Sodium Hypochlorite

Corzan CPVC's Resistance to Sodium Hypochlorite

The superior formulation of Corzan CPVC provides excellent resistance to all concentrations of sodium hypochlorite within the material’s overall working range, when properly specified and installed. Its superior compound and quality assurance means Corzan CPVC piping experiences minimal or no swelling and/or loss in tensile strength, as well as low or no potential for Environmental Stress Cracking (ESC), making it the premier choice among CPVC materials for delivering excellent resistance to bleach in industrial applications like disinfection and chlorination*.

*Do not allow chemical to decompose inside closed off sections of piping as dangerous overpressure situations could occur. Corzan® Material and Piping Solutions only partners with manufacturers with a proven track record of quality and reliability. These manufacturers are carefully chosen to convert Corzan CPVC into the high-performance piping systems, ducting, sheets and lining and more that customers rely on. Always confirm any planned application is in compliance with our partner’s design guidelines.

The Drawbacks of Other Materials Handling Sodium Hypochlorite

Sodium hypochlorite is among the top most common chemicals that Corzan CPVC reliably handles in industrial applications. Any material will react to sodium hypochlorite in different ways according to concentration levels, temperatures, pressures and nature of the material. But engineers choose Corzan CPVC for sodium hypochlorite due to its performance capabilities compared to metals and other plastics.

Metals: Sodium hypochlorite is an effective, aggressive disinfectant that will corrode most metals, including stainless steels, that contain and transport sodium hypochlorite even in the standard low concentrations of 5.25% (consumer concentration) and 12.5% (industrial concentration).

PVC (Polyvinyl chloride): PVC lacks the additional chlorine that fortifies the backbone of CPVC and makes it resistant to aggressive chemicals. It will require replacement much faster than more resilient CPVC. Sodium hypochlorite will dissolve the normal PVC cement used to solvent weld the material, making joints susceptible to leaks.

PE (Polyethylene): Sodium hypochlorite doesn’t affect polyethylene unless the bleach is contaminated. Trace amounts of metals from pumps, plumbing and fittings or low-quality sodium hypochlorite accelerates the deterioration, manifesting as brittleness and stress cracking. Sunlight accelerates these effects further.

PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride) and PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene): These materials are an excellent choice for concentrations up to 100% but are significantly costlier materials. These materials are also under extra regulatory scrutiny due to their persistent nature.

Common Uses of Sodium Hypochlorite

• Wastewater treatment
• Pulp & Paper
• Textiles dyeing
• Food processing sterilization
• Industrial emulsifier for creation of synthetic rubbers
• Soap Manufacturing
• Household bleach, at a 5% concentration, as a disinfectant
• Whitening agent, at a 5% concentration, for laundry