scope:

INTRODUCTION

This technical report has been developed as an informative guide on the resistance of plastic piping and fitting materials to chemical attack.

It is divided into several sections:

• Section 2: How to Interpret the chemical resistance rating provided in Table 3

• Section 3: Chemical resistance in general, and considerations for end use applications

• Section 4: Types of chemical attack on plastics

• Section 5: Other considerations

• Section 6: Chemical Resistance Data for Plastic Piping in Non-Pressure Applications and Data Table

• Section 7: Additional resources

Listings of chemical resistance data are presented in Table 3 for common plastic piping materials applicable to non-pressure applications.

Determination of suitability for specific applications under stress (e.g., pressurized service) is beyond the scope of this report. Users should contact the specific pipe or fitting manufacturer for recommendations on pressurized applications.

Note 1: Safety Consideration: Additional engineering and safety considerations exist when transporting liquids above their atmospheric boiling temperature and gases. Both situations constitute piping under pressure and, due to the stored energy of compressed gases, pose a significant danger potentially leading to injury or death.

Note 2: Drinking water, also known as potable water, is water that is safe to drink or to use for food preparation. Across North America, the majority of the drinking water that is provided in public water systems is treated with a disinfectant to control the growth of harmful microorganisms. Potable water disinfectants include chlorine, chloramines, and rarely, chlorine dioxide. Piping materials intended for treated water must be resistant to such disinfectants at various levels, as described in product standards.

For specific information about the resistance of crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) to disinfectants, please see:

• PPI TN-53 Guide to Chlorine Resistance Ratings of PEX Pipes and Tubing for Potable Water Applications,

• PPI TN-67 Chlorine Dioxide and Plastic Hot- And Cold- Water Plumbing Distribution Pipes, and

• PPI Statement A - Relative Oxidative Aggressiveness of Chloramines and Free Chlorine Disinfectants on Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipes used in Treated Potable Water

For specific information about the resistance of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to disinfectants, please see:

• PPI TN-44 Long Term Resistance of AWWA C906 Polyethylene (PE) Pipe to Potable Water Disinfectants and

• PPI TN-49 Recommendations for AWWA C901 Service Tubes in Potable Water Applications

For specific information about the resistance of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) to disinfectants, please see Section 4: Effects of Potable Water Disinfectants on CPVC of PPI TN-62 Suitability and Fitness of CPVC Piping Systems for Commercial Building Applications.