, derate as follows: -
Class D (12 bar) and PN12 rated pipe x 0.75
Class C (9 bar) and PN10 rated pipe x 0.62
Figure 6.5 Loose brackets - axial movement is
required without constraint

A loose bracket A sliding bracket Hanging bracket

allows axial allows movement allows radial and
movement. along a flat axial movement.
Pipelines which are suspended have to be supported by supporting surface.
brackets spaced at predetermined intervals (see tables
6.4, 6.5 and 6.6).
Figure 6.5 Fixed brackets - axial movement
constrained or controlled

A bracket on A bracket between A bracket to control

either side two pipe sockets or pipe movement in
prevents axial limiting rings one direction.
movement. prevents axial
movement.

Limiting Rings PVCu and ABS: These can be made by

cutting a small length (dissecting 1/3rd of the
circumference) of class C or 10 bar pipe of the same
outside diameter of the carrier pipe. The remaining
segment can be sprung open and then solvent welded
into place on the carrier pipe.

32
 Table 6.4 Bracket spacing for gases and liquids PVCu PN 16 metric pipe and class E (15 bar) imperial pipe

Pipe size Bracket spacing in metres

mm inch 20C 30C 40C 50C 60C

16 3 0.80 0.70 0.50 * *

/8
20 0.90 0.80 0.60 * *

25 1.00 0.90 0.70 0.55 0.40

32 1 1.10 0.95 0.75 0.60 0.45

40 1 1.20 1.10 0.90 0.70 0.55

50 1 1.30 1.20 1.00 0.80 0.60

63 2 1.40 1.30 1.10 0.90 0.65

75 2 1.50 1.40 1.20 1.00 0.70

90 3 1.60 1.50 1.30 1.20 0.85

110 4 1.90 1.80 1.60 1.30 1.10

125 - 2.10 2.00 1.85 1.60 1.25

140 5 2.20 2.10 1.90 1.65 1.35

160 6 2.30 2.20 2.00 1.75 1.50

225 8 2.60 2.45 2.30 2.00 1.75

250 - 2.80 2.70 2.55 2.20 1.95

280 10 3.20 3.00 2.85 2.50 2.15

315 12 3.60 3.40 3.20 2.80 2.45

* Implies full support requirement.

Table 6.5 Bracket spacing for gases and liquids - ABS class E pipe (15 bar)

Pipe size Bracket spacing in metres

inch 20C 30C 40C 50C 60C

3 0.80 0.75 0.65 0.60 0.50
/8
0.90 0.80 0.75 0.65 0.55

1.00 0.95 0.85 0.75 0.70

1 1.10 1.00 0.95 0.80 0.75

1 1.20 1.10 1.00 0.90 0.80

1 1.25 1.20 1.10 0.95 0.85

2 1.40 1.30 1.20 1.00 0.90

2 1.50 1.35 1.25 1.15 1.00

3 1.60 1.45 1.35 1.20 1.05

4 1.80 1.65 1.55 1.35 1.20

5 2.00 1.80 1.70 1.50 1.30

6 2.10 1.90 1.80 1.60 1.40

8 2.30 2.10 1.90 1.70 1.50

33
 Storage, handling and installation

Table 6.6 Bracket spacing for gases and liquids - polypropylene metric 10 bar rated pipe

Pipe size Bracket spacing in metres

mm 20C 40C 60C 80C 100C

16 0.74 0.68 0.63 0.54 0.39

20 0.79 0.69 0.64 0.59 0.44

25 0.84 0.82 0.74 0.69 0.49

32 0.99 0.94 0.84 0.74 0.54

40 1.05 1.03 0.94 0.84 0.59

50 1.20 1.14 1.04 0.89 0.69

63 1.38 1.29 1.18 1.04 0.79

75 1.53 1.43 1.28 1.13 0.84

90 1.63 1.53 1.43 1.23 0.93

110 1.84 1.73 1.58 1.38 1.04

6.8 The Z dimension Figure 6.7 - Z dimension

Z2
The following steps should be undertaken in preparation for
a pipeline installation: -

L Z1
Prepare a basic sketch of the pipeline system,
including fittings.

Enter the dimensions of the pipes and fittings and the

M
centre to centre measurement of each section either by
measuring on site or from the engineers drawings.
As an example, the installation notes for a PVCu pipe would
Calculate the cut length of each piece of pipe between appear as follows: -
fittings to enable correct overall assembled length of M centre to centre = 1200mm
section as follows: - Less Z1 flange = 4mm
Less Z2 bend = 80mm
L = M - Z1 - Z2
- 84mm
Where L Cut length of pipe L cut length pipe = 1116mm
M Centre to centre length between fittings
Z1 - Z2 Linear Dimensions of fittings

34
Chart 6.1 Length of flexible arm: general guide for PVCu & ABS

12" 10" 8" 6" 5" 4" 3" 21/2" 2" 11/2" 11/4" 1"
1 5 80 50 25 00 60 40 25 10 90 75 63
3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 50 40 32
3000 25 3/
"
4

20 1/
"
2

16 3/
"
8

1000
Length of flexible section (mm)

100
1 10 100 300
Change in length (mm)

35
 Methods of jointing

7.0 Introduction
This chapter deals with the four key methods of joining
plastic pipes and the selection of a jointing method is
dependent on the pipe material and its characteristics.
Table 7.1 is a guide to the selection of the type of joint
which can be used for the particular pipe material.

Table 7.1 Thermoplastic jointing methods

Thermoplastic material
Method
PVCu ABS PP and PE

Solvent cement

Solvent cement is formulated to chemically solvate the surfaces of pipes and fittings, so that when they are pushed together the softened surfaces intermix and cure into a
hard, strong and leak-free joint.
Materials welded this way must be alike, i.e. PVCu to PVCu and ABS to ABS. Not PVCu to ABS or vice versa.

Mechanical

This method uses threads and flanges to connect the different parts of pipeline systems.

Fusion

Fusion jointing involves heating the two components to be joined, so that the fusion/melt temperature on each surface is reached simultaneously. The two melted surfaces
are then brought together at a pressure designed to produce a homogenous joint when cooled. The resulting joint will have an equivalent strength and pressure rating as the
original pipe. Contact Polypipe for further details.

Compression

Compression jointing consists of compressing a rubber ring between the inner wall of the fitting and the outer wall of the pipe to be jointed. Compression joints can be used
to connect different types of pipe, both plastic and metal. As long as the correct fitting is selected, taking into account the outside diameters of the different types of pipe
work, then a satisfactory joint can be made. Note: Compression joints are designed primarily for use on water pipelines.
Contact Polypipe for further details.

= Suitable = Not suitable

36
 Table 7.2 PVCu and ABS solvent jointing procedure
Procedure Equipment

Important information: Always use Personal Protective Equipment - gloves

and eye protection
Always carry out work in a well ventilated area
Always refer to Material Safety Data Sheets
Dispose of waste responsibly
Failure to follow the jointing procedure may invalidate
any warranties given

1. Cut the pipe at right angles to its axis

Pipe cutter
and to the required length.
Saw
Deburr the cut end of the pipe with a
Scraper or knife
sharp knife or scraper.

2. Chamfer the leading edge of the pipe at Chamfering tool

approximately 15 to 30. This will prevent the Fine disc angle
solvent cement being wiped from both the pipe grinder, file or
and fitting when mated together and will also abrasive paper
help to build up a ring of solvent around the 80 - 100 grit
chamfer, thus ensuring a proper seal.

Pipe Size Chamfer Size (mm)

38 (16mm) 2
- 1 (20 - 50mm) 3-4
2 - 8 (63 - 225mm) 5-6

3. Mark the pipe back from the chamfered

end to a length equal to the socket
depth plus 5mm.
Marker pen
This mark will act as a visual indicator
to show that the pipe is fully inserted
into the socket.

4. Roughen the pipe surface (up to the

indicator mark) and the inside of the
Abrasive
socket with abrasive cloth or paper.
paper/cloth
Do not roughen the pipe and fitting to the
80 - 100 grit
extent that the clearance between them
is noticeably increased.

5. Clean the inner surface of the socket and the

Lint free cloth or
surface of the pipe up to the mark using a lint
absorbent paper
free cloth or absorbent paper dampened with
Effast solvent cleaner
Effast solvent cleaner.

37
 Methods of jointing

Table 7.2 PVCu and ABS solvent jointing procedure - continued

Procedure Equipment

6. Select the correct solvent cement, PVCu to PVCu,

Read the instructions on the tin. Effast PVCu cement
ABS to ABS. (failure to use the recommended solvent
Avoid using excessive amounts of Effast ABS cement
cement may invalidate any warranties given)
solvent cement. Brush (half the diameter
Apply the cement straight from the tin and ensure all
of the socket)
relevant surfaces are covered.

Joints are normally made in temperatures between 5 - 25C and in dry conditions, damp or wet conditions can adversely effect the solvent jointing procedure. The maximum
time before the cement is too dry for jointing is approximately 3 minutes. In hot weather this time is reduced. The joint must be made whilst the cement is still wet.
At temperatures below 5C the curing time will be considerably increased.

Pipe Size Holding Time

7. Push fittings/pipe together without twisting and
(minutes)
ensure that they are aligned and fully engaged (the
3
8 - 2 (16mm - 63mm)
indicator mark should be in line with the edge of
2 - 4 (75 - 119mm)
the socket) then hold the assembly for a short time
5 - 8 (140 - 225mm) 1
as specified.
10 - 12 (250 - 315mm) 2

When the joint is made, an O-ring of cement is formed between the pipe chamfer and the internal socket wall. This ring helps to ensure seal integrity. A bead of cement will
show around the external junction of the pipe and fitting, this should be wiped off leaving the outer part of the joint clean. Do not disturb for at least 10 - 15 minutes to
ensure that the weld integrity is maintained. After this period, the assembly can be carefully handled, prepared for further jointing or left for the recommended curing
time which is:
Up to 8 (225mm) ambient temperature constantly above 5C After 8 hours The joint will have cured enough to withstand the working pressure.
After 24 hours The pipe system can be fully pressure tested.

