The physical, chemical and mechanical properties of PVC-U pipes and fittings demonstrate their superiority in utility and applications over conventional materials.

(a) Density
PVC has a density of approximately 1.43 g/cm3. As such it is less than 1/6th the weight of cast iron and steel, making it much cheaper to transport and easier to handle during installation.

(b) Mechanical Strength
The inherent mechanical strength of PVC-U pipes, making them suitable even in varying conditions, can be gauged from the fact that the tensile, flexural and compressive strength of PVC is around 450 kg/cm2.

(c) Electrical Resistance
PVC has a resistivity of greater than 1014 Ohm. Cm, and has good insulating properties.

(d) Low Thermal Conductivity
PVC has a thermal conductivity of 0.13 W/m/0C, which is only a fraction of the thermal conductivity of steel. This enables fluids to be transported through PVC-U pipes, maintaining a uniform fluid temperature. The lower thermal conductivity factor also ensures that there is no external ‘sweating’ of the pipes when fluids at a very low temperature are passing through them.

(e) Hygienic
PVC-U pipes offer one of the most hygienic means of fluid transportation. They are resistant to attack by fungi and are not subject to contamination. The inside surface, which is extremely smooth, does not support any growth, encrustation or fuming, and no odour or taste is transmitted to the fluid being conveyed. This property is of prime importance for the transportation of potable water to towns and villages.

(f) Hydraulic Resistance and Flow Characteristics
PVC-U pipes, due to their smooth inner surface, allow a greater flow of water than an identical size of conventional piping. The Hazen – William’s constant for flow for PVC-U pipe is around 150, which is higher than that for conventional materials. The head loss of any proposed PVC pipeline can be readily calculated.

(g) Chemical Resistance
PVC is unaffected by most concentrations of acids, alkalis, organic chemicals, oils and fats. This resistance to corrosion by most chemicals makes PVC-U pipes indispensable for contemporary application in various sectors of industry and for sewerage.

(h) Flexibility
Being a thermoplastic material, PVC is better able to withstand deformation in shape due to earth movements. PVC-U pipes, in this respect, are considerably more popular than asbestos cement pipes, which can collapse under stress levels which are well within the limits of PVC-U pipes.

(i) Galvanic & electrolytic Immunity
Unlike metallic pipes which need special surface coating to resist electrolytic actions, PVC being a nonconductor of electricity, is totally immune to galvanic and electrolytic attack. Thus, use of PVC-U pipes overcomes several problems and makes redundant any further surface treatment of the piping material.

(j) Fire Resistance
PVC-U pipes have proved time and again that they are self extinguishing in and do not support combustion. They are, therefore, ideally suited for use in buildings and other constructions.

(k) Dimensions of PVC-U pipe
Ravindra PVC-U pipes are manufactured conforming to the latest Relevant Indian standard. This applies to our standard range of manufacture.

Note: PVC-U pipe means unplasticised polyvinylchloride pipe, also frequently referred to as rigid PVC pipe. The word rigid does not explain its structure, but defines a property, which is self explanatory.

The properties listed in Tables 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 are characteristic of the material and are derived from large numbers of test samples. PVC-U pipes and fittings will not adversely affect other materials in contact or in close proximity to them, underground or in open space.

Table 1:1

Table 1:2

Table 1:3

PVC-U is a non-conductor and cannot be used as earthing for electrical equipments.