Features & Benefits
Corzan® CPVC Fact Sheet
- Corzan® is a trademark for Lubrizol’s CPVC compounds that are designed and sold for industrial piping applications.
- CPVC compounds are approximately 85% CPVC resin and 15% additives. The 15% additives are processing aids, stabilizers, and pigments…no plasticizers are added to Corzan® CPVC compounds.
- None of the manufacturing partners adds additional ingredients to the Corzan compounds. All pipes, valves and fittings are manufactured from 100% material as supplied by Lubrizol.
- Lubrizol is the only US manufacturer of CPVC resin
- Corzan CPVC resin is manufactured using a unique process which we invented in 1958.
- We have been developing CPVC compound technology for more than 40 years.
- Components manufactured from Corzan CPVC meet or
exceed the quality requirements of ASTM.
- In addition, our Quality Assurance Program includes tests and test frequencies that go beyond the ASTM standards for CPVC.
- Lubrizol holds various patents on its pipe, valve, fitting and sheet compounds.
- Corzan pipe has up to three times the drop impact of non-Corzan pipe compounds and can be extruded up to 16" (400 mm) for schedule 80 pipe and 24" (630 mm) for duct.
- Corzan CPVC products are supported by a comprehensive R&D staff that continually improves upon existing compounds while inventing new ones.
- Corzan CPVC compounds and Lubrizol ’s manufacturing
partners are backed by a full complement of technical services,
including:
- Chemical resistance data
- Application consultation
- Project specification review
- Failure analysis
- Engineering design manual
Corzan CPVC manufacturing partners are selected based on their reputation for quality in the market place as well as their product line and ability to service their customers. Not every CPVC customer of Lubrizol can be a Corzan CPVC manufacturing partner.
Commonly Asked Questions:
- What is the difference between Corzan CPVC and PVC?
- What is the difference between Corzan CPVC and other CPVC?
- Does Corzan CPVC cost more than PVC?
- How does the cost of Corzan CPVC compare to lined steel?
- Why should I use Corzan CPVC instead of Polypropylene?
- Are there temperature limits of Corzan CPVC?
- How does Corzan CPVC handle different chemicals?
- What pressure capabilities does Corzann® CPVC handle?
- How does Corzan CPVC perform in cold temperatures?
- What is the weatherability of Corzan CPVC?
- How do you assemble a Corzan CPVC system?
- What sizes is Corzan CPVC pipe available?
- What is the flame and smoke rating of Corzan CPVC?
- Does Corzan CPVC have good abrasion resistance?
- Can I use Corzan CPVC in a plenum space?
- Can I use Corzan CPVC in Deionized Water Systems?
If you have other questions please contact us!
What is the difference between Corzan CPVC and PVC?
CPVC is the result of the post chlorination of PVC. The level of chlorine is increased from 56-57%, up to as high as 74%, although typically most commercial CPVC resins contain 63 to 69% chlorine. This increase in chlorine level raises CPVC’s maximum operating temperature to 200°F, over PVC’s maximum operating temperature of 140°F. In terms of chemical resistance, PVC and CPVC are very similar.
What is the difference between Corzan CPVC and other CPVC?
Corzan CPVC is differentiated from generic CPVC is many ways.
- Lubrizol is committed to the continual improvement of all of its CPVC compounds. These research and development scientists at Lubrizol have access to a broad range of analytical equipment and pipe test facilities, which are used to optimize the physical and chemical resistance properties of the CPVC compounds. Optimization of these compounds has resulted in improved processability which enables Lubrizol’s licensed manufacturers to extrude Corzan CPVC into pipe diameters as large as 16” (Schedules 40 & 80) and round seamless duct to 24”.
- Corzanpipe is only extruded by licensed manufacturers. The licensing agreement requires Corzanmanufacturing partners to participate in Lubrizol’s Quality Assurance Program (QAP), which requires that Corzan CPVC pipe be manufactured to quality standards which exceed those set forth by ASTM F441. Test requirements included in the QAP that are not included in the ASTM standard include drop impact and tests that limit the amount of residual stress allowed in the pipe.
- Lubrizol’s latest compounding technology provides Corzan CPVC pipe with an impact strength that is five times greater than competitive CPVC. This pipe compound technology has also increased the heat distortion temperature to 239°F. In addition, Lubrizol has just provided the marketplace with its first fittings compound that carries a pressure rating.
Does Corzan CPVC cost more than PVC?
Corzan CPVC is more expensive than PVC on a per foot basis. The cost to manufacture Corzan CPVC is higher than PVC. The installed cost of Corzan CPVC is not significantly higher than PVC.
How does the cost of Corzan CPVC compare to lined steel?
Corzan CPVC is approximately 1/3 the cost of polypropylene lined carbon steel. If more expensive liner materials or steel is specified, the cost will increase.
Why should I use Corzan CPVC instead of Polypropylene?