The number of operators:

For joints of up to 2 (75mm) 1 person is required, from 3 (90mm) up to 6 (160mm) 2 persons are needed, for 8 (225mm) and above 3 people are required.
Pipe work should be ventilated during the joining and curing processes. Never seal a pipe system which has been newly jointed as the trapped vapours can cause damage.
Positive ventilation with a small air blower is recommended to purge systems with multiple joints.

Table 7.3 Recommended joints per litre of Effast cement

Pipe size Thermoplastic material

inch mm PVCu ABS

3 16 - 32 300 400
/8 - 1
1 - 2 40 - 63 120 175

2 - 3 75 - 90 50 70

4 110 30 45

5 140 20 30

6 160 15 25

8 200 - 225 8 15

10 250 - 280 3 4
12 315 3 4

38
7.1 Important points
Heavy equipment should be supported independently
from the pipeline. i.e. valves, strainers, etc.
Pipe clips should be made to allow linear expansion of
the pipeline and if lined the lining should be of a
material compatible with the pipeline.
Mastics, intumescent mastics, adhesive tapes and labels
should not be used (as many degrade plastics), unless
manufacturers provide documents of adhesive or
mastic compatibility.
Insulation must be considered very carefully, as a number
of foam rubber insulation products and their adhesives
may not be compatible with plastic pipes.
Adhesives should only be used to bond the foam edges
together and should never be used to bond the
insulation to the pipeline. Refer to manufacturers for
compatibility data. For example, compatible insulations
are fibre wools (Rockwool), polystyrene, etc.
Trace heating tapes: Dont use tapes covered with
plasticized PVC as this can react with thermoplastic pipes.
Tapes with sheaths made from woven wire, polyester or
silicone rubber are acceptable.
Oils: A number of synthetic oils are not suitable for use
with plastic pipelines. Oils such as esters, organic
phosphates and polyalkylene glycols should be avoided.
Health and safety: Solvent cement and cleaning fluid
give off vapours that are dangerous to health. During
jointing the work place must be well ventilated.
7.2 Solvent jointing, "Do Nots"
Make joints in rain or wet conditions.
Use dirty brushes or cleaning rags.
Use the same brushes with different solvent cements.
Dilute or thin solvent cements with cleaner.
Leave solvent cement tins open as the contents will
evaporate and the cement performance will be reduced.
Use near naked lights or smoke whilst jointing as solvents
are highly flammable.
Make joints in a confined space as solvents emit
hazardous vapours.
7.3 Mechanical jointing procedure - threaded
fittings - plastic to plastic
An extensive range of threaded fittings are available, mostly
parallel threaded but some tapered. Thread compatibility is
an essential aspect of jointing. For jointing such parts follow
these steps: -
1. Select compatible thread i.e. Parallel to Parallel, never
Parallel to taper or vice versa.
2. Use PTFE tape to seal the joint. If sealant pastes are used
they must be compatible with the plastic components.
3. Hand tighten and if necessary tighten further to a
maximum of turn using a strap wrench.
PVCu class 7 and ABS class T pipes, sizes 38 up to 2 are
manufactured with a thick wall to enable threads to be cut.
7.3.1 Flanges - plastic to plastic/metal
Flanges are suitable for joining metals or rubbers to plastics.
Jointing such parts follow these steps: -
1. Ensure flanges are parallel, close to each other and allow
a gap for the gasket.
2. Insert gasket, ensure that the bolt holes are aligned.
3. Use flat washers between bolt head, the nut and
the flange.
4. Tighten bolts according to the sequence figure 7.3
and table 7.4.
Figure 7.1 Flange joint
Flange
Rubber Gasket
7.3.2 Composite unions - metal to plastics union joint
Figure 7.2 Composite
NOTE: If metal thread
is used in conjunction
Metal Adaptor with a plastic thread
Gasket then the temperature
Metal Union Nut should not vary by
Plastic Female Adaptor more than 5C.
39
 Methods of jointing

Table 7.4 Flange bolting torques (approximate)

Inch 1 1 1 2 2 3 4 - 5 6 - 8 10 12
Pipe size
mm 20 25 32 40 50 63 75 90 110 125 140 160 200 225 280 315

NM 8 9 10 18 24 32 36 40 44 48 50 62 74 76 76 76
Torque
Ft/Pdl 6 7 8 13 18 23 26 29 32 35 37 46 54 56 56 56

Figure 7.3 - Flange bolt tightening sequence

1
8 5

4 3

6 7
2

40
Pipe and fittings dimensions

DIN 8077/8078 PP-H (metric) pipe dimensions

Diameter (mm) Wall thickness (mm)

Outside diameter Mean outside diameter 6 bar 10 bar

Minimum Maximum Min Max Min Max

16 16 16.3 - - 2.0 2.4
20 20 20.3 1.8 2.2 2.5 3.0
25 25 25.3 1.8 2.2 2.7 3.2
32 32 32.3 2.0 2.4 3.0 3.5
40 40 40.4 2.3 2.8 3.7 4.3
50 50 50.5 2.9 3.4 4.6 5.3
63 63 63.6 3.6 4.2 5.8 6.6
75 75 75.7 4.3 5.0 6.9 7.8
90 90 90.9 5.1 5.9 8.2 9.3
110 110 111.0 6.3 7.2 10.0 11.2

EN1452 part 2 PVCu (metric) pipe dimensions

Average wall thickness (mm)

Outside diameter (mm)
6 bar 10 bar 16 bar
16 - - -
20 - - 1.5
25 - - 1.9
32 - 1.6 2.4
40 1.5 1.9 3.0
50 1.6 2.4 3.7
63 2.0 3.0 4.7
75 2.3 3.6 5.6
90 2.8 4.3 6.7
110 3.2 4.2 6.6
125 3.7 4.8 7.4
140 4.1 5.4 8.3
160 4.7 6.2 9.5
180 5.3 6.9 10.7
200 5.9 7.7 11.9
225 6.6 8.6 13.4
250 7.3 8.6 14.8
280 8.2 10.7 16.6
315 9.2 12.1 18.7

Safety factor c = 2.5

Safety factor c = 2

41
 Pipe and fittings dimensions

DIN 8061 PVCu (metric) pipe dimensions DIN 8063 PVCu (metric) fitting dimensions

Diameter (mm) Average wall thickness (mm) Diameter (mm)

Mean socket internal diameter
Outside Mean outside diameter
6 bar 10 bar 16 bar Nominal size at midpoint of socket depth
diameter
Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum
16 16 16.2 - - 1.2 16 16.1 16.3
20 20 20.2 - - 1.5 20 20.1 20.3
25 25 25.2 - 1.5 1.9 25 25.1 25.3
32 32 32.2 - 1.8 2.4 30 32.1 32.3
40 40 40.2 1.8 1.9 3.0 40 40.1 40.3
50 50 50.2 1.8 2.4 3.7 50 50.1 50.3
63 63 63.2 1.9 3.0 4.7 63 63.1 63.3
75 75 75.3 2.2 3.6 5.6 75 75.1 75.3
90 90 90.3 2.7 4.3 6.7 90 90.1 90.3
110 110 110.3 3.2 5.3 8.2 110 110.1 110.4
125 125 125.3 3.7 6.0 9.3 125 125.1 125.4
140 140 140.4 4.1 6.7 10.4 140 140.2 140.5
160 160 160.4 4.7 7.7 11.9 160 160.2 160.5
180 180 180.4 5.3 8.6 13.4 180 180.3 180.6
200 200 200.4 5.9 9.6 14.9 200 200.3 200.8
225 225 225.5 6.6 10.8 16.7 225 - -
250 250 250.5 7.3 11.9 18.6 250 - -
280 280 280.6 8.2 13.4 20.8 280 - -
315 315 315.6 9.2 15.0 23.4 315 - -

BS 4346 part 1 PVCu

BS 3505 PVCu (imperial) pipe dimensions (imperial) fitting
dimensions
Diameter Wall thickness (mm) Diameter (mm)

Mean Individual Class C Class D Class E Class 7 Mean socket internal

outside outside 9.0 bar 12.0 bar 15.0 bar 12.0 bar diameter at midpoint
Nominal diameter diameter
of socket depth
size (mm) (mm) Average Individual Average Individual Average Individual Average
(inch)
Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max

3
/8 17.0 17.3 17.0 17.3 - - - - - - 1.9 1.5 1.9 - 17.1 17.3
21.2 21.5 21.2 21.5 - - - - - - 2.1 1.7 2.1 4.0 21.3 21.5
26.6 26.9 26.6 26.9 - - - - - - 2.5 1.9 2.5 4.2 26.7 26.9
1 33.4 33.7 33.3 33.8 - - - - - - 2.7 2.2 2.7 4.8 33.5 33.7
1 42.1 42.4 42.0 42.5 - - - 2.7 2.2 2.7 3.2 2.7 3.2 5.2 42.2 42.4
1 48.1 48.4 48.0 48.5 - - - 3.0 2.5 3.0 3.7 3.1 3.7 5.5 48.2 48.4
2 60.2 60.5 60.0 60.7 3.0 2.5 3.0 3.7 3.1 3.7 4.5 3.9 4.5 5.9 60.3 60.5
2* 75.0 75.3 75.0 75.3 3.6 - - - - - 5.6 - - - 75.1 75.3
3 88.7 89.1 88.4 89.4 4.1 3.5 4.1 5.3 4.6 5.3 6.5 5.7 6.6 - 88.8 89.1
4 114.1 114.5 113.7 114.9 5.2 4.5 5.2 6.8 6.0 6.9 8.3 7.3 8.4 - 114.2 114.5
5* 140.0 140.4 139.4 141.0 6.3 5.5 6.4 8.3 7.3 8.4 10.1 9.0 10.4 - 140.1 140.4
6 168.0 168.5 167.4 169.1 7.5 6.6 7.6 9.9 8.8 10.2 12.1 10.8 12.5 - 168.2 168.5
8 218.8 219.4 218.0 220.2 8.8 7.8 9.0 11.6 10.3 11.9 14.1 12.6 14.5 - 219 219.4
10 272.6 273.4 271.6 274.4 10.9 9.7 11.2 14.3 12.8 14.8 17.5 15.7 18.1 - - -
12 323.4 324.3 322.2 325.5 12.9 11.5 13.3 17.0 15.2 17.5 20.8 18.7 21.6 - - -

NOTE: All PVCu ball valve imperial socket ends are manufactured in accordance with BS 4346 part 1 for mean socket internal diameter. The mean
outside diameter of a pipe is arrived at either by taking the average of any two outside diameter measurements when measured at right angles to
each other or by measuring with a circumference tape.
* Sizes 2 and 5 are not British Standard sizes but the equivalent metric size. They have been included for continuity of size only.

