PVC

Advantages;
PVC is the most widely used polymer for cables production in Europe. It is mainly dominant in the low
voltage and some specialist applications. Telecommunication is also an important application for PVC.
PVC cables have a number of benefits, such as:
Good electrical and insulation properties over a wide temperature range
Inherent fire safety
Excellent durability and long-life expectancy
Easy processing characteristics to achieve desired specification for end-products
Cost-effectiveness
Recyclability - no cross-linking therefore the ability to be reprocessed back into cable applications, see
further down
Compares favourably to alternative materials using LCA methodologies primarily due to lower usage of
non-renewable resources i.e. 43% derived from oil/gas and 57% derived from salt
Highly resistant to degradation by ultra violet light
Cheap
Disadvantages;
It is not recommended for use above 70 Celsius although it can be taken to 80 for short periods.
Sensitive to UV and oxidative degradation.
Limited thermal capability.
Thermal decomposition evolves HCI.
Higher density than many plastics.
Advantages: Light weight easy to work with, assemble, its cheap, can last 20 to 50 years(unexposed to
UV), and is more flexible than galvanized pipe.
Disadvantages: Should not be exposed to UV light (Becomes brittle), can only handle hot water if it is
CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride).

Notes: Must know the pressure it is going to handle Schedule 40 or 80. Correct glue & primer to use for
the job, especially if it is going to be inspected. Hazmat / Safety considerations on chemicals. Must
consider wall thickness if it is going to be threaded.
PVC is great because it is an inert and stable material that resists corrosion. It is also a very cheap
material that is quick and easy to install. A minimal amount of skills and tools are required to properly
install PVC pipes in a home.
The main disadvantages to PVC pipe is that it is very brittle that can break or crack if miss-handled. This
is especially true for properties located in cold climates. In addition to this, it can only be used indoors
and is not intended for hot water distribution (it has a maximum service temperature of 140 degrees
Fahrenheit). Because of this, care must be taken when installed near hot items such as furnaces or
ovens.
GMS
Galvanized steel is used primarily in the construction industry, and its primary applications include
roofing, support beams and braces for walls, and piping. This type of metal, often used for heating and
cooling duct work, safety barriers and handrails, is an essential material in automotive body parts. The
reasons for its popularity include its strength and resistance to corrosion, which are both due to the
protective layer of zinc added to the steel during the galvanization process. Galvanized steel is
unmatched in popularity for marine applications, as other materials are prone to rusting and therefore
deteriorate rapidly.

Galvanized steel is steel that has undergone chemical processing in order to make it corrosion resistant.
It is coated with layers of zinc oxide which will provide it with a protective surface that can protect the
metal from rusting and give it a more durable and scratch free finish. There are a few methods that can
be used to create this product; the most popular is through hot-dipped galvanization. In this method,
the galvanized steel is created from submerging the steel into melted zinc. This process allows the zinc
to permanently bond to the metal, not only on the surface, but within the steel itself, making a secure
and complete bond.
1. Low Initial Cost
The galvanization process usually costs less than other popular methods of protecting steel. This is
because the other methods are often labor intensive, and the cost of labor is always increasing.
Galvanization requires less manual labor, and therefore has not been been affected by this increase.
2. Long Life
The main benefit of galvanized steel is its long life. Galvanized steel pipe, fittings and other structures
can last more than 50 years in many rural areas, and more than 25 years in severely exposed urban and
coastal environments.

