High-pressure DN450 and 600mm PVC-O water pipelines virtually indestructible with extremely long lifetime.
PVC-O pipes are the most advanced pipes for the conveyance of high-pressure water on the market, the new release of PVC-O pipe up to diameters DN 600 mm make them the best solution for medium and high pressure networks for potable water supply, sewer rising mains, recycled water systems, sewer rising mains, irrigation systems and pumping systems. Large diameter pipe is supplied in Australia by Promains.
“A challenge of the PVC pipes industry has been to push the traditional limit of PVC-O pipes past 300mm without lowering the orientation degree and decreasing the material quality, ensuring pipes are available for pressure ranges up to PN25,” Nigel Jones, Business Development Manager, Think Pipes Think PVC.
PVC-O Large Diameter Pipe
Total installed PVC-O capacity is estimated by equipment manufacturer Molecor to amount to around 17,000 tonnes per year in Australia, 18% of the world’s estimated capacity.
A plastic with unbeatable properties
The process of molecular orientation greatly enhances PVC’s physical properties and gives PVC-O a number of exceptional features. It becomes an unbeatable plastic in terms of strength, impact resistance and flexibility without altering its chemical properties. PVC-O pipes are virtually impossible to destroy by impact, virtually eliminating the possibility of breakages during installation or during on-site trials caused by dropping or by impacts.
This makes for a plastic with unbeatable qualities in terms of resistance to traction and fatigue, flexibility and impact resistance. When used in high-pressure water pipelines, this type of piping is virtually indestructible and is expected to have a lifetime in excess of 100 years.
Compared to PE and metal pipes, the relatively thin but strong PVC-O pipes have greater water volume carrying capacity and lower susceptibility to water hammer, especially compared with steel and cast iron pipes, due to lower wave speed (celerity).
When PVC-O pipe is used for high pressure pipelines, they have a number of performance and environmental benefits compared to alternative products. The pipe is highly energy-efficient and environmentally friendly during all its useful life because of the considerable savings in raw material. DN600 PVC-O pipe will be less than half the weight of PE and one third of the weight of equivalent DI pipe. Combining their large internal diameter with low friction, PVC-O can move water faster than the alternatives. The latest PVC-O pipes are designed to withstand 25bar water pressure long term and meet the top Class 500 rating of having a minimum tensile strength of 50MPa.
For all these reasons, PVC-O pipes are the best solution for medium and high pressure networks for potable water supply, sewer rising mains, recycled water systems, irrigation systems and pumping systems.
Key benefits for large diameter PN 25 – Real installation experience for PVC-O CLASS 500
Installation speed of up to 120m/hour achieved. This compares to around 85m/hour for DI and less than 30m/hour for PE :
- Faster delivery of pipes to installation site
- Pipes less susceptible to damage during installation
- Socket & spigot system for fast joining
- The lowest Installation cost
- Pipe flexibility avoids needing elbows for bends up to 5° even in big diameters
- Standard fittings can be used
- Light weight reduces the labour required, increases safety during installation
Allows asset owners to stretch their precious capital further