42
 BS 5392 part 1 ABS (imperial)
BS 5391 ABS (imperial) pipe dimensions
fitting dimensions

Diameter Wall thickness (mm)

Mean socket internal
Mean Individual diameter (mm)
outside outside Class B Class C Class D Class E Class T Minimum
Nom diameter diameter 6.0 bar 9.0 bar 12.0 bar 15.0 bar 12.0 bar socket
size (mm) (mm) depth Root Mouth
(inch) (mm)

Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max

3
/8 17.0 17.3 17.0 17.3 - - - - - - 1.6 1.8 3.4 3.6 14.5 16.9 17.3 17.1 17.3
21.2 21.5 21.2 21.5 - - - - - - 1.9 2.1 3.5 3.7 16.5 21.1 21.4 21.3 21.5
26.6 26.9 26.6 26.9 - - - - - - 2.4 2.6 3.5 3.7 19.5 26.4 26.8 26.7 26.9
1 33.4 33.7 33.4 33.7 - - 1.9 2.1 2.5 2.7 3.0 3.3 4.2 4.5 22.5 33.2 33.6 33.5 33.7
1 42.1 42.4 42.0 42.4 - - 2.4 2.6 3.1 3.4 3.8 4.1 5.1 5.5 27.0 47.9 42.3 42.2 42.5
1 48.1 48.4 48.0 48.5 - - 2.7 3.0 3.6 3.9 4.4 4.7 5.8 6.2 30.0 47.9 48.3 48.2 48.6
2 60.2 60.5 60.0 60.7 - - 3.4 3.7 4.5 4.9 5.4 5.8 7.0 7.4 36.0 60.0 60.4 60.3 60.7
2 75.0 75.3 75.0 75.3 - - 3.6 - - - 5.6 - - - Refer to metric equivalent
3 88.7 89.1 88.4 89.4 - - 5.0 5.3 6.5 6.9 8.0 8.5 - - 50.5 88.5 88.9 89.0 89.3
4 114.1 114.5 113.7 114.9 - - 6.4 6.9 8.4 8.9 10.3 10.9 - - 63.0 113.9 114.3 114.4 114.8
5 140.0 140.4 140.0 140.4 - - 6.7 - - - 10.4 - - - Refer to metric equivalent
6 168.0 168.5 167.4 169.1 6.1 6.4 9.4 10.4 12.3 13.3 - - - - 90.0 167.8 168.3 168.4 168.8
8 218.8 219.4 218.1 220.2 8.4 8.8 12.2 13.2 - - - - - - 115.5 218.7 219.1 219.3 219.9

NOTE: All ABS ball valve imperial socket ends are manufactured in accordance with BS 5392 part 1 for mean socket internal diameter.
The mean outside diameter is arrived at either by taking the average of any two outside diameter measurements when measured at right angles to
each other or by measuring with a circumference tape.

43
 Guide to chemical resistance

Guide to chemical resistance Pipe joints: solvent cement

The use of thermoplastic pipe systems within the domestic ABS pipe joints, made with Effast ABS solvent cement, are
and industrial markets is now widespread. Thermoplastics classed as resistant as the material itself. PVC pipe joints,
have not only replaced traditional materials such as steel, made with Effast PVC solvent cement, are normally
ductile iron and copper within the water industry, but have classed as resistant as the material. However the following
also replaced expensive lined metal and glass systems within chemicals and their concentrations are the exception.
the chemical industries. Because of this diversity of use, it is
Media Concentration
essential that the most suitable plastic material is matched
to its proposed application. This section will provide a guide Hydrochloric acid, HCL 25% and above
to compatible material selection. The information within
Hydrofluoric acid, HF All concentrations
this section has been collated from tests carried out by both
national and international standards organisations (ISO) as Nitric acid, HNO3 20% and above

well as tests performed by independent test houses. The Sulphuric acid, H2SO4 70% and above
tests were based on the use of pure chemicals. For mixed
Joints in contact with the above acids can only be classed as
chemicals, we would advise that pilot tests should be
being conditionally resistant. To make joints classed as
undertaken in order to ascertain the resistance of the
resistant, Dytex solvent cement made by Henkel or an
material under these circumstances.
equivalent should be used.

Chemical resistance classifications

The chemical resistance section should only be looked on
as a general guide. Changes to the composition,
concentrations or working conditions under which chemicals
are used, can alter the resistance of the material.
Pipe joints: fusion
Fusion joints are regarded as generally having the same
chemical resistance as the material itself. However the
jointing process can leave a certain amount of residual stress
within the joint.

Terminology for chemical resistance tables

Symbol/term Description Seals and seat materials

+ Resistant
O Conditionally resistant
- Not resistant
"Blank" Where section is blank there is no test data available
Technical grade Technically pure
Media has reached its maximum absorption in water
Saturated at ambient temperature, which is the point where
there can be no further absorption.
The working life of seals and seat materials is often
different from that of the pipe system and greatly
dependent on the working conditions involved.
The following table outlines their general resistance.
Seal and seat material

A solution below maximum absorption, expressed Material type Resistance

Aqueous
as a percentage (%) of saturation (concentration)
Insoluble or partially soluble solid carried in an aqueous
Suspension
base normally prepared at ambient temperature
Satisfactory resistance to most
EPDM - Ethylene Propylene Rubber aggressive chemicals, not suitable
for oils or fat

Commercial The most resistant of the

Self explanatory, grades of chemical named FPM - Fluorine Rubber
Proprietary elastomers to solvents
brands in general use
Industrial
Not resistant to oxidising
NBR - Nitrile Rubber
agents, but resists petrol and oils

PTFE - Polytetrafluoroethylene Resists all the chemicals shown in tables

44
Acetaldehyde technical grade Acetone technical grade
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - O + + O - 20 - - + + + - -
40 - O O - 40 + + +
60 60 + +
80 80
100 100

Acetaldehyde 40% aqueous Acetone 10% aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 O - + + + + - 20 - O + + + O -
40 - + + + + 40 + + + O
60 + O + O 60 + + + -
80 O + - 80
100 - 100

Acetamide 5% aqueous Acetophenone technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + 20 - - + +
40 + + 40 O +
60 60 +
80 80
100 100

Acetic acid technical grade Acetyl chloride technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + + O - - 20 - -
40 + + 40
60 O O 60
80 - 80
100 100

Acetic acid 10% aqueous Aceto nitrile - see also acrylo nitrile
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + O + 20 -
40 + O + + + - O 40
60 O O + + O 60
80 + 80
100 + 100

Acetic acid 50% aqueous Acrylic acid (methyl ester) technical grade
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - + + + O - 20 - -
40 + - + + 40
60 - + 60
80 80
100 100

Acetic acid anhydride technical grade Acrylic ester

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + + O - - 20 - - - O - -
40 O O 40
60 60
80 80
100 100

45
 Guide to chemical resistance

Acrylonitrile technical grade Aluminium chloride saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + + + O - 20 + + + + + + +
40 O + + O 40 + + + + + + +
60 + O - 60 + + + + + + +
80 80 + - + + O
100 100 + + -

Adipic acid saturated, aqueous Aluminium fluoride saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - + + + + + 20 + + + + + + +
40 + + + + + + 40 + + + +
60 - + + + + + 60 + + + +
80 + 80 -
100 100

Alcohol (gin, etc) 40% approx of ethyl alcohol* Aluminium hydroxide suspension, aqueous
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - + + + + + 20 + + + + + +
40 40 + + + + + +
60 60 + + + + + +
80 80 + - + +
100 100

Allyl alcohol technical grade Aluminium nitrate saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + + O O + 20 + + + +
40 - + + O - + 40 + + + +
60 + + O + 60 + + + +
80 - - + 80 -
100 100

Allyl chloride technical grade Aluminium oxolate saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - 20 + + + +
40 40 + + + +
60 60 + + + +
80 80 -
100 100

Almond oil technical grade Aluminium sulphate saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + 20 + + + + + + +
40 40 + + + + + + +
60 60 + + + + + + +
80 80 +
100 100

Alum saturated, aqueous Ammonia gas technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + 20 + - + + + + +
40 + + + + + + 40 + + + O
60 + + + + + + 60 + + +
80 + - + + 80
100 - 100

* Other alcohol see under type i.e. allyl, methyl etc.

