Commodity plastics

The most common commodity plastics are Polypropylene PP, Polyethylene PE and Polyvinyl chloride PVC. Commodity plastics  are often a cost-effective solution for lower temperatures and less aggressive chemicals. The temperature resistance of commodity plastics is limited to 80 C°.

Advantages of commodity plastics in industrial piping

Commodity plastics are reliable and cost-effective materials for industry when the process temperature and chemical load remain moderate.

Their advantages include:

  • Good chemical resistance to most common chemicals and solvents
  • Low weight and easy handling
  • Cost-effectiveness when a reliable and affordable solution is desired
  • Good weldability and formability, which facilitates installations and customization

Commodity plastics are widely used, for example, in water and sewer pipelines, cooling water systems, tanks and lighter process pipelines where the temperature does not rise high and the aggressiveness of the chemicals is low.

PRP-Plastic’s experience ensures the right material selection

Although commodity plastics are structurally simpler than fluorinated or reinforced plastics, their performance depends greatly on the right material selection, composite structure and welding solution.

PRP-Plastic’s experts ensure that the PP, PE or PVC piping is designed precisely for the conditions of the application – whether it is an industrial plant, a water treatment process or a cooling system.

Experience from over three decades ensures that we can combine chemical resistance, cost-effectiveness and safety in the right proportion.

We supply only tested and certified plastic materials, and our experts are involved throughout the project, from material selection to installation and commissioning.

Main commodity plastic materials and properties

Polyethylene (PE)

PE is a versatile and cost-effective material that is widely used in water supply, sewer and gas pipes.

Withstands most chemicals, but is not suitable for high temperatures or strong acids.

Operating temperature: –40 °C – +60 °C

Applications: water and sewer piping, cooling water systems, light process piping

Polypropylene (PP)

PP is stiffer and more wear-resistant than PE. It is often used in hot water and process piping where temperatures can be slightly higher.

PP resists alkalis and organic solvents well, but not continuous UV exposure without protection.

Operating temperature: 0 °C – +100 °C

Applications: process piping, hot water systems, tanks, ducts

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

PVC is a rigid and dimensionally accurate material that is well suited to low-pressure and low-temperature processes.

It has good chemical resistance in many neutral and mildly alkaline environments, but weaker heat and impact resistance.

Operating temperature: 0 °C – +60 °C

Applications: water pipelines, wastewater systems, ventilation ducts

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RP is your choice when you want process equipment and piping to last year after year.

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