Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) are both thermoplastic materials widely utilized in piping systems. The key difference lies in their chemical composition: CPVC undergoes a chlorination process, resulting in a higher chlorine content compared to PVC. This alteration affects the material’s properties, primarily its ability to withstand higher temperatures. For instance, PVC is generally suitable for applications where temperatures do not exceed 140F (60C), while CPVC can handle temperatures up to 200F (93C).
This temperature resistance provides a significant advantage in applications involving hot water distribution or industrial processes. The increased durability of CPVC at elevated temperatures translates to a longer lifespan and reduced risk of failure in demanding environments. Historically, PVC was the dominant material, but the development of CPVC expanded the range of applications for thermoplastic piping, offering a solution for situations where PVC’s limitations were apparent.
