FAQs: Corzan® CPVC for Wastewater & Water Treatment

Wastewater treatment is one of the most essential services keeping the public safe and healthy. Reliable piping materials are what support this essential service. As disinfection processes and chemical loads grow more intense, some piping materials can’t keep up. But Corzan® CPVC can, especially against chlorine-based chemicals and even at higher temperatures. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about CPVC in this 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. Which piping materials resist corrosion in wastewater treatment plants?

When corrosion resistance is essential, a non-metallic piping material will provide the most consistent results in both indoor and outdoor wastewater treatment applications. Metals, even stainless steels, are vulnerable to pitting and other corrosion. A plastic with high chemical resistance, such as Corzan CPVC, improves on the corrosion resistance of a plastic like PVC. Corzan CPVC resists microbiogically-influenced corrosion (MIC) and will not pit or scale. It delivers wastewater treatment performance at greater temperatures and pressures than PVC and may have more lasting chemical resistance than HDPE.

2. Can CPVC handle disinfection chemicals like chlorine in water treatment systems?

Corzan CPVC is specifically engineered to withstand constant exposure to disinfectant chemicals in the chlorine family like chlorine dioxide. CPVC does not rely on a passive oxide layer, which is what enables corrosion in metals once destroyed. Over a very long service life, Corzan CPVC retains its strength and pressure ratings when handling chlorine-based chemicals and chlorinated water.

3. What low-maintenance piping options exist for municipal water facilities?

Plastic piping materials are a very strong choice for municipal water facilities due to their lower maintenance and repair costs over the lifecycle. Plastics inherently resist corrosion without linings or chemical treatment. A thermoplastic like Corzan CPVC delivers higher pressure and temperature limits than PVC and has a simpler joining process than some other plastics, such as HDPE.

4. How does piping material selection affect lifecycle costs in water treatment plants?

Material selection greatly impacts lifecycle costs, as specifying the wrong material for the case can lead to more frequent maintence costs or premature failure, contributing to downtime and lost productivity. The chemicals used in wastewater treatment can significantly reduce the performance of and shorten the lifespan of metal pipes. For example, scale can form in as little as three years, reducing the inside pipe diameter, which forces pumps to work harder and can cause blockages. Pitting and corrosion from chlorine degradation can cause leaks in as little as five years. Corzan CPVC has been successfully used in wastewater applications for decades with neglible degradation, maintained efficiency and no corrosion-related repairs. Proper material selection can avoid corrosion-related lifecycle costs. 

5. What piping options minimize downtime during plant upgrades or retrofits?

Piping materials that offer a lighter weight and simple joining process can minimize downtime. Metal systems are associated with greater downtime because the material may require more labor to lift and place and needs specialists to weld. A high-quality plastic like Corzan CPVC is a fraction of the weight of steel and can be joined effectively with a solvent welding process that can be prefabricated or completed easily at a site.