3. Toughness
The unique metallurgical composition of a galvanized coating makes it very rugged. Therefore,
galvanized products will resist damage during transport, assembly and service.
4. Low Maintenance Costs
Because of its ruggedness and long life, less effort is needed to maintain galvanized steel. This is
especially beneficial when you have structures in remote locations that would be expensive to reach and
service.
5. Standardization
The galvanization process is usually standardized so that every product meets certain standards. This
means that youll be able to accurately predict the lifespan and performance of your galvanized steel
pipe, fittings and other products.
6. Automatic Protection For Damaged Areas
Because galvanized coatings offer cathodic or sacrificial protection, they protect the small areas of your
structure that have been exposed due to damage. Other types of coating dont provide the same level of
protection, so exposed areas are vulnerable unless theyre recoated.
7. 360 Degree Protection
The galvanization process protects every part of a structureevery nook or cranny, corner or sharp
recess. This 360 degree, total protection isnt available with other coatings.
8. Easy Inspection
The inspection process for galvanized pipe and fittings is simple and straightforward. Galvanized
coatings can be examined by eye, and their thickness can be tested with simple, non-destructive
methods. If a galvanized coating appears intact and functioning, it is intact and functioning.
Disadvantages
While it may sound like the perfect material, it does come with its disadvantages, so consulting a steel
service center before purchase can be the way to go. Issues that can arise include the fact that not all
objects can be hot-dipped. Some may be too large or even to small, making the process impossible.
Other forms of galvanization could be used in such instances, but they are not able to provide the same
level of protection or last as long, making them undesirable. Another disadvantage can occur is in
processing. If done incorrectly, for example if they are cooled to quickly, the zinc has the possibility of
peeling or chipping off.

Like all metals and materials, zinc will wear eventually, and this can occur more quickly in situations
where it might be exposed to the elements frequently, such as rain or salt water, so they should be
regularly checked on when in use in such situations. When done right, and applied in the right way,
galvanized steel is the perfect option in countless industries. It can benefit construction, industrial,
marine and other industries, providing a strong, reliable metal that can be depended on.
Difficult to Repair
Galvanized pipes are generally replaced rather than repaired. If these pipes get damaged, the zinc layer
of the galvanization will also get weaker and the pipe will start to corrode in a short period of time. In
addition, it is not worth it to repair galvanized pipes since it's still a bit expensive and the pipes will never
come back as they used to be
Heavy to Handle
Galvanized pipes are usually made up of iron or steel and therefore they are a bit heavy to handle. Thus,
PVC pipes are the most lightweight pipes and they are usually used instead of galvanized pipes for small
projects such as many household piping jobs.

BMS
Black steel is a term given to steel pipe with a black oxide scale on the surface. This black oxide scale is
formed when the pipe is forged and is typically sealed with a protective oil to prevent corrosion.
Because of this oxide scale and protective film, black steel pipe requires little maintenance and is used
for a wide variety of applications, including in water, steam, air and gas services. Black steel pipes are
typically cut and threaded in the field.

Black steel is strong and tough.

Black steel pipe has high tensile strength, making it suitable for a variety of demanding applications. The
toughness of black steel pipe guards against cracks and allows high loading capacities. A critical property
of black steel pipe is its uniformity. Black steel's tensile strength is uniform along the entire length of
pipe, which ensures consistent and predictable diameters.
Ease of Installation and Flexibility
Compared to bolted lattice structures, installation of black steel pipe can be quicker and easier.
Threaded ends, flanges or welded construction allows designers the ability to make adjustments as
required. In addition to strength, black steel pipe can be field-fabricated and easily worked to any
length. The availability of multiple components and black steel fittings reduces costs and can speed up
structural fabrication. Depending on the application and diameter, black steel pipe can be threaded or
welded.

Maintenance and Corrosion Protection

Once installed, black steel pipe has superior rust and corrosion resistance; without exterior damage
such as nicks, scrapes or cuts, black steel is virtually maintenance-free. In addition, black steel piping
does not shrink and retains its shape and strength. This eliminates any need to retighten or repair
broken welds. This material is impervious to insects, rot or fire and, if required, can be further protected
by painting or galvanizing, a powder coat or liquid application of zinc.
This is another kind of steel pipe used for water conveyance and plumbing. Cast iron pipe is the
preferred choice for handling high pressures and loads of water. However, these pipes are very heavy
and it requires specific means of transportations. It is also not advisable to use cast iron pipes in
inaccessible places. Because of their heavy load, these pipes are made in shorter lengths. This equates to
more jointing and a more complicated layout.
Drainage pipe
Drainage and sewer pipes are made from a range of different materials including vitrified clay, uPVC,
concrete, iron and asbestos. This page deals only with solid pipes; perforated pipes for land drainage
schemes are dealt with on the land drainage page. Most domestic drainage used in Britain and Ireland is
either clayware or plastic, with the plastic uPVC drainage systems becoming more popular in modern,
post-1980's properties, consequently, only clayware and plastic drainage will be considered here.

