PVC Pipe Pressure Capacity
PVC Pipe Pressure Capacity
(OP)
All,
I am looking for a reference to determine the air pressure capacity for standard PVC pipe. Any direction would be helpful.
Regards,
Rich...
I am looking for a reference to determine the air pressure capacity for standard PVC pipe. Any direction would be helpful.
Regards,
Rich...
Richard Nornhold, PE
nornrich@redrose.net





RE: PVC Pipe Pressure Capacity
The pressure rating depends on the wall thickness, diameter and compliance standard. Your local PVC pipe manufacturer will help. I assume you are talking about uPVC
However PVC is not recommended (and often not permitted) for compressed air service; it shatters dangerously if it bursts. OK for a low pressure soap bubble leak test but thats it. ABS is often used for compressed air.
Cheers
Steve
RE: PVC Pipe Pressure Capacity
PUMPDESIGNER
RE: PVC Pipe Pressure Capacity
Sa = sqrt(3) P (R / [R^2 - 1]) for R = D/d
S = stress (allowable)
P = internal (bore) pressure
D = outer diameter of pipe
d = inner diameter or bore of the pipe
You can easily find the properties of the PVC plastic pipe, try DuPont, et al, and set the factor of safety, FS to:
FS = Sy / Sa for Sy = yield stress (2% offset).
The hoop stress predominates the wall element, radial stress simply being the reaction to internal pressure P. The longitudinal stress is only the normal reaction of pressure against the cross sectional area of the blocked end caps. (easy enough) You can now rearrange the equation and solve for "P", FS=1 if you're trying to Al Quada yourself. :)
The derivation method to Von Mises-Hencky can be found in most textbooks dealing with advanced mechanics of materials and follows from Thick Wall Pressure Vessel considerations.
I recommend hydrotesting the vessel, NOT air pressure for reasons previously mentioned. This is obvious, but it is needed to be restated here for purposes of clarity.
Kenneth J Hueston, PEng
Principal
Sturni-Hueston Engineering Inc
Edmonton, Alberta Canada
RE: PVC Pipe Pressure Capacity