In a field that's historically been led by metal, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is gaining tremendous traction as the piping material of choice for commercial plumbing and HVAC applications. This is thanks to CPVC's:
- Superior corrosion resistance
- High distortion temperature
- Pressure rating
- Ease of installation
- Lower life-cycle cost
However, when considering CPVC piping, it’s important to note that not all CPVC material performs the same. Each manufacturer's CPVC compound is made with base resins that have different molecular weights and varying chlorine content, as well as different compound additives that can affect long-term performance and compatibility with ancillary products.
To ensure a provider's CPVC satisfies the demands of your plumbing or HVAC application, ask the following four questions.
Do You Have Documented Chemical Compatibility Data?
When choosing ancillary products that are intended to be in direct contact with the piping system, it is important to select products that have demonstrated little or no effect on the piping material. To ease the burden associated with researching and selecting accompanying construction products, Lubrizol Advanced Materials developed the FBC™ System Compatible Program. This exclusive program removes the guesswork associated with chemical compatibility.
Each listed product undergoes formulation screening and rigorous physical testing in contact with Lubrizol Advanced Materials' CPVC samples at a third-party laboratory. To qualify for inclusion in the FBC System Compatible Program, the manufacturer of auxiliary construction products must agree to:
- Submit their products for testing by a third-party lab
- Not alter the tested formulation
- Have their manufacturing facility audited annually by the third-party lab
No other brand of CPVC piping systems goes to the depth and breadth of the FBC System Compatible Program. While leading competitors publish lists of recommended products, those recommendations are not based on third-party testing. Resins and chlorine content varies, depending on each manufacturer’s product formula. Different products also contain different performance additives. Both factors mean that ancillary products act differently with each manufacturer’s CPVC piping brand, requiring consultation with the manufacturer prior to selecting accompanying construction products. Ideally the manufacturer you are working with can provide similar empirical data.
What Testing is Required of Your CPVC?
It’s recommended that you check with your piping supplier to determine what specific tests the pipe manufacturer performs on its finished product. Specifically, you'll want to inquire about:
- Minimum burst pressure requirements
- Dimensional tolerances
- Residual stress requirements
- Drop impact requirements
- Fusion property
The values needed to satisfy your specific industrial application will vary based on a number of factors, but a manufacturer should be able to provide you access to this validated data.
Does your CPVC Meet the Highest Quality Standards?
Differences in manufacturing, material science and chemical processing among CPVC brands can lead to variability in performance and reliability. Of all the non-metallic systems on the market today, Corzan® CPVC pipe and fittings represent the most reliable choice for one reason – quality.
Only the best manufacturers with proven track records of quality and reliability are chosen as licensed partners to convert Corzan raw material into high performance Corzan Piping Systems. What is more, every partner manufacturer participates in a contractually registered Quality Assurance Program. This ensures product consistency so that our pipe and fittings perform to the same quality standards regardless of when, where or by whom they were manufactured.
Is Your Material Backed by Technical Support and Expertise?
When choosing a CPVC material, it’s important to look for support beyond the initial sale. Help during the product evaluation and specification stage is to be expected, but can the manufacturer be counted on to provide advice, information and training throughout installation and over the course of the piping system's life span?
Corzan Piping Systems has a team of regional and engineering specialists on hand to provide ongoing support to prospects and customers. From job-site training to consultation and advice, we stand behind our product, partner manufacturers and customers.
Technical Support When You Need It
From before specification installation, the Corzan Piping Systems’ team of industrial and engineering specialists are here to provide the advice, information and training needed to select and integrate the best piping solution for your application.