Corzan CPVC has better flame and smoke resistance than polypropylene. In addition, Corzan CPVC is more rigid than polypropylene, allowing for an improved support spacing schedule. CPVC also has a truly irreversible joint, and polypropylene is not listed by the Plastic Pipe Institute(PPI) for pressure rated applications.
Are there temperature limits of Corzan CPVC?
The upper temperature limit on Corzan CPVC varies. For ½” through 6” pipe, the limit is 239°F (115°C). For 8” through 16” pipe, the limit is 200°F (93°C).There is no lower temperature or pressure limit on Corzan CPVC. At very cold temperatures the material will become brittle and the impact strength will decline.
How does Corzan CPVC handle different chemicals?
Corzan CPVC is compatible with most mineral acids, bases, salts and aliphatic hydrocarbons. It is a much more suitable material than other non-metals in these environments. Many factors affect chemical resistance such as concentration, temperature, pressure, external stress and product quality. Due to the large number of variables, material suitability is often based on in-service testing.
Click the link for more detailed information on Chemical Resistance.
What pressure capabilities does Corzan CPVC handle?
Corzan CPVC is pressure rated. The ratings apply to a fluid temperature of 73°F. At higher temperatures there are derating factors for actual working pressures.
How does Corzan CPVC perform in cold temperatures?
Cold temperatures do not affect the pressure rating of the Corzan CPVC, though it will make the Corzanmore brittle.
What is the weatherability of Corzan CPVC?
Weatherability is defined as a material’s ability to maintain its basic physical properties after prolonged exposure to sunlight, wind, and rain/humidity. Over 40 years of experience with CPVC, including many long-standing outdoor installations, demonstrate that Corzan™ Industrial Systems will be able to withstand long-term exposure to the environment without significant adverse effects. Corzan CPVC has been blended with a significant concentration of both carbon black and titanium dioxide (TiO2). Both carbon black and TiO2 are widely recognized as excellent ultraviolet blocking agents and help to protect the polymer backbone from the effects of ultraviolet radiation.
In fact, Lubrizol experience verifies that the pressure bearing capability of Corzanpiping systems is maintained after extended exposure. Depending on the specific installation, there has been some gradual reduction in impact properties with prolonged exposure. If the specific installation requires additional protection from UV exposure, Corzanpiping systems can be painted with common acrylic latex paint. Priming of the piping is not necessary prior to painting.
How do you assemble a Corzan CPVC piping system?
- Solvent cement
- Flanging
- Threading
Proper installation of Corzanpiping systems is critical to the performance of the system.
Solvent cement is one of the methods to put two sections of Corzan CPVC pipe together. This is a two step process with a primer and a solvent cement. The solvent cement is recommended for all the conditions of the Corzan CPVC system.
Flanging is another joining method and can be used on CorzanSchedule 80 pipe up to and including 12 inches in diameter. This method is used to provide temporary disassembly of a piping system or when it is not possible to make up solvent cemented joints at the assembly site. Flanging requires a gasket which will be chemically resistant to the process fluids.
CorzanSchedule 80 pipe up to and including 4 inches in diameter, and which will operate at 130°F or less, may be threaded.
What sizes is Corzan CPVC pipe available?
Corzan CPVC comes in 1/4 inch through 16 inch for schedule 40 and 80 pipes and 6 inch through 24 inch for duct piping larger duct sizes can be made from sheet material.
What is the flame and smoke rating of Corzan CPVC?
Corzan CPVC inherently exhibits outstanding fire performance characteristics in terms of limited flame propagation and low smoke generation without the addition of flame retardants and smoke inhibitors. When coupled with its excellent balance of mechanical strength, low thermal conductivity, improved hydraulics and outstanding corrosion resistance, Corzan CPVC provides excellent value in terms of safety and performance in a wide range of industrial process piping and ducting applications.
Ignition Resistance
Corzan CPVC has a flash ignition temperature of 900°F which is the lowest temperature at which sufficient combustible gas is evolved to be ignited by a small external flame. Many other ordinary combustibles, such as wood, ignite at 500°F or less.
| FLASH IGNITION TEMPERATURE COMPARISON | ||
| Material | °C | °F |
| CPVC | 482 | 900 |
| PVC, rigid | 399 | 750 |
| Polyethylene | 343 | 650 |
| White Pine | 204 | 400 |
| Paper | 232 | 450 |
| Source: Hilado, C.J., “Flammability Handbook for Plastics”, Table 2.5, Third Edition, Technomic Publishing, 1982. | ||
Burning Resistance
Corzan CPVC will not sustain burning. It must be forced to burn due to its very high Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) of 60. LOI is the percentage of oxygen needed in an atmosphere to support combustion. Since Earth’s atmosphere is only 21% oxygen, Corzan CPVC will not burn unless a flame is constantly applied and stops burning when the ignition source is removed. Other materials will support combustion due to their low LOI.
| LIMITING OXYGEN INDEX COMPARISON | |
| Material | LOI |
| CPVC | 60 |
| PVC, rigid | 45 |
| PVDF | 44 |
| ABS | 18 |
| Polypropylene | 17 |
| Polyethylene | 17 |
| Source: Hilado, C.J., “Flammability Handbook for Plastics”, Table 2.5, Third Edition, Technomic Publishing, 1982. | |
Flame Spread / Smoke Generation
The flame spread and smoke generation characteristics of Corzan CPVC materials have been evaluated by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (ULI), Southwest Research Institute (SWRI), and Factory Mutual (FM) employing a number of recognized test methods.
