Polyvinyl chloride is a widely used thermoplastic polymer, which means that it turns to liquid when extremely heated, and reverts to a glassy state when sufficiently cooled. Over half of the world’s polyvinyl chloride is used for producing PVC pipes for industrial uses. PVC piping benefits include high strength to weight ratio, and low reactivity to many materials. While most of the world’s PVC is opaque, some of it is clear. In addition to the normal PVC pipe benefits, clear PVC pipes have their own set of benefits that include being able to see through the pipe and monitor the process at any time.
Like all PVC pipes, clear PVC pipe is very strong yet still very light weight. This means that installation and transportation costs are typically lower than with traditional pipe materials. Workers are less likely to injure themselves with the lighter weight PVC pipe. For example, a worker can easily carry two twenty-foot pieces of four-inch PVC pipe. On the other hand, that same person would have a hard time carrying five feet of the same pipe made from iron.
Clear PVC pipe is also very resistant to most types of chemical reactions. One of the most common chemical reactions with most pipes is corrosion. Since PVC pipes don’t conduct electricity, they don’t risk rusting like so many other types of pipe materials. Other chemicals commonly found in homes react badly with some metals. PVC pipes are resistant to most chemical reactions at temperatures of up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Clear PVC pipe is also more flexible than traditional piping solutions, such as iron or lead. The pipes are rigid enough to stand upright. Still, PVC pipes also can bend under a significant load without breaking. This helps when the pipe must bear the occasional increased load. Another situation where the PVC pipe’s flexibility is useful, is when the pipe is buried underground, and must deal with frequent soil movement or vibration.
One of the important characteristics of clear PVC pipe is that it can be seen through. Any process where visual monitoring is necessary can benefit from clear PVC pipe. Technicians can look at the pipe and monitor the process as opposed to opening the piping system. For example, most PVC pipe is used in plumbing applications. Clear PVC pipe allows a plumber to see clogs, or backups without the use of any extra machinery or processes.
