The Difference Between Upvc and Cpvc

What is a CPVC pipe?

CPVC, short for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, is the third most common man-made plastic polymer in the world. Among the several types of CPVC pipes, the two most important forms of CPVC are in some cases rigidity and flexibility.

CPVC pipes are sometimes called RPVC pipes due to their lack of flexibility. It is built into tube construction for specific profile applications such as balconies, doors, and windows. Besides that, it is also used in the production of food packaging materials, bottles, and cards.

You may wonder why CPVC is so inflexible in creating all these profiling items. Because the trick behind its creation is the use of plasticizers (most commonly used phthalates) that make CPVC more flexible and their respective shapes more flexible. to architecture. This property also allows it to be used in many applications where the rubber is converted to CPVC, such as inflatable products, wire insulation, signage, plumbing, and synthetic leather.

A detailed knowledge of CPVC vs UPVC makes this understanding easy.

What are UPVC pipes?

Knowing what is UPVC is important in this.  UPVC is a widely used material for window frames and the reason for its demand in the market zone is its high-efficiency performance. UPVC pipe is the most important and demanding substance in the market.

The “U” in UPVC pipe stands for “Unplasticized”, but many manufacturers find this property less stable. The truth is that its innovations have enhanced and greatly refined the structural achievements of many of India’s famous buildings. They are non-toxic and offer enhanced performance that ensures environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.

Difference Between CPVC And UPVC Pipes

Because CPVC and UPVC pipes and fittings are different, the two can be confused. Here it becomes important for us to know the differences between CPVC vs UPVC.  CPVC pipe is malleable while UPVC is not plasticized. Both are made of polyvinyl chloride but have some different properties that make them suitable for different applications.

Below is the main difference between CPVC and UPVC. let’s know in detail the differences between CPVC vs UPVC.  

Manufacturing stage

CPVC is usually messy and stable due to the stiffness of polymer CPVC. In order to break down this hardness and make his CPVC flexible, a plasticizing polymer is added to his CPVC during the production of the CPVC pipe.

In contrast, the plasticized polymer UPVC is excluded from the pipe manufacturing process, so the UPVC pipe is stiff, inflexible, and not as flexible as CPVC products.

Use cases

The main application for both CPVC pipe and UPVC pipes is plumbing. You may have heard that CPVC pipe is the best alternative to copper and aluminum pipes in irrigation, plumbing, and swimming pool circulation structures. And it’s true…

The reason for this is the rigidity of the CPVC material, which can be easily changed to the required length, cut, and design and attached with adhesive.

On the other hand, UPVC pipes are used for many purposes, not only for plumbing applications. In heavy water transportation or industrial construction, as a replacement for some robust metals. The high tensile strength of these tubes gives them the toughness to withstand harsh chemicals and corrosion.

Plastic pipe fittings

UPVC pipe is strong and rigid, yet relatively easy to handle. His UPVC pipes from leading manufacturers such as Skipper Limited are lightweight and easy to install with solvent cement.

A major advantage of lightweight UPVC is the reduction in transportation and installation costs. Installing CPVC, on the other hand, is a bit more complicated.

Durability

Both UPVC and CPVC pipes are built to last. However, UPVC pipe is more durable compared to CPVC. The only example of UPVC’s longer durability is that it reduces air intrusion to keep your interior comfortable.

Safety and risks

CPVC can pose a health risk because CPVC-coated wire can give off HCl gas in the event of a fire due to the plasticizers used in its manufacture. Phthalates such as benzyl butyl, dibutyl, and DEHP are among the hazardous substances used to make CPVC flexible. To make the flexible quality bearable, many manufacturers have replaced plasticizers with safer ones.

There are currently no phthalates or BPA used in the manufacturing process, so there are no general concerns about using UPVC. Even UPVC is recyclable and can be molded into new shapes at very high temperatures.

Above are the main differences between UPVC and CPVC pipes.

Conclusion – Difference between UPVC vs CPVC Pipes

When it comes to understanding the difference between UPVC and CPVC, this article will show that CPVC is superior/enhanced PVC because it takes full advantage of CPVC and overcomes all the limitations that can be summarized as follows: 

• CPVC vs UPVC
• CPVC single pipe type can be used for both hot and cold water. 
• CPVC tubing is BIS approved for hot and cold water service. 
• CPVC can withstand hot & cold water. 
• CPVC is highly UV stable and can be used for internal and external applications. 
• CPVC is certified for potable water worldwide. 

Note: When choosing or finding the difference between UPVC and CPVC for drainage applications, UPVC pipe is preferred over CPVC.

Which is better UPVC or CPVC

UPVC is a reasonably new entrant in the window and door profile industry. Usually many are confused with his UPVC and often wonder what the difference is if there is another variant of CPVC. Here we are looking at the differences between CPVC and UPVC.

BASIS	UPVC pipes	CPVC pipes
Temperature	UPVC is recyclable and can be redesigned at high temperatures.	Suitable for hot water applications. It can handle temperatures of 200F.
Durability	UPVC is extremely durable and can withstand torrential downpours and strong winds.	CPVC is less durable than UPVC.
Uses	UPVC pipes are mainly used in the construction industry.	CPVC pipes are used for handling industrial liquids.
Surface	The inside of the UPVC has a smooth surface, so you don’t have to worry about water leakage.	The CPVC profile has a very soft surface, making it ideal for carrying water over long distances.
Weatherproof	UPVC pipes do not shrink or change even under extreme weather conditions. Perfect for window and door frames. UPVC windows and doors consume less energy than wood or metal.	CPVC pipes are energy efficient and can withstand harsh conditions.
Installation	UPVC pipes are easy to manufacture and install for windows and doors.	Since CPVC has a soft surface, it is a bit difficult to use on windows and doors. Therefore, they have different uses.