Other materials used for drainage pipes includes ductile and cast iron (CI), glassfibre reinforced plastics
(GRP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), concrete, asbestos and pitch fibre.
Pipes
Types of pipes (L to R)
- Socketed clayware
- Plain-end clay c/w coupling
- Plastic 100/150mm
Most new domestic drainage applications utilising clayware will use plain-ended pipes, rather than the
socketed pipes. Plain ended pipes are those that have identical ends and are joined by means of a
coupling. Socketed pipes have identifiable 'male' and 'female' ends, and must be laid with the 'female'
end pointing upstream. Many older properties will have socketed clayware drains, typically of imperial
dimensions. Builders' merchants usually stock a range of adaptors that enable modern, metric plainended clayware or plastic pipes to be connected onto the older socketed clayware types.
Drainage Pipes

A pipe that facilitates the transfer of water from one place to another is known as a drainage pipe. They
are of utmost importance, as they accomplish the most important task of disposing waste water from
our houses or an industry. They are also important for preventing flood that is caused because of
swamp-like conditions and soil erosion. Now, there are different types of drainage pipes used for
different types of drainage problems. Today the most commonly used drainage pipes are PVC and
polyethylene drainage pipes. However, apart from these there are various other pipes used to
manipulate the flow of waste water.

Corrugated Polyethylene Drainage Pipes

Corrugated drainage pipes are strong, durable and cost-effective solutions for good drainage systems.
Moreover, polyethylene is a chemically inert plastic, that is highly corrosive and abrasion resistant.
These type of drainage pipes have well proven themselves against some of the toughest environmental
conditions and extreme weathers. As a matter of fact about 90% of the drainage pipelines are made of
corrugated polyethylene.

PVC Drainage Pipes

Polyvinyl chloride pipes are widely used in drainage systems, as they are cheap, durable and easy to
assemble. PVC pipes account for about 75%, in the waste water mains. These pipes are strong to
tolerate any pressure and simply needs glue to join two parts together, which saves time on soldering or
welding. The only drawback about these PVC pipes is that they are rigid and cannot be bent into a
desired shape.

Concrete Drainage Pipes

Concrete pipes need no introduction as they are most commonly used in building material. The local
availability, effective cost, strength and durability make it the most commonly used drainage pipes.
Another reason why these pipes are used on a wide scale is, its eco-friendly nature and its non
flammable property unlike other plastic pipes.

Clay Drainage Pipes

Again a more environmental friendly and strong as plastic, are clay drainage pipes. Although these pipes
are strong and eco-friendly, they need to be replaced over a period of time, as they are likely to develop
cracks due to extreme weather conditions and the waste water pressure. However, nowadays the clay
pipe work is covered with a layer of concrete to make it rigid and more durable than before.

Cast Iron Drainage Pipes

Cast iron pipes are usually used in home sewage applications and installed under ground to allow waste
water to flow through it and reach the purification center for the purpose of recycling. These pipes are
known for their durability and toughness. In fact, the reason that municipalities use these pipes is that
you just have to install and forget about them. It needs no maintenance nor repair and can last for more
than a hundred years.

Copper Drainage Pipes

Copper pipes, once upon a time were widely used for residential water and drainage lines. However,
these pipes are being replaced by PVC or plastic, the reason being copper is now quite expensive and
tends to rust over a period of time. Moreover, these pipelines cannot sustain cold climates and are likely
to burst if the water in them freezes. Hence, they are very rarely used as a part of drainage systems
these days.

Galvanized Drainage Pipes

Galvanized pipes were extensively used for drains in the early 1900's. They were popular since they
were cost-efficient and easily available. Soon various problems like leakage, high maintenance and
discoloration were encountered and these pipelines were replaced with plastic or PVC pipes. Very rarely
will you get to see these pipes being used for drainage works presently.

Chilled Water
Chilled Water systems contain and transport cool water throughout industrial and commercial buildings,
and through distribution tunnels in large campus applications. Water cooled by the chiller is used to
cool buildings for human comfort (air conditioning), or to cool manufacturing, laboratory or medical
processes (process cooling).