46
Ammonia liquid technical/commercial grade Ammonium molybdate saturated, aqueous
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + O + O + 20 + +
40 40 +
60 60
80 80
100 100

Ammonium acetate saturated, aqueous, all Ammonium nitrate 10% aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - + + + + + 20 + + + + + + +
40 + + + + + O 40 + + + + + + +
60 O + + + + 60 O + + O + + O
80 + O 80 O +
100 100

Ammonium carbonate saturated, aqueous Ammonium persulphate saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + + + +
40 + + + + 40 + + + +
60 O + + + 60 + + + +
80 + 80
100 100

Ammonium chloride saturated, aqueous Ammonium phosphate saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + + + + + + +
40 + + + + + + + 40 + + + + + + +
60 O + + + + + + 60 + O + + + + O
80 + + + 80 + +
100 100 +

Ammonium fluoride saturated, aqueous Ammonium sulphate saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + 20 + + + + + + +
40 + 40 + + + + + + +
60 60 + + + + + + O
80 80 + + +
100 100 +

Ammonium hydroxide saturated, aqueous Ammonium sulphide aqueous, all

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + - + 20 + + + + + + +
40 + + + + + O 40 + + + + + O +
60 O O + + + O 60 O + + + + +
80 80
100 100

Ammonium metaphosphate saturated, aqueous Ammonium thiocyanate saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + 20 + + O +
40 + + + 40 + + O +
60 + + + 60 + + O +
80 + 80
100 + 100

47
 Guide to chemical resistance

Amyl acetate technical grade Aqua regia technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - - - O - - 20 - - - - - O -
40 40
60 60
80 80
100 100

Amyl alcohol technical grade Aromatic hydro carbons (various)

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - + + + O + 20 - - - -
40 + + + + + 40
60 O + + + + 60
80 + 80
100 100

Amyl chloride technical grade Arsenic acid 80% aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - - - 20 + + + + + + +
40 40 + + + + + + +
60 60 O + + + + + +
80 80 + + + O
100 100 +

Aniline technical grade Barium bromide saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + O - O - 20 + + + + + +
40 O 40 + + + + + +
60 60 + + + + + +
80 80 + + +
100 100

Aniline hydrochloride saturated, aqueous Barium carbonate suspension, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + + + O O 20 + + + + + +
40 O O + - - 40 + + + + + +
60 + 60 + + + + + +
80 + 80 + - + +
100 + 100

Anthraquinone (sulphonic acid) Barium chloride saturated, aqueous

suspension aqueous C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 + + + + + + +
20 + + - 40 + + + + + + +
40 + + - 60 + + + + + +
60 + + - 80 + - + +
80 100
100

Barium hydroxide saturated, aqueous

Antimony tri-chloride saturated, aqueous C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 + + + + + + +
20 + - + + + + - 40 + + + + + + +
40 + + + 60 O + + + + +
60 + + + 80
80 100
100
48
 Barium sulphate suspension, aqueous Benzine, lead free, aromatic compound free*
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + 20 + - O + - + +
40 + + + + + + 40 - -
60 + + + + + + 60
80 + + 80
100 100

Barium sulphide saturated, aqueous Benzoic acid all, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + + + + - + -
40 + + + + + + + 40 + + + + +
60 + + + + + + + 60 O + + + +
80 + + + 80 + +
100 + 100 O

Battery acid Benzoyl Chloride technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + O 20 - - - - - -
40 + O + + + + - 40
60 O - + + - - 60
80 - 80
100 100

Beer commercial grade Benzyl alcohol technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 O - + + - + -
40 + + + + 40
60 + + + + 60
80 80
100 100

Benzaldehyde technical grade Bismuth carbonate saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + + + + O 20 + + + +
40 + + + 40 + + + +
60 - + + 60 + + +
80 80
100 100

Benzene technical grade Borax saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - - - - - 20 + + + + + + +
40 40 + + + + + + +
60 60 O + + + + +
80 80 + +
100 100

Benzenesulphonic acid technical grade* Boric acid all, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 20 + + + + + + +
40 40 + + + + + + +
60 60 O + + + + + +
80 80 +
100 100
* PVDF only resistant up to 100C
49
 Guide to chemical resistance

Boron tri-fluoride saturated, aqueous Butanediol 10% aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + 20 + - + + + + +
40 40 O + + + + +
60 60 + + + + +
80 80
100 100

Brine, seawater Butanol technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + - + + + + +
40 + + + + + + + 40 + + + + O +
60 O + + + + + + 60 O O O + - O
80 + + + + 80 -
100 + - + O 100

Bromine gas technical grade Butoxyethanol technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - - - - + - 20 - -
40 40
60 60
80 80
100 100

Bromine water saturated, aqueous Butyl acetate technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - - - - + - 20 - - O O + O -
40 40
60 60
80 80
100 100

Bromoethane technical grade Butyl alcohol technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - 20 O - + +
40 40 + +
60 60 + +
80 80
100 100

Butadiene gas technical grade Butyleneglycol technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - + + - O - 20 + + + + + + -
40 + 40 + + + + + +
60 + 60 - + + + + O
80 80
100 100

Butane gas technical grade Butylphenols saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + - + + 20 - - + - - -
40 40 -
60 60
80 80
100 100

50
Butyl phthalate technical grade Calcium chloride saturated, aqueous
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + 20 + + + + + + +
40 O 40 + + + + + + +
60 O 60 + + + + + + +
80 O 80 + + +
100 O 100

Butyric acid technical grade Calcium hydroxide saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - + O O O - 20 + + + + + + +
40 40 + + + + + + +
60 60 + + + + + + O
80 80 + + +
100 100 +

Butyrl chloride technical grade Calcium hypochlorite saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - 20 + + + + + + +
40 40 + + + + + O
60 60 + + + -
80 80
100 100

Calcium bisulphite saturated, Aqueous Calcium nitrate saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + - 20 + + + + + + +
40 + + + + 40 + + + + + + +
60 + + 60 + + + +
80 + 80 +
100 + 100

Calcium bromide saturated, aqueous Calcium sulphate suspension

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + 20 + + + + + +
40 + + + + + + 40 + + + + + +
60 + + + + + + 60 + + + + + +
80 + 80 +
100 100

Calcium carbonate suspension Camphor oil

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + 20 -
40 + + + + + + 40
60 + + + + + + 60
80 + + + 80
100 + 100

Calcium chlorate saturated, aqueous Carbon dioxide gas (dry) technical grade
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + 20 + + + + + + +
40 + + + + 40 + + + + + + +
60 + + + + 60 + + + + + + +
80 + 80 + +
100 100

51
Guide to chemical resistance

Carbon dioxide gas (wet) technical grade Chloral hydrate technical grade
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 - - O O O O -
40 + + + + + + + 40
60 O + + + + + + 60
80 + + 80
100 100

Carbon disulphide technical grade Chloric acid 10% aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - O O - + - 20 + - + - + - -
40 40 + + +
60 60 O +
80 80
100 100

Carbon monoxide gas technical grade Chloric acid 20% aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + 20 + - O - + - -
40 + + + + + + 40 + +
60 + + + + + + 60 O
80 + + + 80
100 100

Carbon tetrachloride technical grade Chlorine gas (dry)

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - - - - + - 20 - - - - - + -
40 + 40 -
60 + 60
80 80
100 100

Castor oil technical grade Chlorine gas (wet)

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - + O + 20 - - - - O + -
40 + - + O + 40
60 + - + O + 60
80 + 80
100 100

Caustic potash (potassium hydroxide) Chlorine liquid technical grade

saturated, aqueous C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 - - - - - O -
20 + + + + + - O 40
40 + + + + + - 60
60 O + + + O 80
80 + 100
100 +

Chloroacetic acid (monochloroacetic)

Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) technical grade, all
saturated, aqueous C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 + - + + O - -
20 + + + + + O + 40 + + +
40 + + + + + + 60 O + +
60 O + + + + + 80
80 + 100
100 + 52
Chlorobenzene technical grade Chromic acid, sulphuric acid, water (ratio 10/3/7)
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - - - - - - 20 + - - - O + -
40 40 + O +
60 60 O +
80 80
100 100

Chloro ethanol technical grade Cider

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - O - 20 + + + + + + +
40 40 +
60 60
80 80
100 100

Chloroform technical grade Citric acid saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - - - - O - 20 + + + + + + +
40 40 + + + + + + +
60 60 O + + + + O
80 80 +
100 100

Chloropropanes technical grade Clophenes technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - 20 - - - + -
40 40
60 60
80 80
100 100

Chlorosulphonic acid technical grade Coal gas (benzene free)

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 O - - - - - - 20 + + + + - + +
40 40
60 60
80 80
100 100

Chrome alum (chromium potassium sulphate) Coca Cola and proprietory brands
saturated, aqueous (all potable, commercial)
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + + + + + +
40 + + + + + + + 40
60 + + + + + + 60
80 + + 80
100 + 100

Chromic acid all, aqueous Coconut fat alcohol technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 O - O O O + - 20 + + + - + +
40 + 40 + + O + +
60 O 60 O + + +
80 80
100 100
53
 Guide to chemical resistance

Coconut oil technical grade Cyclohexane technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + - + + 20 - - + + - + +
40 + + + + + 40
60 O + O + + 60
80 80
100 100

Cod liver oil industrial grade Cyclohexanol technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + 20 + - + + - + O
40 + 40 O + +
60 60 O O +
80 80
100 100

Copper salts all, aqueous Cyclohexanone technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 - - + + O - -
40 + + O + + + + 40 O O
60 O + - + + + O 60
80 + + 80
100 100

