CPVC Chemical Compatibility | Guide for Industrial Applications

CPVC pipe and fittings perform exceptionally well when exposed to many commonly used acids. Top examples include:

• Hydrochloric Acid (HCl): Widely used in industrial cleaning systems, chemical processing, and manufacturing plants, CPVC has recommended approval and excellent resistance that ensures long term reliability with varying concentrations of this highly corrosive substance.
• Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄): Highly compatible with CPVC at concentrations up to 98%, sulfuric acid is often used in battery production and mineral processing operations.
• Phosphoric Acid (H₃PO₄): Common in fertilizers and surface cleaning agents, CPVC pipe and fittings offer excellent compatibility with phosphoric acid in transport and storage.

Bases/Alkaline Liquids

CPVC is highly resistant to many bases and alkaline compounds, with the most common examples including:

• Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH): Commonly used in soap production, water treatment, and cleaning applications, CPVC easily handles the caustic and “leaky” properties of sodium hydroxide.
• Potassium Hydroxide (KOH): Often utilized in biodiesel manufacturing, industrial cleaning, and various production applications, CPVC has the durability to ensure safe handling of this base.

Salts

Among solution types, CPVC has perhaps the best resistance and compatibility with saline solutions and industrial salts due to the chlorinated structure of its material composition. This makes CPVC highly versatile for water treatment and other industries that utilize salt compounds and mixtures.

• Sodium Chloride (NaCl): Frequently used in brine systems, desalination plants, and deicing applications, CPVC pipe and fittings remain unaffected by the corrosive effects of water with high salt content.
• Calcium Chloride (CaCl₂): Common in deicing applications, food processing, cooling towers and refrigeration, CPVC offers stability even under prolonged exposure.

Oxidizers and Disinfectants

CPVC piping is widely used to handle cleaning agents and in water treatment systems due to its resistance to degradation from oxidizing agents and disinfectants.

• Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂): Commonly used for disinfection and in textile bleaching, CPVC keeps its strength even under repetitive exposure.
• Chlorinated Water: CPVC plumbing is widely used in municipal water treatment and swimming pool systems to handle bleach solutions up to 15% strength.

Organic Compounds

Organics can sometimes present challenges for CPVC and other synthetic plumbing materials. This makes it vital to verify chemical compatibility between the pipe and chemical prior to use. CPVC demonstrates compatibility with select organic compounds, with the most common including:

• Ethylene Glycol: Key ingredient for industrial cooling and antifreeze solutions, CPVC remains stable in concentration levels of up to 50%.
• Methanol (up to 10%): Often found in solvents and industrial fuels, CPVC provides reliable performance without softening or swelling.

Other Compatible Chemicals

Other common chemicals CPVC is compatible with include:

• Ammonium Nitrate: A key component in fertilizers, CPVC pipe is ideal for agricultural storage and transport systems.
• Citric Acid: Extensively used in food production and cleaning, CPVC resists the mild corrosive effects of this organic acid.

CPVC Chemical Compatibility Tables

The CPVC chemical compatibility tables below categorize chemicals into recommended and non-recommended options for use with CPVC pipe and fittings. These comprehensive references are designed to assist in material selection and reduce the likelihood of chemical corrosion or system failure.

This data is sourced from Lubrizol Advanced Materials, the manufacturer of Corzan™ CPVC, the material used in most of our CPVC pipe and fittings. The data is provided for recommendation purposes only, and is accurate to the best of our knowledge; no guarantee is warranted or implied. If uncertainty exists, always seek out specialized, professional guidance.

Recommended Chemicals for CPVC

The following table is a list of chemicals recommended for CPVC pipe and fittings:

Not Recommended Chemicals for CPVC

The following table is a list of chemicals not recommended for CPVC pipe and fittings.

Industry Applications

The exceptional chemical resistance and durability of CPVC pipelines make it an indispensable material and plumbing type across various industries and applications. Here are the top, large scale industries that benefit directly from CPVC’s chemical compatibility:

• Chemical Processing Plants: CPVC is employed heavily in chemical processing facilities where harsh fluids, like hydrochloric acid and caustic soda, are handled. Its ability to resist corrosion and maintain its performance metrics delivers safety and reliability to these demanding work conditions and environments.
• Water Treatment Facilities: Water treatment facilities utilize CPVC to safely transport chlorinated water, sodium hypochlorite, and various other treatment solutions. CPVC's resistance to oxidizers, disinfectants, and inorganic compounds makes it ideal for the long term integrity and maintenance of these vital systems.
• Food and Beverage Industry: CPVC’s compatibility with mild acids, like citric acid, food grade materials, and ingredients, like sodium bicarbonate, makes it suitable and frequently used in food production settings. Its non-toxic nature and general corrosion resistance ensure safety and cleanliness.
• Pharmaceuticals: The pharmaceutical industry takes advantage of CPVC's compatibility with hydrogen peroxide, phosphoric acid, and various solvents. This combination of durability and chemical resistance supports safe manufacturing, cleaning, and storage activities.

Takeaway

CPVC has proven to be a reliable material for handling a wide variety of chemicals that are used across numerous applications in today’s industries. The ability of CPVC pipe and fittings to resist acids, bases, salts, oxidizers, and various organic compounds is set to ensure safe and lasting performance low stress to high hazard fluid conveyance networks.

When it comes to safely managing aggressive chemicals, CPVC is a modern material option that combines durability, reliability, and exceptional chemical resistance. Using CPVC to create plumbing systems can improve both safety and longevity, making it a smart choice for various applications.

Explore our selection ofCPVC pipe andCPVC fittings. Contact PVC Pipe Supplies today to learn more,request contractor pricing, or get expert guidance on your next project.

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