RESEARCH NO.

2
PLASTIC PIPES

CRESINO, CHARLES D.
202011612
BS ARCHITECTURE
2-1

ARCH 90
BUILDING UTILITIES 1
AR. ANNE LORRAINE J. SALINAS
PLASTIC PIPES
Plastic pipe is a tubular section, or hollow cylinder, made of plastic. It is usually, but not
necessarily, of circular cross-section, used mainly to convey substances which can flow—liquids
and gases (fluids), slurries, powders, and masses of small solids. It can also be used for structural
applications; hollow pipes are far stiffer per unit weight than solid members.
Plastic tubing is used for the conveyance of drinking water, waste water, chemicals,
heating fluid and cooling fluids, foodstuffs, ultra-pure liquids, slurries, gases, compressed
air, irrigation, plastic pressure pipe systems, and vacuum system applications.

CLASSIFICATIONS
Plastic tubing is classified into two categories:
1. Rigid Plastic Tubing
2. Flexible Plastic Tubing
1. Rigid Plastic Tubing
Rigid plastic tubing is a highly durable plastic extrusion that is available in many unique
sizes, shapes and colors. Genplex's rigid plastic tubing extrusions are sturdy, strong, robust and
are often compliant with FDA, NSF, UL, or other industry standards. Due to the heavily reinforced
wall lining rigid plastic tubing can accommodate the most demanding industrial uses.

Types of Rigid Plastic Tubing

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Tensile
Flex.
str. Elongation Notched
General Density Mod Deflection UL 94
(@yield at (yield Izod
Properties Range (g/cc) (10E5 Temp. F. Rating
1000 %) Impact
psi)
psi)

ABS 1.05 14.5-8 30% 2.8-3.9 1.50-7.1 165-220 HB-VO

 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Tensile
Flex.
str. Elongation Notched
General Density Mod Deflection UL 94
(@yield at (yield Izod
Properties Range (g/cc) (10E5 Temp. F. Rating
1000 %) Impact
psi)
psi)

CAB: cellulose, 1.2 3-6.6 - 1.2-2.7 2.2-8.4 205-154 -

acetate, butyrate

PVDF: polyvinyl 1.78 1370-8.3 5-10% .25-3.4 - 120-284 VO

deneflo

PET Polyester 1.27 7.3 4%-4.3% 2.9-3.6 1.7-1.9 153-158 V-2

HDPE: High density 0.95 3.0-5.0 60%-1000% 1.65- 2.3-14.0 150-172 -

polyethylene 2.25

Polypropylene: HO 0.9 3.4-5.8 9%-15% 2.0-3.2 .4-.9 175-275 VO, V2,

HB

Polypropylene: CO 0.9 2.4-4.0 8%-15% .75- .8-3.0 145-160 VO, V2,

1.85 HB

Polyvinyl 0.9 3.0-4.6 -- 1.0-1.7 No break 194-203 Â

Polystyrene 1.04 5.4-8 2% 3.0-5.0 .26-.4 203 HB

Crystal

High Impact 1.05 2.7-4.3 5%-50% 2.0-3.4 .9-4.0 183-201 HB

Polystyrene

Polyvinyl Chloride 1.4 5.3-8.0 - 2.5-4.3 1.0-23.0 150-170 VO

Rigid
a. ABS
Short for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, this sturdy plastic was one of the first
plastics used for residential plumbing. ABS pipes are always black and tend to be softer than
PVC. They are mainly used for vent and drain lines, along with other outdoor underground
uses where cold temperatures are common.

b. CAB
Cellulose Acetate Butyrate is a polymer that is becoming less ductile and
susceptible to brittle cracking when subjected to bending forces, such as frost heave,
traffic loads, or insufficient compaction of disturbed soil. Since these services transport
gas to individual homes, there is an increased risk of gas migrating into a structure in the
event of leakage. This pipe type was typically installed with the use of mechanically
coupled connections, a construction method that is known to present additional risks.
c. PVDF
Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF), commonly referred to as Kynar®, is a high
molecular weight fluorocarbon that has superior abrasion resistance, dielectric properties
and mechanical strength. These characteristics are maintained over a temperature range
of -40º F to 250º F, with a limited usage range extended to 302º F. Kynar® is highly
resistant to wet or dry chlorine, bromine and other halogens, most strong acids,
aliphatics, aromatics, alcohols and chlorinated solvents. Kynar® is available from 1/2" to
6" in natural or red color. Typical applications include high purity water, chemical
processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing and U.V. sensitive chemicals.
d. PET
PET, or Polyethene Terephthalate plastics is one the most widely used plastics for
thermoforming. The material is moulded into the designated shape and then dried for
increased resistance. PET is the most common plastic for thermoforming packaging
designs. PET plastic is highly suitable for food packaging as well as retail, electroni c and
other products.

