Process Piping: Polypropylene (PP) Pipe
Process piping involves non-hydronic mechanical systems in industrial or manufacturing...
Read more...
Polypropylene (PP) is the lightest weight piping material with very good chemical resistance,...
Read more...
Benefit of Material to Systems Application
Polypropylene (PP) Pipe like other thermoplastic piping materials is durable, cost-effective and easy and safe to install. Due to its broad chemical resistant capability, PP is used in many corrosive areas which require both an interior and exterior chemically resistant barrier.
PP is available in pigmented (normally black or light grey) or unpigmented (translucent). The pigmented piping compound has additives which allow the piping material to better handle ultraviolet rays while the unpigmented compound allows PP to handle high purity applications in the semiconductor or pharmaceutical industries.
Polypropylene pressure systems are heat fused using socket or butt-fusion techniques. Normally for diameters 6” and less socket fusion may be used. For ultra-high purity applications, there are specially designed heat fusion devices which eliminate most interior weld buildup and metal contact of the material. Heat fusion joints offer joint integrity resulting in leak-proof connections that are stronger than the pipe itself. Although it is limited by its relatively low pressure and temperature ratings (when compared to steel), its many features and benefits make it a very good choice for many process piping applications.
System Application and Material Usage
Typical PP process piping sizes range from 1/2" to 30" in diameter and consist of pipe, fittings, valves, tanks, scrubbers, fans/blowers, duct and other piping products. Generally PP is extremely chemical resistant which allows it to cover a wide range of fluids from water to chemical services.
PP can not be solvent cemented and must be joined by heat fusion or mechanically. Direct threading of Schedule 80 pipe can be used but threading reduces the working pressure of the pipe to drainage applications only.
Polypropylene interior liners are also available for use with metal piping systems allowing the pipe to handle highly corrosive fluids with the pressure capability of a steel exterior. PP is an excellent choice for use in industrial process applications. For applications requiring even greater chemical resistance and/or greater temperature limits , PVDF is an excellent alternate.. For applications requiring greater pressure and temperatures over 275 F, FRP or metal piping is a possibility.
For more information visit PPFA Website.
Manufacturers and Suppliers Participating in OPUS
Aquatherm Inc.
- For over thirty-five years, the Germany-based company aquatherm has produced the most advanced......
(click for details) Embassy Group LTD
- Embassy Group Ltd. is a 100 percent member-owned, 3.2 billion dollar corporation consisting of......
(click for details) F.W. Webb Company
- F.W. Webb Company is a multi-faceted distributor of Plumbing and Heating, HVAC and Controls,......
(click for details) Ferguson
- Ferguson specializes in plumbing and heating, industrial pipe, valves, fittings, underground......
(click for details) NIBCO INC.
- Founded in Elkhart, Indiana in 1904, NIBCO INC. is a leading provider of a diverse range of flow......
(click for details) Weldbend Corporation
- Weldbend Corporation is a manufacturer of carbon steel welding fittings and forged steel......
(click for details) WinWholesale, Inc.
- WinWholesale is comprised of over 550 wholesale distribution locations that sell high-quality......
(click for details)
Applicable Joining Methods
Heat Fusion Weld
- Thermoplastic pipe which cannot be solvent cemented maybe joined using heat fusion. Fusion...
(click for details) Mechanical
- Used for ductile iron pipe, the mechanical joining method consists of a number of components...
(click for details) Threaded
- A connection in which an internal threaded fitting and an external threaded piece of pipe or...
(click for details)