ULI evaluated Corzan CPVC for flammability in accordance with UL 94, which is used for determining the flammability of plastic materials used in the components and parts of finished products. This test measures a material’s resistance to burning, dripping, glow emission and burn through. CPVC has achieved the highest rating available within the scope of this test of V0, 5VB and 5VA.
Southwest Research Institute (SWRI) tested water filled 1/2” & 4” schedule 80 Corzanpipe in accordance with UL 723/ASTM E84. Test results are shown below:
| Nominal Pipe Diameter | FSI (flame spread index) | SDI (smoke development index) |
| ½” | 0 | 20 |
| 4" | 0 | 20 |
Does Corzan CPVC have good abrasion resistance?
A piping system’s resistance to abrasion is a function of many factors:
- Particle size and shape
- Hardness of particles
- Particle concentration
- Densities (fluid, particle, and pipe)
- Velocities
- Properties of piping materials
- Design of the piping system
While all piping systems will exhibit some degree of wear over time, the actual erosion will depend on the specific combination of these factors. Excluding the piping material itself, the system conditions which will minimize abrasion include:
- Lower velocities (<5 ft/sec)
- Large, round particles
- Uniform particle distribution
- Minimum changes in direction
When these ideal slurry conditions do not exist, the selection of the piping material becomes important. Corzanpiping systems will usually outperform metal when transporting abrasive media and have been used successfully in many abrasive industrial applications.
No single test method exists which can consistently predict the abrasion resistance of a material to the broad range of potentially abrasive conditions. As a result, the best guide in selecting materials for abrasive service is past experience. In lieu of such case histories, attention should be directed towards approaching the ideal system conditions mentioned above, particularly minimizing changes in direction. At the same time, changes in direction can be designed to minimize abrasion potential. Large radius elbows and capped tee bends are usually specified to reduce particle impingement on the pipe wall.
One widely referenced test method is the Taber Abrasion Test, in which the weight loss of a material is measured after being exposed to an abrasive wheel for 1000 cycles. While the Taber test cannot predict actual performance of a material to a given application, it does provide a relative measure to compare materials.
|
TABER ABRASION TESTER (Abrasion Ring CS-10, Load 1 kg) |
|
| Nylon 6-10 | 5mg/1000 cycles |
| UHMW PE | 5 |
| PVDF | 5 - 10 |
| PVC (rigid) | 12 - 20 |
| PP | 15 - 20 |
| CPVC | 20 |
| CTFE | 13 |
| PS | 40 - 50 |
| Steel (304 SS) | 50 |
| ABS | 60 - 80 |
| PTFE | 500 - 100 |
| Source: Industrial and High Purity Piping Systems Engineering Handbook, George Fischer +GF+, 2002. | |
Can I use Corzan CPVC in a plenum space?
In most commercial building, the area above the suspended ceiling is used as an air plenum. Model codes restrict the surface burning characteristics of the materials that can be installed in air plenums.
Various tests are used to evaluate the surface burning characteristics of construction materials. The most common requirement is to restrict materials permitted within plenums to those meeting a 25/50 flame spread/smoke developed when tested in accordance with UL 723/ASTM E 84 (NFPA 255 and UBC 8-1). As a reference, asbestos cement has a 0/0 flame spread/smoke developed rating and red oak has a 100/100 flame spread/smoke developed rating.
Southwest Research Institute has tested water-filled Corzan CPVC pipe and fittings in general accordance with UL 723/ASTM E 84 (NFPA 255 and UBC 8-1). The results of the testing show: 1/2” water-filled Corzan CPVC pipe and fittings have a flame spread index of 0 and a smoke developed index of 20 (Reference Southwest Research report No. 01.04017.01.301d[1]).
4” water-filled Corzan CPVC pipe and fittings have a flame spread index of 0 and a smoke developed index of 20 (Reference Southwest Research report No. 01.04017.01.301e[1]).
Conclusion
1/2” through 4” water-filled Corzan CPVC
pipe and fittings meet the 25/50 flame spread/smoke developed
requirement and are suitable for installation with plenums.
Can I use Corzan CPVC in Deionized Water Systems?
Refer to the attached information from Balazs Labs regarding the resistivity and extraction data for Corzan CPVC.
