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Pvc Cpvc Pipes Pressures

Reference data and engineering information about pvc cpvc pipes pressures for fluid mechanics applications.

pvccpvcpipespressures

Overview

Engineering reference data for Pvc Cpvc Pipes Pressures in fluid mechanics.

Key Formulas

Reynolds Number

Re=ρvDμRe = \frac{\rho v D}{\mu}

Ratio of inertial to viscous forces — determines flow regime.

Bernoulli's Equation

P+12ρv2+ρgh=constP + \frac{1}{2}\rho v^2 + \rho g h = \text{const}

Conservation of energy for steady, inviscid, incompressible flow.

Continuity Equation

A1v1=A2v2A_1 v_1 = A_2 v_2

Conservation of mass for incompressible flow.

Darcy-Weisbach

ΔP=fLDρv22\Delta P = f \frac{L}{D} \frac{\rho v^2}{2}

Pressure drop due to friction in a pipe.

Variables

SymbolDescriptionUnit
ReReReynolds number
ρ\rhoFluid densitykg/m³
vvFlow velocitym/s
DDCharacteristic dimensionm
μ\muDynamic viscosityPa·s
PPPressurePa
ffDarcy friction factor

PVC Pipe Pressure Ratings

The following table presents maximum operating and required minimum bursting pressures at 73°F (23°C) for PVC pipe fittings according to ASTM D1785.

14 rows
PVC pipe pressure ratings at 73°F (23°C) per ASTM D1785
Nominal Pipe Size(in)
Burst Pressure (Sched 40)(psi)
Burst Pressure (Sched 80)(psi)
Operating Pressure (Sched 40)(psi)
Operating Pressure (Sched 80)(psi)
1/219102720358509
3/415402200289413
114402020270378
1-1/411801660221312
1-1/210601510198282
28901290166243
2-1/28701360182255
38401200158225
47101110133194
56201040117173
6560930106167
850089093148
1045079084140
1242060079137

Source: engineeringtoolbox.com

Temperature Derating

Important: Maximum operating pressures derate with temperature. At the maximum operating temperature for PVC (140°F / 60°C), the pressure capacity is derated to approximately 20% of the rated strength at 73°F (23°C).

The relationship can be expressed as a derating factor:

PT=P73°F×DR(T)P_{T} = P_{73°F} \times DR(T)

Where:

  • PTP_{T} = maximum operating pressure at temperature TT
  • P73°FP_{73°F} = rated pressure at 73°F (23°C)
  • DR(T)DR(T) = temperature derating factor (dimensionless)

For PVC at 140°F (60°C): DR0.20DR \approx 0.20

Unit Conversions

FromToConversion
1 psi (lb/in²)Pa (N/m²)6,894.8 Pa
1 inchmm25.4 mm

Interactive Charts

PVC pipes - bursting and operating pressure limits diagram

References