10 Questions You Should to Know about All PVC Stabilizer Products

PVC is one of the most prominent materials to be used in various construction applications like pipes, windows, flooring, roofing, and more. By providing significant contributions to quality and cost-effectiveness, PVC enables the manufacturing of modern architecture with exceptional outcomes.

Click here to get more.

However, developing highly effective PVC products becomes possible when the needed PVC stabilizers are added to the core Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). They help ensure that PVC products remain safe, durable, and aesthetically pleasing for their intended use.

Let us understand more about PVC stabilizers, their applications, and usages.

What is a PVC Stabilizer?

A PVC stabilizer is a chemical additive added to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to improve its thermal and mechanical properties. The PVC stabilizer protects PVC from decaying and oxidation and substantially improves its processing characteristics.

Without adding stabilizers, PVC becomes brittle and prone to cracking as the stabilizers significantly impact the strength of PVC material. Apart from it, the stabilizers also prevent the PVC from losing its color and maintain the aesthetics of PVC products.

Glancing at the Types of PVC Stabilizers

PVC Stabilizers are in high demand and come in a variety of options to fulfill the intended PVC purpose. Here are the types of different PVC stabilizers:

1. Lead PVC Stabilizers

Lead Stabilizers or One-Pack Stabilizers are the most common types of PVC stabilizers that use lead compounds like lead oxide and lead stearate to add to the PVC material and make it more robust.

2. Tin PVC Stabilizers

Tin stabilizer is made of tin stearate and is used in flexible PVC applications due to its superior flexibility and low-temperature performance.

3. Calcium-Zinc PVC Stabilizers

These PVC stabilizers are made with a combination of calcium and zinc compounds, like calcium zinc stearate, and are used for flexible and rigid PVC applications. Calcium Zinc Stabilizers are one of the most common applications of PVC.

4. Mix Metal Solid & Liquid Stabilizer

Mixed metal stabilizers are formulated using high-purity raw materials and combinations of compounds like Barium, Cadmium, Lead, and other chemicals. These are generally used for building flexible pipes and leather clothing.

Also Read: Functions of Internal and External Lubrication of PVC Lubricant

Exploring the Applications of PVC Stabilizers

The PVC ​​stabilizers market is evolving tremendously and has predicted a CAGR of around 6% during – . Currently, the Asia-Pacific region is its biggest consumer, which is swiftly expanding to a global scale.

The high demand for PVC stabilizers is due to their usage in a variety of construction and other applications, such as:

Pipes Door Frames Blinds Window Frames Leather Upholstery Electrical Cables Toys Flooring Medical Equipment Wall Panels Pressure Pipes Gutters Films and Sheets Window Sills Casing & Capping Shower Curtains Flexible Suction Pipes

Apart from them, PVC stabilizers are widely used in automotive, electrical, healthcare, packaging, and plastic businesses.

Looking for a Trusted and Reliable PVC Stabilizer Provider?

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

What are the primary applications for PVC, and what are the standards?

1. Water Pipe:

• ASTM D, Sch 40 and 80 pipe (1/8" to 24" sizes)
• ASTM D, SDR pipe (SDR 13.5 to 64 - 1/8" to 36" sizes)
• AWWA C900, Water mains 4" through 60"
• AWWA C909, Molecularly Oriented Polyvinyl Chloride (PVCO) Pressure Pipe, 4" to 30" for Water Distribution

2. Drain, Waste & Vent Pipe:

• ASTM D, Sch 40 (Can be dual marked D)
• ASTM F891, Cellular core Sch 40, 1 1/4" through 12"

3. Process Pipe:

• ASTM D & D, Iron Pipe Size OD pressure pipe

4. Sewer Pipe:

• ASTM D, SDR pipe, 4" through 15"
• ASTM F891, Cellular core sewer pipe ODs, 2" through 18"

5. Drain Pipe:

• ASTM D (2" through 6") or D

6. Folded PVC pipe:

• ASTM F - special product for relining of underground pipes, 4" through 15"
• ASTM F – special product for relining of underground Sewer pipes, 4" – 18"

*Note: Most of the early ASTM standards were written so that only a single product was included in each standard. Many recent standards include several different products. Therefore, be aware of this and fully identify the product needed, i.e., F891 Sch 40 DWV or F891 PS50 Sewer.

What joint systems are used for PVC?

PVC solvent cement joints are used for most above ground piping in buildings and for some underground piping, especially in smaller sizes. These systems are both pressure and non-pressure (gravity flow) and always utilize pipe in a bell or socket.

Lianfu are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

Gasketed joins are used extensively for underground systems, both pressure and non-pressure, but there are different standards for these joints.

Transition joints can be made with flanges, threads, grooved connectors, unions, gasket joints, plus various patented joints.

What colors are used for PVC pipe, and are they color coded?

Although PVC materials can be made in many colors and there is some pattern to what the industry has done, no established color coding exists. The earliest PVC piping was made in industrial gray, and that product line is still very active. Much of the PVC irrigation piping is white. Most PVC water piping is white, but there have been some manufacturers who use blue as a means to distinguish their product line. Many PVC sewer products are green. Much DWV piping is white, but certain manufacturers have opted for beige or buff colors.

What are the markings on PVC pipe?

The outside of PVC pipe must be labeled as follows:

• The manufacturer's name or trademark
• The standard to which it conforms
• Pipe size
• Material designation code
• DWV if for drainage
• Pressure rating if for pressure
• SDR number or schedule number
• If the pipe is for potable water, a laboratory seal or mark attesting to suitability for potable water

For those standards that cover several products, there must be additional markings to indicate the pipe stiffness number, the SDR, the EB or DB number. A certifier's mark may also be on the pipe.

