PVC Pipe Association

The PVC Pipe Association (PVCPA) has developed an online calculator specifically designed to determine the cyclic life of sewer force mains. This tool is based on research conducted by Steven Folkman, Ph.D., at Utah State University, with results published in the ASCE Pipelines 2020 proceedings. Key Features of the Calculator The calculator allows users to input several critical parameters, including: Pipe Dimension Ratio (DR): The DR of the pipe, which is essential in assessing the pipe's structural capacity. Maximum Recurring Surge Pressures: The highest surge pressures that the pipe experiences during regular operation. Minimum Recurring Surge Pressures: The lowest surge pressures experienced. Number of Surge Occurrences Per Day: The frequency of surge events impacting the pipe. Output and Functionality The primary output of the calculator is the cyclic life of the pipe, which reflects how long the pipe can withstand the varying surge pressures before failure. The tool can ac...

A recent academic study on water main failures in the United States and Canada reveals a 27% increase in water main break rates between 2012 and 2018, with corrosive soils identified as a significant contributor. The research was led by Steven Folkman, a professor at Utah State University (USU) in Logan, Utah, USA, who previously authored a similar report in 2012. USU hosts the Buried Structures Laboratory, which has a large-scale testing facility for pipes and underground structures, as well as the Utah Water Research Laboratory—the oldest university-based water research facility in the United States. Survey Respondents The 2018 survey gathered responses from over 300 utilities, representing approximately 200,000 miles (321,869 kilometers) of installed water mains. Respondent input was collected from 48 U.S. states and seven out of 10 Canadian provinces, resulting in a 49% increase in survey responses and a 45% increase in miles of pipe compared to the 2012 study. The survey documente...

Direct tapping involves drilling a hole into the pipe wall, cutting threads, and securely installing a corporation stop. This process is performed using specialized tapping machines designed for PVC pipes. The maximum outlet size for direct tapping is 1 inch. Tapping Machine Requirements Several types of tapping machines can perform direct service taps. When selecting a tapping machine, ensure it meets the following criteria: Adapter Base: Must be properly sized to seal securely against the PVC pipe. Cutting Tool: Should use a shell-design cutting tool suitable for PVC pipes. Compatibility: The machine and the valve used must mate properly. Manufacturer Recommendations: The machine should be approved by its manufacturer for use with PVC pipe, and the manufacturer's instructions should be followed during the tapping process. Features of a Suitable Tapping Machine Adapter Base: Ensures a secure seal against the PVC pipe. Proper sizing is crucial to prevent leaks and ensure a clean...

Asset Management: Using Alternative Materials to Address Replacement Cost and Maintenance Concerns In the 21st century, water util-ity management professionals for both water and sewer systems strive to implement asset management programs in order to better manage their aging wet infrastructure. In 2012, a Black and Veatch survey1 on the US water industry found that the top asset management issues were all financially driven, namely addressing aging water and sewer infrastructure, managing capital costs, funding or availability of capital, and energy costs. In 2013, a McGraw Hill Construction study, conducted in partnership with CH2M Hill,2 confirmed that 75% of utilities implementing asset management programs did so because of their concerns with aging infrastructure. Major studies from the US Mayor’s Water Council,the USEPA,4 the Congressional Budget Office,5 US Government Accountability Office,6 the American Water Works Association7 and others all conclude that the costs associa...

PVC sewer pipe has demonstrated outstanding performance even in Canada's challenging conditions, with over 85% adoption in new installations, making it the preferred material for sanitary sewers. Solid-wall PVC sewer pipe sets the standard against which other pipe types are measured, including profile-wall PVC and PP pipes. The long-term reliability of PVC sewer pipe, spanning almost fifty years, is supported by CSA's PVC sewer pipe standards, such as CSA B182.2 (since 1983), CSA B182.7 (first published in 1997 and merged into B182.2 in 2011), and B182.4 (also since 1983). In contrast, the PP standard B182.13 was introduced only in 2011. Stringent acceptance tests include deflection mandrel testing, where PVC pipe allows no more than 7½% deflection of the pipe diameter, ensuring a high safety factor against buckling. PP pipes lack specific guidance on allowable deflection, necessitating lower deflection specifications for equivalent safety. Air testing standards for PVC and ...

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...