UV Exposure/Sun Fading Has No Practical Effect
on PVC Pipe Performance, Installation and Use
The
effect of sunlight on PVC pipe has been a misunderstood topic. Negative attacks
by our competitors allege that exposure to sunlight causes PVC pipe’s properties
to degrade so severely that the pipe becomes unsuitable for use. The attached
technical brief rebuts this contention.
Click
here.
As with many subjects, there is a germ of truth to the allegation: it is true
that UV radiation from sunlight can affect the outermost surface of PVC pipe.
However, even after prolonged exposure, there is no practical effect on the
pipe’s performance characteristics.
Two-Year UV
Exposure Study
A two-year study has quantified the effects of sun fading on the properties of
PVC pipe. The research found that exposure to UV radiation results in a change
in the pipe’s surface color and a reduction in impact strength. Other properties
such as tensile strength (pressure rating) and modulus of elasticity (pipe
stiffness) are not adversely affected.
It is important to realize that the average impact strength after two years of
exposure still remained above the level required at time of manufacture. There
are no restrictions on cutting or tapping of UV-discolored PVC pipe. As well,
sun faded pipe can still be installed with less care than is necessary for more
vulnerable clay, concrete, or mortar-lined/epoxy-coated ductile iron
alternatives.
The Bottom
Line
On a practical basis, exposure to UV radiation has no performance-based effect
on PVC pipe.
Regards,
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John F. Houle, P.E. Senior Technical Consultant, PVC Pipe Industry
201 E. John Carpenter Freeway, Suite 750 | Irving, TX 75062
T. 972.243.3902 | F. 972.243.3907 www.uni-bell.org
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