PVC Pipe

PVC pipe is commonly used for water plumbing. It is also useful as a structural building material for minor projects.

Connecting PVC Pipe
Avoid Using PVC Pipe For Air
Related Pages

Connecting PVC Pipe

This section applies to permanent connections that don't use threaded pipe.

In order to get the best possible bond, PVC pipe must be primed.

Priming removes dirt, grease and oils. Primer contains solvent that softens the surface of the plastic.

PVC cement works by dissolving the two surfaces, so that when the cement evaporates, the two pieces of plastic become one.

This cement from Christy's has a reputation for being extraordinarily strong.

Avoid Using PVC Pipe For Air

There has always been concern about hobby hacks versus commercial technology. Usually it concerns improvised pnumatic cylinders made from screen door closers and bicycle pumps. But 11/7/2003 there was a thread on Halloween-L, where somebody asked if there was a commercial market for his home-made PVC pneumatic cylinders.

The YardHaunter eloquently stated:

PVC for compressed air is dangerous. It can fail violently with potentially deadly results. While many haunters use PVC for their airlines, accumulators, and cylinders, they assume the risks for their own devices. I, and others, have touted these hazards before, but in all honesty, most haunters don't seem to take the warnings seriously, and they tend to decide that it is worth the risk to them. They will shoulder the burden of responsibility when a patron or family member is injured by one of these.
As a retailer, and supplier of these devices commercially, you must consider the ramifications of what will happen when one of your home-made devices fails. The liability will be passed to you.

In a followup, The YardHaunter provided some very interesting references:

I must admit that these make a persuasive case against the use of PVC for pressurized air.

Some additional factors:

Many types of PVC pipe are printed with a pressure rating, like "240 PSI". These ratings are often used in arguments on favor of using PVC pipe for pressure applications. These ratings can not be trusted because they are intended for water. Pressurized air works differently than pressurized water.
Pressurized air stores additional energy (pressurized water does not compress well and only conducts energy). When PVC pressurized with air ruptures, it releases more energy.
When PVC pipe fails, it tends to shatter, sending sharp pieces of schrapnel around.

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PVC Pipe

Connecting PVC Pipe

Avoid Using PVC Pipe For Air

Related Pages