Pipes and conduit

Pipes and conduit - Vinyl Council Australia

Pipes account for the major use of PVC in Australia. uPVC (unplasticised PVC) pipes possess impressive technical qualities and are used in a range of applications from gutters to sewerage pipes. Competitive in terms of cost, ease of installation and maintenance, PVC pipes are corrosion and abrasion resistant, lightweight and have excellent hydraulic efficiency.

PVC has very good chemical resistance, and pipes can be used above or below ground for the transport of many substances including oil, drinking water and gas. In the telecommunications industry, PVC pipes are used as ducting (conduit) to carry cables and wiring.

Fabrication by extrusion achieves long and lightweight spans, meaning fewer joints than alternatives to PVC. This, in turn, reduces the cost of assembly and the risks of leakage. PVC has replaced clay as the material of choice in the sewer, storm, drain, waste and vent (DWV) markets over the last 25 years.

In domestic plumbing applications, PVC pipes are light and easy to install. They also have the advantage of being a poor conductor of heat or sound.

Australian and international scientists have tested the performance of PVC pipes and developed tougher new PVC pipe materials, further consolidating PVC’s position as the material of choice for pipes.