e. HDPE
High-density polyethylene is so tough and durable that it can be used for virtually all
plumbing needs. It can also reduce water pressure since it has a low coefficient of friction,
allowing water to flow easily inside.
f. PPR
Polypropylene Random Copolymer (PPR) is the lightest weight piping material with
very good chemical resistance, even to many organic solvents. It is used extensively for
HVAC applications and is available in two classifications, with Type I being the most
common. Type I has better rigidity and strength but lower impact resistance than Type II,
which has improved toughness over Type I material. In chemical drainage applications, heat
stabilizers and flame retardant additives are added to PP to retard flammability and thermal
aging. PP is also used in many more corrosive and higher temperature applications (180°F)
than PVC.

g. PVC
One of the most familiar piping plastic types, polyvinyl chloride has a number of uses
beyond water transfer. It's commonly used for main water lines, but not hot water
applications since it warps at temperatures higher than 140°F.
h. Polystyrene Crystal
Polystyrene (PS)(HIPS) is a sanitary, moisture and chemical resistant thermoplastic
compound commonly used to extrude Polystyrene tubing. This opaque plastic is
environmentally sound and has excellent rigidity, which combined with the above
characteristics, enables it to satisfy many high-performance Polystyrene tubing demands.
Valued for its thermal stability, high melt strength and versatility, Polystyrene tubing can be
extruded in a variety of sizes and colors.
2. Flexible Plastic Tubing

Flexible plastic tubing is used in countless applications across the food, industrial,
laboratory, and medical industries, among many others. Whether you need flexible plastic tubing
that meets NSF, FDA, RoHS or other regulatory compliances, we are ready to meet your
challenges. Some of the more common industrial applications for flexible plastic tubing include
medical tubing, food & beverage, processing, toys, draining lines, and many more.

Types of Flexible Plastic Tubing

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

General Density Tensile Elongation Flex. Notched Deflection UL 94

Properties Range g/cc str.@ at Mod Izod Temp. F Rating
yield 1000 yield % 10E5 Impact
psi psi

LDPE: Low density 0.92 1.1-2.0 100%-800% .2-.4 No break 185- -

polyethylene 205**

Polypropylene: CO 0.9 2.4-4.0 8%-15% .75- .8-3.0 145-160 VO, V2,

1.85 HB

Flexible 1.18- 1.1-3.0 240%-425% - NB - -

1.50

Elastomers .94-1.2 0.5-3.0 200%-800% - NB - HB

a. LDPE
LDPE Tubing - Low Density Polyethylene is economical plastic material with good
chemical resistance. LDPE provides high impact strength at low temperatures. LDPE tubing is
used for air and pneumatic lines, fluid feeds, chemical transfer, wire jacketing, food and
beverage processing, potable water systems, drains, pool and spa supply lines, and more.
LDPE is considered a flexible yet semi-rigid product and therefore mates well with push-to-
connect fittings available in acetal or brass. Custom colors, sizes, and shapes are offered as
well.

b. PPR
Polypropylene tubing transfers hot liquids and gases in food and beverage handling
applications. This tasteless, flexible, and non-toxic tubing is for use in manufacturing
operations where extreme resistance to acids and alkalis is required. It’s also for use as a
small fluid system support structure or as a liner in metal piping systems.
c. Flexible

Flexible tubes are hollow and bendable tubes that are usually cylindrical in shape and
frequently used in industry for multi-purposes. Due to the tubes being hollow and flexible it
allows water, other liquids and air or other gases to move through them freely. Flexible tubes
are designed for transferring fluids or gases from one location to another.

d. Elastomer
Thermoplastic elastomer tubing offers high flexibility and a wide range of
performance benefits. The breadth of this product offering includes products engineered for
fuel transfer, food and beverage dispensing, and long life peristaltic pumping applications.
REFERENCES
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_pipework
• https://genplex.com/rigid-and-semi-Rigid-plastic-
tubing?fbclid=IwAR3brbCcR59_LUgb3BXoTOULyN244nv04RBQtJwN0HZr3ef_IuEoPO
ubPQ8
• https://genplex.com/plastic-tubing-products/flexible-plastic-
tubing?fbclid=IwAR2iTtoXVQ3OAdFchvk6-
eGu4p1i5cAAWBGogYV3BTBGbkH2uJuD9zHG64U
• https://www.acplasticsinc.com/informationcenter/r/types-of-plastic-pipes-for-
plumbing
• https://www.xcelenergy.com/staticfiles/xe/Regulatory/Regulatory%20PDFs/13AL-
1047G-Exhibit-No-8-CABSummaryFor2014.pdf
• https://www.aetnaplastics.com/products/d/kynarthermoplastic
• https://byjus.com/questions/what-is-the-difference-between-pet-and-pvc/
• http://opuspiping.org/material.aspx?id=-2616673719130194264
• https://www.professionalplastics.com/LDPETubing
• https://www.grainger.com/category/plumbing/pipe-tubing-and-
fittings/tubing/polypropylene-tubing
• https://www.processsystems.saint-gobain.com/products/thermoplastic-elastomer-
flexible-tubing