When used for human comfort, piping connects the chiller to cooling coils in air handling units, where
air is cooled and distributed throughout the building using ducting systems. When used for process
cooling, piping connects the chiller to devices used to cool manufacturing parts and machinery, or to
devices in medical and laboratory settings. In all cases, the chilled water systems include many other
components, including circulating pumps, valves, tanks and air control devices.

Chilled water systems include both supply and return piping in a closed circuit. Water is cooled by the
chiller and supplied to cooling coils or heat exchangers, where it in turn cools air or a process by
absorbing energy. Thus warmed, the water is returned to the chiller to start the process over again.
As the water cools in the chiller, absorbed energy is transferred through a refrigeration cycle to water
circulating in the condenser water system and is subsequently rejected outside of the building.

Chilled water systems are closed loop systems, which means they are sealed from the atmosphere and
do not need extensive chemical treatment to control contamination and corrosion.

Compatible Materials

Carbon Steel Pipe

Manufactured as welded or seamless, and in a variety of wall thicknesses, (Light, Standard,...
Copper
Copper is a long lasting, corrosion resistant, lightweight and strong material that involves...
PVC Pipe
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) piping is the most widely used plastic piping material. It is available...
Stainless Steel Pipe
Stainless steel defines a class of ferrous metals with high alloy content to enhance certain.
Firefighting
We use sea water in the Fire water system in our LPG storage facility in Bahrain. The piping material is
carbon steel and we experience frequent leaks and clogging of small bore piping. What is the best
alternative material to replace the small bore carbon steel pipeping? Appreciate comments from
experience users of other piping material in similar industry please.

well, you may be having marine growths that plug pipes = need for chlorine to sterilize the incoming
sea water. In addition, carbon steel + salt water is a recipe for corrosion, so you need additives to
this water to limit this. There may be a company that makes additives that control corrosion as well
as marine growth.

The marine growth enter as microscopic larvae, that settle and then grow. They then will reach a limit of
growth due to nutrient and/or oxygen deprivation = dead stuff that loses adherence and drifts and clogs
pipes.This is a mature field and an experienced engineering firm should provide solutions for this at the
design and construction phase.
- At 1980, we installed a complete fire fighting system using sea water at an oil field, and the whole
piping material of the project was carbon steel cement lined.
At 1984, a complete sea water fire fighting and cooling system for gas plant was designed to be
stainless steel and galvanized carbon steel. Where downstreams of deluge valves was galvanized carbon
steel.
At 1992, we installed another fire fighting system at a farm tank area for crude oil, and all piping
system was fiberglass, but the above ground loops to storage tanks was fabricated from galvanized
carbon steel, with the design intent that the above ground piping shall be pressurized only during
emergency, i.e. the sea water shall be only located at these pipes during an actual fire.
I recommend fiberglass piping systems, and I have a good experience in its fabrication and installation.
___>Stainless Steel pipe would be by far the best option, it is lighter than lined pipework, more flexible
in terms of fittings and supporting, strainers could be introduced into the line to alleviate the debris and
algae/bio-mass issue, and it is a good heat resistant material. Corrosion resistance is also good, but as a
previous contributor indicated, other less expensive options are available.
I have some useful data regarding stainless steel in my library specific to heat, corrosion and material
adhesion characteristics in pipework applications, which may prove helpful to you, I will try to dig it out
for you in the unlikely instance that other contributors cannot help you
another possible material is cupro nickel type 90/10 or 70/30 that is used in seawater systems.
SuperDuplex or 6Mo stainless steel are expensive but with high reliability.
http://www.copper.org/applications/cuni/txt_materials_selection.html
http://www.corrosionist.com/Corrosion_Control_Seawater.htm
In the long run, The Cupronickel would be the best choice as it will also inhibit biofouling, second best
would be Super Duplexes, followed by duplexes. inhibitor injection is an iffy situation, you're never sure
you are getting even coverage and the injection system can malfunction putting the whole system at
risk. lifetime costs for any of these will actually be lower than any carbon steel configuration when you
take into account the maintenance/costs of replacement.