Corn oil technical grade Decalin/dekalin technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 O - + + O + + 20 - - - -
40 + + - + + 40
60 O O + + 60
80 80
100 100

Cotton seed oil technical grade Detergent (proprietory brands)

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - + - + 20 + - + + + + +
40 + + 40 + + + + + +
60 + + 60 O + + + + +
80 80 +
100 100

Cresol saturated, aqueous Dextrine(s)/starch saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 O - + + - + O 20 + + + + + + +
40 - + + + O 40 + + + + + + +
60 60 + + + + + + +
80 80
100 100

Crude oil aromatic free technical grade Dextrose/glucose all, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + 20 + + + + + + +
40 + 40 + + + + + + +
60 60 O + + + + + +
80 80 + + + +
100 100 + +

54
Dibutyl ether technical grade Dichloromethene technical grade
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - O O - + O 20 - - O O - O -
40 + - 40
60 O 60
80 80
100 100

Dibutyl phthalate technical grade Diesel oil technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + + O O - 20 + O O - - + +
40 O O 40 + +
60 O O 60
80 80
100 100

Dibutyl sebacate technical grade Diethanolamine

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + + + + - 20 - + +
40 40 + +
60 60 +
80 80
100 100

Dichloroacetic acid (CI2CHCOOH) technical grade Diethylamine technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - + + + O - 20 O - + O -
40 + + + + - 40
60 O O + 60
80 80
100 100

Dichloroacetic acid (methyl ester) Diethylene glycol technical grade

(CI2CHCOOCH3) technical grade C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 + + -
20 - - + + + - - 40 + +
40 + + + 60 +
60 + + O 80
80 100
100

Diethyl ether technical grade

Dichlorobenzene(s) technical grade C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 - - - -
20 - - O O - + - 40
40 60
60 80
80 100
100

Diethyl phthalate technical grade

Dichloroethylene technical grade C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 - - - -
20 - - O - - O - 40
40 60
60 80
80 100
100
55
 Guide to chemical resistance

Diglycolic acid 18% aqueous Dioctyl phthalate technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + 20 - - O O O + -
40 + + + 40 O O
60 O + + 60
80 80
100 100

Di-isobutyl ketone technical grade Dioxane technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + + O - - 20 - - O + + - O
40 - - 40 O +
60 60 O +
80 80 -
100 100

Di-isooctyl phthalate technical grade Diphenylamine commercial grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + 20 +
40 O 40 +
60 O 60
80 80
100 100

Di-N-butyl phthalate technical grade Ethanolamine commercial grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - - - 20 +
40 40
60 60
80 80
100 100

Dimethyl formamide technical grade Ethyl acetate technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + + O - - 20 - - O O - - -
40 + + 40 O
60 + O 60 -
80 80
100 100

Dimethylamine Ethyl acrylate technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 O - + + O - - 20 - - -
40 O 40
60 60
80 80
100 100

Dinonyl phthalate technical grade Ethyl alcohol technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + O O + - 20 + - + + + O +
40 40 + + + + O O
60 60 O + O
80 80 +
100 100

56
Ethyl alcohol with acetic acid (fermentation) Ethyl diamine technical grade
technical grade C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 - - + + + O O
20 + - + + + O O 40 + + O O
40 + + + O O 60 + + - -
60 O + O O 80
80 O 100
100

Ethylene glycol technical grade

Ethyl benzene technical grade C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 + + + + + + +
20 - - O - O - 40 + + + + + + +
40 60 + + + + + + O
60 80 O
80 100
100

Ethylene oxide (liquid) technical grade

Ethyl chloride gas technical grade C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 - - O - O - -
20 - - - - - O - 40
40 60
60 80
80 100
100

Fatty acids technical grade, all

Ethyl ether technical grade C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20
20 - - + - - - - 40 Refer to Polypipe.
40 O 60 Some groups are harmful to plastics and rubbers,
60 O others are harmless.
80
80 100
100

Fatty alcohol (sulphonates) aqueous

Ethyl glycol (not ethylene glycol) C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 + + + + + +
20 - 40 + + + + + +
40 60 O O + + + +
60 80
80 100
100

Ferric chloride saturated, aqueous

Ethylene chloride technical grade C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 + - + +
20 - - O O O + O 40 + + +
40 + - 60 + + +
60 O 80
80 100
100

Ferric nitrate saturated, aqueous

Ethylene chlorohydrin technical grade C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 + + + + - +
20 - - 40 + + + +
40 60 + + + -
60 80 -
80 100
100
57
 Guide to chemical resistance

Ferric sulphate saturated, aqueous Formic acid technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + - + + + + -
40 + + 40 O + + +
60 + 60 - + +
80 + 80 O
100 100

Ferrous chloride saturated, aqueous Formic acid 10% aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + 20 + - + + + + -
40 + + + + + + 40 + + + + +
60 + + + + + + 60 O O + O O
80 80
100 100

Ferrous sulphate saturated, aqueous Formic acid 40% aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + 20 + - + + + + -
40 + + + + + + 40 + + + + +
60 + + + + + + 60 O O + O O
80 + 80
100 100

Fluorine technical grade Formic acid 50% aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - - - - O - 20 + - + + + + -
40 40 + + + + +
60 60 O O + O O
80 80
100 100

Fluorosilicic acid 32% aqueous Freon F12 technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + O - O 20 + + - - O O O
40 + + + + O - 40 +
60 + + + + - 60
80 80
100 100

Formaldehyde 35% aqueous Freon 113

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + - - + O
40 + + + + + + + 40 +
60 + + + + O 60
80 80
100 100

Formamide technical grade Fruit juices (fructose)

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + + + O + 20 + + + + + + +
40 + + 40 + + + + + + +
60 + + 60 + + + + + + +
80 80 + + + +
100 100 +

58
Fuel oil Glycol
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + O O - + + 20
40 - - - + + 40
For resistance see ethylene glycol
60 + + 60
and propylene glycol
80 80
100 100

Furfuryl alcohol technical grade Glycolic acid 30% aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + O O - - 20 + + + + + + +
40 - O 40 +
60 - 60
80 80
100 100

Gasoline all blends Gypsum saturated, suspension, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 20 + + + + + +
40 40 + + + + + +
60 For resistance see petrol 60 + + + + + +
80 80 + + +
100 100

Gelatine all, aqueous Heptane technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + + O - - + +
40 + + + + + + + 40 + +
60 + + + + 60 - + +
80 80
100 100

Glucose aqueous Hexadecanol commercial grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 +
40 + + + + + + + 40 +
60 O + + + + + + 60 +
80 + + + 80
100 + 100

Glycerine technical grade Hexane technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + - + + - + +
40 + + + + + + + 40 + +
60 + + + + + O + 60 O O + +
80 + O O 80
100 O 100

Glycocoll 10% aqueous Hydrazine hydrate aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + + + + + -
40 + + + + + + O 40 + +
60 60 + +
80 80
100 100

59
 Guide to chemical resistance

Hydrobromic acid 20% aqueous Hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid) technical grade
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + 20 + - + + + + O
40 O + 40 + + + O O -
60 O + 60 O + -
80 80
100 100

Hydrobromic acid 50% aqueous Hydrofluoric acid 40% aqueous*

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + O 20 + O + + - + -
40 + + + + + + - 40 O + + +
60 O + + O + 60 O + O O
80 O 80
100 100

Hydrochloric acid concentrated* Hydrofluoric acid 50% aqueous*

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - + + - - - 20 + - + + - + -
40 - + 40 + +
60 - + 60 + O
Use PTFE
80 80
100 100

Hydrochloric acid 10% aqueous Hydrofluoric acid 60% aqueous*

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + O 20 + - + + - + -
40 + + + + + + - 40 + O
60 O + O + + + 60 + O
80 - + + 80
100 100

Hydrochloric acid 20% aqueous Hydrofluoric acid 70% aqueous*

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + - 20 + - + + - + -
40 + + + + + + 40 O
60 O + + O O 60 O
80 80
100 100

Hydrochloric acid 30% aqueous* Hydrogen gas technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + O + + + + - 20 + + + + + + +
40 + - O + + + 40 + + + + + + +
60 O O + O O 60 + + + + + + +
80 - 80 - + + +
100 100 - + + +

Hydrochloric acid 36% aqueous* Hydrogen chloride gas technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + O + + + + - 20 + - + + + + O
40 + - O + O O 40 + + + + + -
60 O - + - - 60 O + + + +
80 80
100 100

* Refer to Polypipe regarding solvent cement joining.

