PVC-O is made by realigning the PVC molecules through a process of biaxial orientation. This greatly enhances the material properties - around twice the strength and ten times the impact resistance is achieved compared to traditional PVC-U material.
It means the wall thickness of PVC-O pipes can be reduced by up to 50% while maintaining the same pressure as that of the traditional PVC pipe. The result is that PVC-O has a larger bore offering greater hydraulic capacity; the pipe is manufactured with significantly less embodied energy and is more material efficient compared to other pipe options.
Although PVC-O pipes have been produced and used in Australia for over 20 years, recent manufacturing technology advances have seen greater availability in the last five years. Australia has been at the forefront of these significant advances and has the largest PVC-O pipe manufacturing capacity in the world.
The orientation process imparts high strength at maximum material efficiency. It is the most eco-friendly pipe system in the world as it requires less energy to produce than conventional PVC-U and other pipe materials. It also uses less energy in service than all other pipe types.
Considering their relative low weight, PVC-O pipes are strong and durable. It stays strong through a range of temperatures, resulting in fewer burst pipes and other maintenance issues. The long lists of benefits of PVC-O pipes include:
- Exceptional Strength and Ductility
- High Impact Resistance
- Larger Bore offering greater hydraulic capacity
- Smooth Bore offering Low flow resistance
- Corrosion Resistant making it ideal for water infrastructure durability
- Guaranteed minimum stiffness of SN9 (DN100 - DN300), SN10 (DN375 - DN600)
- Light Weight offers savings in transport, installation and structural support
- Material & Energy efficient – 100% Recyclable
- Manufactured with significantly less embodied energy