What are the temperature limitations of PVC pipe?

The maximum use temperature for PVC pressure pipe is 140 degrees F. PVC DWV piping readily withstands the hot and cold water discharges that are normally associated with plumbing fixtures.

Can PVC pipe be exposed to the sun?

PVC does not readily degrade when exposed to sunlight (ultraviolet radiation) due to natural UV inhibitors present in the material. Short-term exposure to sunlight, such as during construction, is typically not a problem for PVC pipe. PVC piping may be used in outodoor applications when the piping system is painted with a light-colored water based acrylic or latex paint that is chemically compatible with PVC. When painted, the effects of UV exposure are significantly reduced.

Can insulated plastic piping meet the 25/50 requirement?

Plastic Piping in Return Air Plenums by R. C. Wilging - PE

Summary:Because plastic materials do not qualify as non-combustibles their use in air handling plenums has been an issue for years. The code provisions that cover this subject clearly refer to "exposed" materials. Questions about whether insulated plastic piping would meet the 25/50 limits have now been answered in the affirmative by ASTM E 84 tests of 4" and 6" PVC and ABS pipe with solid wall and with cellular core wall. To read the full response to this question, click here.

How does PVC pipe behave at different temperatures?

Temperature impacts the pressure rating and stiffness of PVC pipe. Pressure ratings for PVC pipe are listed at a room operating temperature of 73 F. To determine the pressure rating at higher temperatures, multiply the pressure rating by the de-rating factor at that temperature using the table below. Consult with the manufacturer of your pipe for specific data. The typical upper limit for continuous use of PVC pipe is 140 F.

As an example, using the table above, a PVC pipe rated at 450 psi at 73 F, used at 100 F, would have a pressure rating of:

450 psi x 0.62 = 279 psi

Does PVC pipe have a long life expectancy?

Yes, studies on PVC pipe made in Europe in the 's and been in continuous use suggest a very long useful life for these products of a hundred years or more, which will generally exceed the lifespan of the structures they are installed in.

Can PVC piping products be recycled?

Yes they can. Since PVC pipe products have very long useful lives, not much pipe is currently available for recycling as it is still in use. While current standards do not generally allow for the practice of recycling used pipes into new certified pipes. PVC pipe producers can recycle nearly all production scrap in-house. Since PVC is a thermoplastic PVC pipe can simply be reground, pulverized and returned to the extrusion process to make new pipe.

Why do I need to use primer on a PVC solvent welded joints?

Primer is a mixture of solvents, similar to those found in the cement and is used to soften or "prime" the pipe and fitting prior to adding cement. Use of primer may be required by code in your area. Visit our cements page for more information on solvent cementing.

What is the best way to repair a leaking PVC solvent weld joint?

Whenever possible, cut out the leaking joint and start over. A leaking solvent welded joint is an indication that the joint was not made correctly. It may not have been fully bottomed, a component may have been damaged or foreign materials may be trapped inside the joint. For a temporary repair, plastic fillet hot air welding can be used on the outside of the pipe and fitting to stop very minor leaks. This should only be used as a short term measure before the joint can be replaced.

Does long term exposure to sunlight degrade exposed PVC pipes?

PVC pipe contains stabilizers to protect the pipe against attack by UV present in sunlight. After several months of outdoor exposure a discoloration may appear on the surface of the pipe, however, the performance of the pipe is not affected. After two years of exposure, there is only a slight reduction in the impact resistance of the material. PVC pipe used in permanent outdoor exposures should be protected by a light colored compatible water based paint. Do not use oil based paints.

Is PVC pipe easier to install than alternative materials?

PVC pipe is a light weight yet strong material when compared to many alternatives. A length of PVC pipe will weigh 1/5 th of an equivalent size section of cast iron pipe making it easier to install. This product is easily assembled in solvent-welded or gasketed versions that are both intended to be leak free, once properly assembled.

How does PVC pipe behave when exposed to fire?

PVC pipe, while combustible, does not continue to burn once a flame source is removed. A main cause of fire fatalities is exposure to carbon monoxide, which is produced from common materials and products like wood, furniture, carpet, and fabrics. It is estimated that plastic pipe systems represent less than 1% of the mass of all combustible products in a building. The majority of piping is also installed behind non-combustible materials such as gypsum wall board. More information can be found here: pdf/safety.pdf.

Is PVC pipe permitted for use in high-rise buildings?

While local or state codes do vary in a few areas and have restrictions for plastic pipes, model codes allow for PVC DWV systems in high rise structures when firestopping methods are used to restore penetrations to original values. Firestopping in UPC chapter 15, for example, is required for both plastic and metal systems. To determine if there are any restrictions in your area, consult your codes.

My PVC fittings have a visible line in them, are they cracked?

No. The noticeable line you are seeing is a more than likely not a crack. If you are unable to open it up by pulling on the part, then what you are seeing is most likely a knit-line (other names include weld-line and flow-line). The formation of a knit-line is an intrinsic part of the injection-molding process and is created when hot melted plastic flows under pressure into a mold cavity, around cores and finally "knits" back together on the opposite side of the cavity fill point. Knit-lines will sometimes appear straight or as gently wavy curving lines running the length of the fitting (both inside and outside). A fitting that displays this type of line is not defective. A knit-line will not impact the integrity of the product or system.

Is the straight, slightly raised line on a PVC fitting a defect?

No. This slightly raised line is where the parting line of the mold is located and is not a defect of the fitting. The parting line is the location of where the two halves of the mold separate to allow part removal.

For more All PVC Stabilizer Productsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.