60
 Hydrogen peroxide 10% aqueous Hypochlorous acid average chlorine 8% and 14%
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + O + + + + O 20 + - + +
40 + O + + O O - 40
60 O + + - - 60
80 80
100 100

Hydrogen peroxide 30% aqueous Iodine (in alcohol) commercial grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - + + O + - 20 - - + - + + +
40 + + + - + 40
60 O O O 60
80 80
100 100

Hydrogen sulphide technical grade Iodine (in potassium iodide) saturated, aqueous
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 - O -
40 + + + O + O 40 -
60 + + O - O - 60
80 80
100 100

Hydrogen sulphide saturated aqueous Iron salts all, aqueous**

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + O 20
40 + + + O + - 40
60 O + + - + 60
80 O 80
100 100

Hydrogen sulphide gas (dry) technical grade Isobutyl alcohol technical grade
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + O 20 + O
40 + + + O + O 40 + -
60 + + + - O - 60 +
80 80
100 100

Hydroquinone saturated, aqueous Isobutyronitrile technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + 20 -
40 + + + + 40
60 + + + 60
80 80
100 100

Hydroxlamine sulphate all, aqueous Iso-octane technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - + + + + + 20 + - + + - + +
40 + + + + + O 40 O O
60 + + 60 - -
80 80
100 100

** Refer to Ferric or Ferrous compounds.

61
 Guide to chemical resistance

Isopropyl acetate technical grade Lauryl chloride

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - 20 +
40 40 +
60 60
80 80
100 100

Isopropyl alcohol technical grade Lead acetate saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - + + + + + 20 + + + + + + +
40 + + + + - 40 + + + + + + +
60 + + + + 60 + + + + + + +
80 + - - 80
100 + 100

Isopropyl ether technical grade Lead tetraethyl technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - O O - - - 20 +
40 - - 40
60 60
80 80
100 100

Kerosene Lemon juice commercial grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - - - - + 20 + + + + + +
40 40 + + + + + +
60 60 + + + + + +
80 80 + +
100 100

Lactic acid technical grade Linseed oil technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 O - - O - - - 20 + - + + O + +
40 - - O 40 + + + - + +
60 - - 60 O + + + +
80 80 +
100 100

Lactic acid 10% aqueous Liquers

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 O + + + O + - 20 + + + + + +
40 O O + + O O 40 + + +
60 - - + + O O 60 O +
80 + - - 80
100 + 100

Lanolin techical grade Lubricating oils

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + O + + 20 + - O +
40 O + + + - + + 40 + +
60 + O + + + 60 + -
80 80
100 100

62
Magnesium carbonate saturated, aqueous Marmalade(s), orange, lime etc. (proprietary)
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + + + + + + +
40 + + + + + + + 40 O + + + + + +
60 O O + + + + + 60 O + + + + +
80 + + + 80 + + +
100 + + 100 +

Magnesium chloride saturated, aqueous Mayonnaise (proprietary)

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + + O
40 + + + + + + + 40
60 O O + + + + + 60
80 + + + 80
100 + + 100

Magnesium hydroxide saturated, aqueous Mercury pure, base liquid metal

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + + + + + + O
40 + + + + + + + 40 + + + + + O
60 O + + + + + + 60 + + + + + -
80 + + + 80
100 + + 100

Magnesium nitrate Mercuric chloride saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + + + + + + O
40 + + + + + + + 40 + + + + + + O
60 O + + + + + + 60 + + + + + -
80 + + + 80
100 + 100

Magnesium sulphate saturated, aqueous Mercurous nitrate saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + + + + + + O
40 + + + + + + + 40 + + + + + + O
60 O + + + + + + 60 + + + + + -
80 + + + 80
100 + 100

Maleic acid saturated, aqueous Mesityl oxide technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + - 20 - -
40 + + + - + 40
60 O + + O 60
80 - 80
100 100

Malic acid (sublimate) aqueous Methane gas

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + 20 + + + + - + +
40 + + + 40
60 + + + 60
80 80
100 100

63
 Guide to chemical resistance

Methanol (methyl alcohol) all commercial Methyl methacrylate technical grade

grades/technical grade C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 - - + -
20 + - + + + O + 40
40 + + + + O + 60
60 O + O + O + 80
80 100
100

Methylamine 32% aqueous

Methyl acetate technical grade C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 O - + + + + -
20 - - + + O - - 40
40 + 60
60 O 80
80 100
100

Methylbutyl ketone technical grade

Methyl bromide technical grade C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 - -
20 - - - O - O - 40
40 60
60 80
80 100
100

Methylated spirits commercial grade

Methyl carbitol commercial grade C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 - - O O
20 - - 40
40 60
60 80
80 100
100

Methylene chloride technical grade

Methyl chloride technical grade C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 - - O - O -
20 - - - O O - - 40
40 60
60 80
80 100
100

Methylisobutyl ketone technical grade

Methyl ethyl ketone technical grade C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 - - +
20 - - + + + - - 40
40 O O O 60
60 O - - 80
80 100
100

Milk
Methyl glycol
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 + + + + + + +
20 O 40 + + + +
40 - 60 + + + +
60 80 +
80 100 +
100
64
Mineral oils commercial grade Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
saturated, aqueous
20 + - - C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR

40 + 20 + + + + + +
60 + 40 + + + + + +
80 60 + + + +
100 80
100

Mineral water
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
Mustard aqueous
20 + + + + + + + C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR

40 + + + + + + + 20 + + O O
60 + + + + + + + 40
80 + + + + 60
100 + + + 80
100

Mixed acids
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
Naptha technical grade
20 C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR

40 20 - - + + + + +
60 Refer to Polypipe 40 + O + + +
80 60 + + + +
100 80 + +
100 +

Molasses
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
Nickel chloride saturated, aqueous
20 + + + + C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR

40 + + + + 20 + + + + + + +
60 O + + 40 + + + + + + +
80 60 O + + + + + +
100 80 + +
100 +

Monochloroacetic acid (ethyl ester)

Nickel nitrate saturated, aqueous
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 O - + + + O - C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR

40 + + 20 + + + + + + +
60 40 + + + + + + +
80 60 O + + + + + +
100 80 + +
100 +

Monochloroacetic acid (methyl ester)

technical grade Nickel sulphate saturated, aqueous
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 O - + + + O - 20 + + + + + + +
40 + + 40 + + + + + + +
60 60 O + + + + + +
80 80 + +
100 100 +

Morpholin Nicotenic acid suspension

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + + O + - 20 + O
40 + + 40 +
60 + + 60 +
80 80
100 100
65
 Guide to chemical resistance

Nitric acid 10% aqueous Nitrous gas (nitric oxide)

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + - + - 20 + - + + + + O
40 O O + O 40 O O O + + -
60 - - + - 60 O - - O +
80 80
100 100

Nitric acid 20% aqueous* Oleic acid technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - O + - + - 20 + + + + - + O
40 - O + O 40 + O + + O -
60 - + - 60 + O O -
80 80
100 100

Nitric acid 40% aqueous* Oleum

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - - - - + - 20 - - - - - - -
40 O 40
60 - 60
80 80
100 100

Nitric acid 70% aqueous* Olive oil

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - - - - O - 20 + + + + - + +
40 - 40 + + + + + +
60 60 + + O + +
80 80 + +
100 100

Nitric acid (fuming with nitrogen dioxide) Oxalic acid saturated, aqueous
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - - - - - - 20 + + + + O + O
40 40 + + + + O + -
60 60 + + + O O
80 80 - -
100 100

Nitrobenzene technical grade Oxygen technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + + - O - 20 + + + + + + -
40 + + - 40 + + O + + +
60 O O 60 + + O O + +
80 80 + +
100 100

Nitrotuolene technical grade Ozone saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + + - O O 20 + - O O + + -
40 + + - - 40 + - - O O
60 O O 60 - -
80 80
100 100
* For PVCu solvent jointing, refer to Polypipe.
66
Palmatic acid technical grade Perchlorid acid 10% aqueous
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + O O O + O 20 + + + + + + -
40 - O - 40 O + + + + +
60 - 60 O + + + +
80 80 O O
100 100

Palm oil Perchlorid acid 70% aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 O - O + + + -
40 - + + O + + 40 - O + +
60 - - - + O 60 - + +
80 80 O O
100 100

Paraffin oil and emulsions Petrol commercial grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + - + + 20 - - - -
40 + + + + + O 40
60 O + O O + O 60
80 O 80
100 100

Peanut oil Petroleum crude

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + 20 - - - -
40 + 40
60 + 60
80 80
100 100

Pentane Petroleum ether (ligroin)

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - 20 + O - + +
40 40 + O + O
60 60 + O O -
80 80
100 100

Peppermint oil Petroleum jelly (Vaseline, proprietary

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
technical grade)
20 + C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR

40 20 O - O O - + +
60 40 - O O + +
80 60 - - +
100 80 +
100 +

Perchloroethylene technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
Phenol up to 10%, aqueous
20 - - - - - + O C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR

40 20 + - + + + + -
60 40 O + + + +
80 60 + - + +
100 80 O O
100
67
 Guide to chemical resistance

Phenol up to 90%, aqueous Phosphoric acid up to 85%, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 O - + + - + - 20 + + + + + + -
40 + + O 40 O + + + + +
60 O - 60 - O + O + +
80 80 O +
100 100 O

Phenylhydrazine technical grade Phosphorus chlorides (oxy, penta and

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
trichloride) technical grade
20 - - O O O + - C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR

40 20 - - + + + + -
60 40
80 60
100 80
100

Phenythydrazine hydrochloride (sublimate)

technical grade Phosphorous pentoxide technical grade
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 O - + + + O 20 + + + + + + O
40 O + + - 40 + + + + + -
60 O O 60 + +
80 80
100 100

Phosgene technical grade Photographic developer commercial grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - O + + O 20 + + + + + + O
40 40 + + + + + + O
60 60 O O O
80 80
100 100

Phosgene gas technical grade Photographic emulsion commercial grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - O O + + + 20 + + + + + + O
40 O + + + 40 + + + + + +
60 O + O + 60
80 80
100 100

Phosphine gas technical grade Photographic fixative commercial grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + 20 + + + + + + +
40 + + + 40 + + + + + + +
60 + + + 60 O O
80 80
100 100

Phosphoric acid up to 50%, aqueous Phthalic acid saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + - 20 + - + + + - -
40 O O + + + + 40 O + + +
60 + + + + 60 - + + O
80 O + 80
100 O 100
68
 Picric acid sublimate Potassium bromide saturated, aqueous**
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - + + + + O 20 + + + + + + +
40 O + + - 40 + + + + + + +
60 O + 60 O + + O + + +
80 O 80 + - + + O
100 100 + + -

Potassium bicarbonate saturated, aqueous Potassium carbonate (potash)