Where are CPVC and UPVC used?

Mechanical properties of UPVC and CPVC- UPVC is a stiff, tough, transparent, and durable material. High strength and speed. CPVC is more flexible. The mechanical residences of CPVC at room temperature are very much like the ones of UPVC. CPVC is also a material with high mechanical strength. For CPVC, these properties are retained even at high temperatures.

Chemical properties of UPVC pipe and CPVC pipes- UPVC has very good resistance to chemically aggressive and corrosive liquids. It exhibits excellent resistance to acids, bases, and salts and has excellent weather ability. Not resistant to aromatic or chlorinated solvents, esters, and ketones. Non-conductive and flame retardant. CPVC has the same properties but can be used at higher temperatures. UPVC pipe has good resistance up to about 65 °C and CPVC pipes up to about 95 °C.

Installing UPVCs and CPVCs- The materials are simple and easy to carry and assemble. The flexibility of CPVC further simplifies the process.

UPVC is most commonly used in the construction industry because it is low maintenance. It is also used as an influent and effluent water system (non-potable) in the chemical process industry, shipbuilding, etc. CPVC can also be used in water installations.

UPVC does not contain plasticizers. This is because they are only added to flexible PVC. UPVC has almost completely replaced the use of plumbing and drainage iron used in drains, drains, channels, and beams. UPVC is understood for its sturdy chemical resistance, mechanical strength, and simplicity of handling.

CPVC pipes are a flexible material with properties similar to UPVC pipe, but more heat resistant. Can be used for drinking water supply.

Which Is the Best Pipe For Plumbing Cpvc Or Upvc?

PVC-primarily based totally thermoplastic pipes and fittings are broadly used withinside the plumbing enterprise worldwide. These pipes are further divided into several categories based on the different variations of PVC material used in the manufacturing process.

The two most commonly used types of PVC pipes are UPVC and CPVC pipes. 

UPVC Pipe

Plasticizer-free polyvinyl chloride is a variant of PVC that does not contain additional plasticizers. This material is therefore more robust than other PVC variants. This variant is less flexible than other PVC variants.

The lack of plasticizer is responsible for some unique properties such as:

• Strong

UPVC pipe, like all other PVC variants, is very lightweight, but very sturdy thanks to its robust construction. Able to withstand high pressures, these tubes are ideal for applications requiring high-pressure piping systems.

• Resistant to harmful UV rays

Ultraviolet rays can cause severe structural damage to pipes. However, UPVC pipe is immune to harmful UV rays.

• Chemically inert

UPVC pipes are chemically unreactive, making them a viable option for transporting hazardous industrial wastewater. It is also used in water treatment plants.

• Corrosion resistance

UPVC pipe is corrosion resistant and will not rust for decades.

• Unleaded

These tubes do not contain plasticizers, so they are lead-free and marked as “green” tubes. This property makes UPVC pipes suitable for transporting potable water.

• Very durable

Finally, UPVC pipe is extremely durable due to its stiff and rigid construction. For this reason, these tubes are also used for windows and doors.

CPVC Pipe

Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride is made by chlorinating polyvinyl chloride polymer. Chlorination is the process of adding chlorine to any element to treat contaminants. For example, chlorinating water disinfects it. CPVC pipe is more flexible than UPVC and PVC pipe. CPVC pipe has the unique ability to transport hot and cold water.

Here are a number of the traits of a CPVC pipe:

• Corrosion resistance

Like UPVC pipe, CPVC pipe resists damage from harmful UV rays and is suitable for outdoor use.

• Reduced bacterial growth

Due to the chlorination of PVC material, CPVC pipe has a lower bacterial growth rate compared to metal, cement, and other thermoplastic-based pipes.

• Self-extinguishing

These tubes are self-extinguishing and are sometimes used in water sprinklers.

• flexible and strong

CPVC pipe is very strong like other variations of the PVC pipe family. However, these tubes are surprisingly much more flexible than other variations.

• Heat-resistant

CPVC pipes are resistant to temperature changes and are a good option for hot and cold water supply.

Both options are widely used due to their notable advantages. There is no clear winner between the two. The different materials and unique properties of these tubes make them suitable for a wide variety of applications.

For example, when it comes to using hot water and watering systems, CPVC pipe is the best choice. PVC pipes, on the other hand, are ideal for draining factory wastewater and for making door and window frames.

Final Note UPVC and CPVC

PVC is a widely used materials for manufacturing piping. UPVC and CPVC are two types of PVC. The main difference between UPVC and CPVC is that UPVC is made without the addition of plasticizers, while CPVC is made with the addition of plasticizers and chlorination. CPVC can withstand higher temperatures than UPVC. The biggest UPVC & CPVC difference is this.

Polystox is one of the leading online platform for selling and buying of CPVC and UPVC pipes in India. Here are some of the key features of  CPVC vs UPVC, which also gives us a better understanding of the difference between UPVC & CPVC.

CPVC pipe – 

•  Corrosion resistance 
•  Strong against bacteria 
•  chemical resistance 
•  Fire protection 
•  Leakage prevention

UPVC pipe –

• Lead-free
• UV resistance
• chemical resistance
• waterproof
• Shock resistance