FAQs: What EPCs Need to Know about Corzan® CPVC
Piping materials like carbon steel, stainless steel and copper are standard materials, but sometimes metallics aren't the right choice. Among the many non-metallic alternatives, Corzan® CPVC excels in both industrial and commercial plumbing applications. Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions that the Corzan CPVC team hears from engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) professionals.
1. How does Corzan CPVC compare to other materials?
Corzan CPVC offers a unique combination of strength, chemical resistance, and long-term reliability that sets it apart from traditional metallic piping materials and other plastics.
Compared to metals, especially CPVC vs stainless steel, Corzan CPVC is generally a more cost-effective industrial piping material that delivers corrosion resistance and resiliency in aggressive environments without compromising performance, budgets or timelines. CPVC also requires no hot work permits or welding equipment for joining and weighs significantly less than metals, both of which can cut down on installation labor costs.
Compared to other plastics, especially CPVC vs PVC pipe, Corzan CPVC has a higher heat distortion temperature, better flame and smoke performance and broader chemical compatibility, making it ideal for demanding industrial and commercial applications.
2. Where can Corzan CPVC be used?
Corzan CPVC is suitable for use in both commercial plumbing and industrial piping installations. Among many other uses, Corzan CPVC can be used in:
- Chemical processing piping systems
- Industrial water treatment piping
- Mining facility piping material
- Data center cooling piping
- Battery manufacturing piping materials
- Chemical waste drainage piping
- Commercial plumbing, such as high-rises, healthcare facilities and institutional buildings
3. What makes Corzan CPVC pipe and fittings more suitable for commercial plumbing applications than PEX, PP-R or even copper?
Corzan CPVC is a chlorine-resistant piping material with an excellent record of performance in commercial plumbing applications. It is NSF/ANSI certified for potable water and is plenum-rated without need for insulation. Corzan CPVC resists high temperatures and disinfection chemicals like chlorine dioxide without relying on sacrificial antioxidants like PEX and PP-R, which can expose the pipe to degradation once stripped. Corzan CPVC’s smooth, corrosion-resistant inner surface also better resist biofilm formation and Legionella growth compared to metallics like copper.
4. Is Corzan CPVC suitable for high-temperature piping systems?
Especially compared to many other plastics, CPVC is excellent high-temperature plastic piping. With pressure ratings up to 200°F (93.3°C), Corzan CPVC outperforms PVC and many other plastics at elevated temperatures and has good flame resistance. While it expands more than metals, proper design accounts for thermal movement, and the material offers low thermal conductivity. Minimum temperature depends on the fluid inside, as the material itself has no fixed freezing point.