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
saturated, aqueous
20 + + + + + + C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR

40 + + + + + + 20 + + + + + + -
60 + + + + + + 40 + + + + + +
80 + + + 60 + + + + + +
100 80 + + +
100
Potassium bichromate saturated, aqueous
Potassium chlorate saturated, aqueous
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR

40 + + + + + + O 20 + + + + + + +
60 O + + + + + - 40 + + + + + + O
80 + 60 + + + + + +
100 + 80 + + +
100 +

Potassium bisulphate saturated, aqueous

Potassium chloride aqueous
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR

40 + + + + + + 20 + + + + + + +
60 + + + O + + 40 + + + + + + +
80 + - + + 60 + + + + + + +
100 80 + + +
100 + +

Potassium bisulphite saturated, aqueous

Potassium chromate saturated, aqueous
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + +
40 + + + + + + 20 + + + + + + +
60 + + + O + + 40 + + + + + + O
80 + - + + 60 + + + + + + -
100 80
100

Potassium borate saturated, aqueous

Potassium cyanide, fericyanide, ferrocyanide,
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
saturated, aqueous
20 + + + + + + +
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
40 + + + + + + +
20 + + + + + + +
60 + + + + + + +
40 + + + + + O +
80
60 + + + + + - +
100
80 +
100
Potassium bromate saturated, aqueous*
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
Potassium dichromate saturated, aqueous
20 + + + + + + +
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
40 + + + + + + +
20 + + + + + +
60 O + + O + + +
40 + + + + + +
80 + - + + -
60 + + + + + +
100 + +
80 + + +
* Not to be held or conveyed near potassium bromide.
100 69
** Not to be held or conveyed near potassium bromate.
 Guide to chemical resistance

Potassium fluoride saturated, aqueous Potassium perchlorate saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + 20 + + + + + + +
40 + + + + + + 40 + + + + + + O
60 + + + + + + 60 O + + + + +
80 + + + 80 +
100 100

Potassium hydrogen carbonate, Potassium permanganate saturated, aqueous

refer to potassium bicarbonate C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 + + + + + + O
20 40 + + + + + + -
40 60 O + + O + +
60 80
80 100
100

Potassium persulphate saturated, aqueous

Potassium hydrogen sulphate,
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
refer to potassium sulphate
20 + + + + + + -
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
40 + + + + + +
20
60 O + + + + +
40
80 +
60 100
80
100
Potassium sulphate saturated, aqueous
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
Potassium hydroxide, refer to caustic potash
20 + + + + + + +
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
40 + + + + + + +
20
60 + + + + + + +
40
80 +
60 100 +
80
100
Potassium sulphide saturated, aqueous
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
Potassium iodate saturated, aqueous*
20 + + + +
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
40 + + + +
20 + + + + + +
60 + + +
40 + + + + + +
80
60 + + + + + +
100
80 + + - + +
100
Potassium sulphite saturated, aqueous
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
Potassium iodide saturated, aqueous**
20 + + + + + +
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
40 + + + + + +
20 + + + + + + +
60 + + + + + +
40 + + + + + + O
80
60 + + + + + + - 100
80 + - + +
100
Potassium thiosulphate saturated, aqueous
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
Potassium nitrate (salpetre) saturated, aqueous
20 + + + + + +
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
40 + + + + + +
20 + + + + + + +
60 + + + + + +
40 + + + + + + +
80
60 + + + + + + + 100
80 + + +
70
* Not to be held or conveyed near potassium iodide.
100 ** Not to be held or conveyed near potassium iodate.
 Propane liquid/gas technical grade Salicylic acid saturated, aqueous
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + - + + 20 + + + + -
40 40 +
60 60 +
80 80
100 100

Propioic acid technical grade Silicone oil technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - + + + + - 20 + +
40 + + + + + 40 +
60 - + O + O 60 +
80 80 +
100 100 +

Propyl, isopropyl, alcohol technical grade Silver acetate saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + 20 + + + +
40 + + + + 40 + +
60 + + + + 60 + +
80 80
100 100

Propylene glycol technical grade* Silver cyanide

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + O + + + + + 20 + + + +
40 + O + + + + O 40 + +
60 + O + + + O 60 + +
80 80
100 100

Propylene oxide technical grade Silver nitrate saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + + + - - 20 + + + +
40 40 O + +
60 60 + +
80 80
100 100

Prussic acid, refer to hydrocyanic acid Slaked lime saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 20 + + + + + +
40 40 + + + + + +
60 60 + + + + + +
80 80 + + +
100 100

Pyridine technical grade Soap solutions

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - O + + O - 20 + + + + + + +
40 - O O - 40 + + + + + + +
60 - 60 O + + + + +
80 80
100 100
* For ABS refer to Polypipe.
71
 Guide to chemical resistance

Soda, refer to sodium carbonate Sodium bisulphate saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 20 + + + + + +
40 40 + + + + + +
60 60 + + + + + +
80 80 + +
100 100

Sodium acetate saturated, aqueous Sodium bisulphite saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + + + + + +
40 + + + + + + + 40 O + + + + +
60 + + + + + + + 60 - + + + + +
80 + 80 + +
100 100

Sodium aluminate saturated, aqueous Sodium bromate saturated, aqueous*

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + 20 + + + + + + +
40 + + + 40 O + O O + + O
60 + + + 60 + + + -
80 80
100 100

Sodium antimonate saturated, aqueous Sodium bromide saturated, aqueous**

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + 20 + + + + + + +
40 + + + + 40 + + + + + + O
60 + + + 60 O + + + + +
80 80 +
100 100

Sodium arsenite saturated, aqueous Sodium carbonate saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + 20 + + + + + + +
40 + + + + 40 + + + + + + +
60 + + + 60 + + + + + + +
80 80 + + +
100 100

Sodium benzoate saturated, aqueous Sodium chlorate saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - + + + + + 20 + + + + + + +
40 + + + + + + 40 + + + + + + O
60 O + + + + 60 O + + + + + -
80 O O 80 + O +
100 100 -

Sodium bicarbonate saturated, aqueous Sodium chloride saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + + + + + + +
40 + + + + + + + 40 + + + + + + +
60 + + + + + + + 60 O + + + + + +
80 + + + 80 + + + O
100 100 O -

72 * Not to be held or conveyed near sodium bromide.

** Not to be held or conveyed near sodium bromate.
 Sodium chlorite saturated, aqueous Sodium hydroxide, refer to caustic soda solution
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 O + + + + + - 20
40 + + 40
60 + + 60
80 80
100 100

Sodium chromate Sodium hypochlorite 12.5% chlorine

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + - O O + + -
40 + + + + + + O 40 + - -
60 O + + + - 60 O
80 80
100 100

Sodium cyanide saturated, aqueous Sodium hyposulphite (thiosulphate)

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
saturated, aqueous
20 + + + + + + C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR

40 + + + + + + 20 + + + + + + +
60 + + + + + + 40 + - + + + + O
80 60 O + + + + -
100 80
100

Sodium dichromate saturated, aqueous

Sodium iodide saturated, aqueous*
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + +
40 + + + + + + 20 + + + + + + +
60 + + + + + + 40 + + + + + + +
80 60 O + + + + + O
100 80 + - + +
100

Sodium disulphite aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
Sodium metabisulphite saturated, aqueous
20 + + + + + O C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR

40 + + + + - 20 + + + + + +
60 O + + + 40 + + + + + +
80 60 + + + + + +
100 80
100

Sodium ferricyanide & sodium ferrocyanide

saturated, aqueous Sodium metaborate saturated, aqueous
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + 20 + + + + + +
40 + + + + + + 40 + + + + + +
60 + + + + + + 60 + + + + + +
80 80 +
100 100

Sodium fluoride saturated, aqueous Sodium metaphosphate saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + - + O
40 + + + + + + + 40
60 + + + + + + O 60
80 + 80
100 100
73
* Not to be held or conveyed near iodate.
 Guide to chemical resistance

Sodium nitrate saturated, aqueous Sodium sulphate saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + + + + + + +
40 + + + + + + + 40 + + + + + + +
60 O + + + + + 60 O + + O + +
80 + + 80 + +
100 100

Sodium nitrite saturated, aqueous Sodium sulphide saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + + + + + - +
40 + + + + + + O 40 + + + + + +
60 + + + + - 60 - + + + +
80 + + 80
100 100

Sodium oxalate saturated, aqueous Sodium sulphite saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + + + + + + +
40 40 + + + + + + O
60 60 O + + + +
80 80
100 100

Sodium perborate saturated, aqueous Sodium tetraborate saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + 20 + + + + + +
40 + 40 + + + + + +
60 60 + + + + + +
80 80
100 100

Sodium persulphate saturated, aqueous Soft soap (emulsified)

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + - 20 + + + + + +
40 + + + + + + 40 + + + + + +
60 O + + 60 + + + + + +
80 + + 80
100 100

Sodium phosphate(s) (neutral) Soybean oil commercial grade

saturated, aqueous C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 +
20 + + + + + + + 40 O
40 + + + + + + + 60 O
60 O + + + + + + 80
80 + 100
100 +

Spindle oil
Sodium silicate saturated, aqueous
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR 20 O + O - + +
20 + + + + + + + 40
40 + + + + + + + 60
60 - + + + + + + 80
80 100
100
74
Stannic chloride Sulphur dioxide gas (dry) technical grade
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + 20 + - + +
40 + + + 40 + + +
60 + + + 60 + +
80 80
100 100

Stanous chloride Sulphur dioxide gas (wet) technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + 20 - + +
40 O + + + O + 40 +
60 60
80 80
100 100

