PVC Pipe Association

PVCO pipe, short for molecularly oriented polyvinyl chloride pipe, has been utilized in North America for over forty years, boasting an impressive installation span of more than 20,000 miles. This type of pipe shares many similarities with conventional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, including the ingredients and cell classifications. The journey of PVCO begins with an equivalent PVC compound, which undergoes extrusion to form PVC pipe. However, PVCO is then subjected to a physical modification process that imparts molecular orientation, enhancing its mechanical strength and toughness. Initially, both PVC and PVCO qualify for cell class 12454 per ASTM D1784 and possess a hydrostatic design basis (HDB) of 4,000 psi. However, through the manufacturing process, PVCO's molecular structure undergoes realignment from random to circumferential orientation, resulting in an increased HDB of 7,100 psi. Due to PVCO's distinct HDB values, it is not classified using the dimension ratio (DR...

Welcome to the PVC Pipe Association’s dynamic online  webinar training series ! Our unwavering commitment to education propels us to consistently deliver insightful workshops, empowering the seamless integration of PVC piping in water and wastewater systems. Join us on a journey of learning, where we showcase real-life examples of how PVC pipe has revolutionized utilities across North America. Join us for an informative training webinar hosted by the PVC Pipe Association (PVCPA) staff! This webinar is dedicated to providing the latest insights into the installation practices for gasketed PVC water and sewer pipes and fittings, addressing common questions and concerns. Properly installed pipelines are vital for optimal performance and the extended lifespan of underground infrastructure. Exclusive Offer:  FREE Contractor’s Guide! All participants will receive a complimentary copy of the Contractor’s Guide for Installation of Gasketed PVC Pipe. Sponsored by PVCPA, this comprehens...

  Increasing the cyclic life of PVC force mains is essential for ensuring an economical and durable design. Various strategies can be employed by engineers in the design process to enhance cyclic life: Adjust Pressure Class/Pressure Rating: Engineers can opt for a lower Dimension Ratio (DR), which increases the pressure class or pressure rating. Updating maximum and minimum pressure values (Prs(max) and Prs(min)) based on the Joukowsky Equation or transient analysis is crucial in this approach. Optimize Pump Cycles: Reducing the number of pump cycles in lift-station or wet-well design contributes to extending the cyclic life of PVC force mains. Implement Surge-Control Equipment: Minimizing surge-pressure amplitude can be achieved by introducing surge-control equipment. Detailed information on surge-control techniques is available for a more comprehensive understanding. If thicker-walled pipes, such as DR 21, 18, 14, are utilized, the resulting cyclic life may be overly conservative...

  In the past few years, North America has experienced a series of catastrophic wildfires. Some of these fires have severely impacted water infrastructure, destroying above-ground appurtenances like water meters and hydrants as well as shallow-bury water service lines. As a result of wildfires, at least two California utilities have encountered water-quality issues in their water systems. The problems were caused by back-flow of contaminants through damaged service lines into water mains. The City of Santa Rosa published a report shortly after its wildfire event. The paper outlined the water-quality problems but was not complete in its analysis. This left a knowledge gap that opened the door for speculation and misinformation — the result was the publication of several articles that could politely be described as “not very accurate.” In March 2020, AWWA’s Opflow printed an article entitled, “Smoke and Water Don’t Mix,” that described research performed by the U.S. EPA and Califor...