PVC Pipes – High-Pressure Pipes & Fittings

A high-pressure pipe is a type of pipe that can be used in high-pressure applications, including supplying water to residences, offices, and industrial operations. High-pressure pipes are designed to withstand high-pressure liquids and fluids and must be tested and rated accordingly. Generally speaking, pipes and fittings must have a pressure capacity greater than 15 pounds per square inch gauge to be deemed suitable for use in high-pressure pipelines. Of course, the minimum pressure capacity required varies depending on specific applications. Applicable UPVC standards can provide specific details on acceptable pressure ranges for high-pressure UPVC pipes.

Unplasticized PVC (UPVC or PVC-U) or rigid PVC is best for high-pressure applications, such as potable water plumbing systems. PVC-U pipes are denser, harder, stronger, and stiffer than regular PVC. They are rigid because they don’t contain plasticizers, the compounds that make regular PVC softer and more flexible. PVC-U pipes have varying pressure ratings, and the various PVC pipe standards categorize them into different classes depending on their pressure capacity. Note that pressure capacity is inversely related to temperature.

High-pressure pipes, such as PVC-U plastic pipes, are primarily used to transport drinking, cleaning, bathing, and cooking water to residences. They can serve as your main water supply line. Use them to deliver water to bathrooms, kitchens, toilets, and water heaters. High-pressure plastic pipes may also be used in piping systems to supply other fluids and pressurized liquids; they can be used in pipelines to distribute milk, chemicals, irrigation water, and sewage. They may also be buried underground for many residential, commercial and industrial piping applications.

Unplasticized PVC or PVC-U pipes are the best for high-pressure water applications. That said, PVC-U pressure ratings will vary according to the manufacturer. PVC-U pressure capacity also varies with the temperature. Therefore, to ensure high product quality, get your PVC-U pipes from a reputable plastic pipes manufacturer. Additionally, choose your pipes according to the recommendations of applicable standards, such as BS EN 1452, DIN 8062, BS 3505, BS 3506, ASTMD 1785, and ASTMD 2241.

Copper and plastic pipes, such as uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) and CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), are the safest and most commonly used materials for drinking water supply pipes. Their durability and resistance to chemicals and corrosion make them an excellent choice.

uPVC pipes, in particular, stand out because:

• UPVC pipes are more cost-effective than copper and CPVC pipes.
• They’re immune to harmful UV rays, making them perfect for outdoor use.
• Being chemically inert, they don’t contaminate water supplies.
• Their smooth inner walls prevent bacterial, algae and mineral build-up.
• As these are unplasticized pipes, they are lead-free and safe for potable water.

High-pressure pipe is any type of pipe that is designed and capable of withstanding high levels of water pressure within its system.

In the PVC category, uPVC pipes would be considered high-pressure water pipes. Because their structure doesn’t contain any added plasticizers, they have a sturdy, leak-proof build, which allows them to tolerate high pressures and be used in various applications, such as water distribution, underground drainage and other commercial and industrial uses.

UPVC high-pressure pipes are specialized plastic pipes that transport fluids under immense force. They are made from unplasticized polyvinyl chloride and are commonly known as rigid PVC pipes due to their unyielding structure.

The absence of plasticizers in their composition lends them incredible strength and durability. The smooth bore of uPVC pressure pipes reduces obstructions to fluid motion compared to conventional pipes. As a result, it has exceptional flow properties with minimal frictional loss.

High-pressure uPVC pipes are typically used in applications where water must be transported at high volumes, such as in industrial plants, irrigation systems, fire protection systems, etc.

The most common types of uPVC fittings include:

Elbows: Connect pipes of similar or different diameters, changing fluid flow direction. Commonly available in 90 and 45-degree angles.

Tees: “T” shaped with two outlets at a 90-degree angle to a single inlet.

Couplings: Short tubes with a female pipe thread or socket at one or both ends for joining pipes of different diameters.

Caps: Protective fittings used for closing off pipe ends to prevent leakage and isolate the pipe.

Reducers: Also known as reducing couplings, they change the pipe size.

Adapters: Alter the end type of a pipe, enabling it to connect to various fittings and tubes. They can be male- or female-threaded, socket or spigot.

The key differences between PVC and uPVC lie in the following attributes:

Flexibility: PVC, containing plasticizers, is flexible and malleable, ideal for products like cable insulations, toys, and other low-impact uses. In contrast, uPVC lacks plasticizers, making it tougher and better suited to heavy-duty water transportation, drainage systems, construction and all sorts of commercial and industrial applications.

Durability: uPVC is more resistant to temperature fluctuations, UV radiation and high-impact usage than PVC.

Maintenance: PVC is porous, requiring more maintenance than uPVC, which is almost maintenance-free. Toxins: PVC contains toxins such as BPA and Phthalates, while uPVC doesn’t.

UPVC, or unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, is a type of plastic pipe with a sturdy and rigid structure. It’s primarily used in water supply lines due to its resistance to chemical erosion and high pressure.

The absence of plasticizers in uPVC pipes is why it’s a stronger variant of PVC pipes. They are lightweight compared to steel, concrete and other plastic pipes. They also combat UV light, harsh weather conditions and bacterial and microbial growth.

If built and installed by reliable uPVC pipe manufacturers in the UAE, they can last over 100 years without major repairs or renovations.