Starch saturated, aqueous Sulphur dioxide liquid technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 - - - - O O -
40 + + + + + + + 40
60 + + + + + + + 60
80 + + + 80
100 100

Stearic acid suspension, aqueous Sulphur trioxide

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 - - - - - + -
40 + + + + + + + 40
60 + + O O O O O 60
80 80
100 100

Sugar syrup commercial grade Sulphuric acid 10% aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + + + + + + O
40 + O + + + + + 40 + + + + + + -
60 O + + + + + 60 O + + + + +
80 + + + 80 O O
100 100 - -

Sulphamic acid saturated, aqueous Sulphuric acid 20% aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + 20 + + + + + + O
40 + + + + 40 + + + + + + -
60 + + + 60 O + + + + +
80 80 O O
100 100 - -

Sulphur suspension technical grade Sulphuric acid 50% aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 O - + + - + - 20 + O + + - +
40 - + + + 40 + - + + +
60 + + + 60 + - + + +
80 80 +
100 100

75
 Guide to chemical resistance

Sulphuric acid 70% aqueous* Tannic acid aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - + + - + 20 + + + + + + +
40 + - + + + 40 + + + +
60 + - O O + 60 + + +
80 + 80 +
100 100

Sulphuric acid 90% aqueous* Tanning (vegetable extract) commercial grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - O O - + - 20 + + + + + + +
40 40
60 60
80 80
100 100

Sulphuric acid 96% aqueous* Tartaric acid saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 O - - - - + - 20 + + + + + + +
40 40 + + + + O + +
60 60 + + + + - +
80 80
100 100

Sulphuric acid 98% aqueous* Tetrachloroethane technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - - - O 20 - - - - - O -
40 40
60 60
80 80
100 100

Sulphurous acid saturated, aqueous Tetrachloroethylene, refer to perchloroethylene

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + - 20 - - - - - + O
40 + + + 40
60 60
80 80
100 100

Sulphuryl chloride technical grade Tetraethyl lead technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - - - O + - 20 + - + + - + +
40 40
60 60
80 80
100 100

Tallow technical grade Tetrahydrofurane technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 - - O - - - -
40 + + + + + + + 40 -
60 + + + + + + 60
80 80
100 100

76
* Refer to Polypipe regarding solvent cement joining.
Tetralin (tetrahydronapthaline) technical grade Trichlorobenzene technical grade
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - - - - - - 20 - - - -
40 40
60 60
80 80
100 100

Thionylchloride technical grade Trichloroethane (methylchloroform)

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
technical grade
20 - - - - - - - C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR

40 20 - - - - - + -
60 40
80 60
100 80
100

Thiophene technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
Trichlorethylene technical grade
20 + C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR

40 + 20 - - - - - + -
60 O 40
80 60
100 80
100

Tin dichloride
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
Tricresyl phosphate technical grade
20 + + + + + + C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR

40 O + + + O + 20 - - + + - - O
60 40 O O
80 60 O O
100 80
100

Toluene technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
Triethanolamine technical grade
20 - - O - - O - C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
40 - - 20 O + + + - + O
60 40
80 60
100 80
100

Tributylphosphate technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
Triethylene glycol
20 - - + + + - - C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR

40 + + 20 + +
60 40
80 60
100 80
100

Trichloracetic acid technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
Trioctyl phosphate technical grade
20 O - + + O - - C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR

40 + O 20 - - + - - - O
60 + - 40
80 60
100 80
100
77
 Guide to chemical resistance

Turpentine technical grade Water (distilled, deionised, potable)

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - - - - + + 20 + + + + + + +
40 + + + 40 + + + + + + +
60 - + + 60 + + + + + + +
80 80 + +
100 100

Urea saturated, aqueous Water glass saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + + + + + +
40 + + + + + + + 40 + + + + + +
60 O + + + + + + 60 + + + + + +
80 80
100 100

Uric acid suspension Wetting agents 5% aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + + 20 + + + + + + +
40 + + + + + + + 40 + +
60 O + + + + + + 60
80 + - 80
100 100

Vegetable oils White spirit commercial grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + - + + 20 - - - - + -
40 O + - + + 40
60 O + 60
80 80
100 100

Vinegar commercial grade Wines and spirits commercial grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + 20 + + + + + + +
40 + + + 40 + + + +
60 + + + 60 + +
80 80
100 100

Vinyl acetate (monomer) technical grade Xylenes technical grade

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + + + 20 - - - - - +
40 40
60 60
80 80
100 100

Vinyl chloride technical grade Yeast suspension aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 - - + - 20 + + + + + + +
40 40 + + + + + +
60 60 O
80 80
100 100

78
Zinc bromide 50% aqueous Zinc sulphate saturated, aqueous
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + - 20 + + + + + +
40 + 40 + + + + + +
60 + 60 + + + + + +
80 80
100 100

Zinc carbonate suspension aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + +
40 + + + + + +
60 + + + +
80
100

Zinc chloride saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + +
40 + + + + + + -
60 O O + + + +
80
100

Zinc nitrate
C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + +
40 + + + +
60 + + + +
80
100

Zinc oxide saturated, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + + O
40 + + + + + +
60 + + + + + +
80
100

Zinc phosphate suspension, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 + + + + + +
40 + + + + + +
60 O + + + + +
80 + - + +
100

Zinc stearate suspension, aqueous

C PVCu ABS PP PE EPDM FPM NBR
20 +
40 +
60
80
100

79
 Dimensions, units & conversion

SI units (defined in BS 3736: 1964)

Quantity Unit Symbol
Length Metre m
Mass Kilogramme kg
Time Second s
Electric current Ampere A
Temperature Kelvin K
Luminous intensity Candela cd

Derived units with special names

Quantity Unit Symbol Derivation
Force Newton N kg-m/s
Work, energy Joule J N-m
Power Watt W J/s
Electric charge Coulomb C A-s
Potential difference Volt V W/A
Electric resistance Ohm V/A
Electric capacitance Farad F A-s/V
Inductance Henry H V-s/A

Multiples of units
Name Symbol Factor Number
exa E 1018 1,000,000,000,000,000,000
peta P 1015 1,000,000,000,000,000
tera T 1012 1,000,000,000,000
giga G 109 1,000,000,000
mega M 106 1,000,000
kilo k 103 1,000
hecto h 102 100
deca da 10 10
deci d 10-1 0.1
centi c 10-2 0.01
milli m 10-3 0.001
micro 10-6 0.000001
nano n 10-9 0.000000001
pico p 10-12 0.000000000001
fempto f 10-15 0.000000000000001
atto a 10-18 0.000000000000000001

80
tables

Conversion factors
Item Conversion
1 in = 25.4mm
1 ft = 0.3048m
Length
1 yd = 0.9144m
1 mile = 1.609km
1 lb = 0.4536kg (0.45359237 exactly)
Mass 1 stone = 6.350kg
1 oz = 28.35g
1 min = 60s
Time 1h = 3.6ks
1 day = 86.4ks
1 in = 645.2mm
1 ft = 0.09290m
Area 1 yd = 0.8361m
1 acre = 4047m
1 mile = 2.590km
1 in = 16.39cm
1 ft = 0.02832m = 28.32 l
Volume 1 yd = 0.7646m = 764.61 l
1 UK gallon = 4.546 l
1 US gallon = 3.785 l
Force, weight 1 lbf = 4.448N
Density 1 lb/ft = 16.02kg/m
Specific volume 1 lb/ft = 62.43l/kg
1 km/h = 0.2778m/s
Velocity 1 ft/s = 0.3048m/s
1 mile/h = 0.4470m/s = 1.609km/h
1000 N/m = 1000Pa
1000 Pa = 1kPa = 0.01bar
Pressure, stress
1 in H2o = 2.491mb
1 lbf/in (psi) = 68.95mb or 14.5psi = 1 bar
Power 1 horse power = 745.7W
1 ft-pdl = 42.14mN-m
Moment, torque
1 ft-tonf = 3.037kN-m
1 gal/h = 1.263ml/s = 4.546l/h
Rates of flow
1 ft/s = 28.32l/s
Fuel consumption 1 mile/gal = 0.3540km/l
Kinematic viscosity 1 ft/s = 929.0cm/s = 929.0St
1 lbf-s/ft = 47.88N-s/m = 478.8P
Dynamic viscosity 1 pdl-s/ft = 11.488N-s/m = 14.88P
1 cP = 1mN-s/m
1 horsepower-h = 2.685MJ
1 kW-h = 3.6MJ
Power
1 Btu = 1.055kJ
1 Therm = 105.5MJ
Specific energy 1 Btu/lb = 2.326kJ/kg

81
 Notes

82
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This Document has been prepared as a guide only. Data, discussion and conclusions developed herein are for information only and are not intended for use
without independent substantiation. Potential users should apply the information at their own discretion. Neither Polypipe nor Staffordshire University will be
held liable.

Information in this publication must not be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of Polypipe. The contents are given in good faith and no
warranty is given or implied in respect of such information. Polypipe reserve the right to amend this specification without prior notice and all transactions are
subject to our standard Conditions of Sale. p Polypipe and p are registered Trademarks of Polypipe. All Polypipe products are protected by Design Right under
CDPA 1988. Copyright 2006 Polypipe. All rights reserved.

83
Pressure Piping Systems

Polypipe Terrain

New Hythe Business Park

College Road

Aylesford

Kent ME20 7PJ

Tel: 01622 795200

Fax: 01622 792564

enquiries@pressurepipes.com
ISBN 1-904133-33-9 www.pressurepipes.com
Release: 01-12-2008
Dr Tarik Al-Shemmeri
Mr Mike Greig www.polypipe.com