Skip to content

FAQs: Corzan® CPVC for Chemical Processing

Chemical processing facilities handle some of the world’s most corrosive chemicals and depend on piping materials that keep workers, machinery and productity safe. In addition to conventionally specified stainless steel, Corzan® CPVC piping delivers reliable service over a long service life under demanding chemical processing conditions due to its material and performance characteristics. Below you will find answers to frequently asked customer questions about various piping materials, including Corzan® CPVC in the chemical processing industry. If you have additional questions or would like more information, please contact us to be connected with one of our piping material experts.

1. What are common chemicals in chemical processing, and how do they challenge piping materials?

Chemical processing facilities routinely handle aggressive chemicals and at high pressures and temperatures, including:

These can create challenges for piping including corrosion, environmental stress cracking (ESC), scaling and fouling and joint or weld failures.

2. Which piping materials are suitable for corrosive chemical transport?

Corrosive chemicals should be transported in materials that are chemically resistant and can withstand degradation caused by what is flowing in the pipe, like stainless steel, nickel-based alloys, fiberglass-reinforced plastic or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC). A thermoplastic like Corzan CPVC is inert to most acids, bases and salts, can withstand temperatures often up to 200°F (93.3°C) and has an excellent lifecycle cost compared to costlier plastics and many metals.

3. How does CPVC hold up in caustic and acidic processing environments?

CPVC has excellent performance in caustic and acidic processing environments because of the additional chlorine molecules on its polymer chain, which protects it from attack. Corzan CPVC has proven performance against such chemicals as:

4. How do thermoplastics compare to metal alloys for chemical processing lines?

Metal alloys offer superior temperature performance (greater than 1000°F/537.78°C), but they are also prone to corrosion through electrochemical reactions. To avoid premature failure, metals often require coatings or linings and need frequent inspections and possible replacements. A high-quality thermoplastic like Corzan CPVC can out perform other plastics for temperature (200°F/93.3°C pressure-rated service), has excellent chemical resistance, reduces risks of pitting and scaling and often has superior life-cycle costs compared to metals due to lower maintenance and replacement needs.

5. What is the chemical resistance profile of CPVC for industrial applications?

Corzan CPVC has been extensively tested to demonstrate its excellent resistance to acids, bases and salts/brines. Lubrizol, the inventor of Corzan CPVC, makes all resistance data for 500+ chemicals and compounds available to the public in its Chemical Resistance Table. Remember to always choose a high-quality material, as not all CPVC performs equally.