PVC — Polyvinyl Chloride
A widely used plastic in piping systems; the unplasticised type, PVC-U, serves pressure, drainage and conduit pipes thanks to its rigidity, dimensional stability and light weight.
Technical Information
A plain-language guide to the terms you meet when selecting pipes — for general orientation, not engineering design.
HDPE — High-Density Polyethylene
A flexible, weldable material used in water, irrigation, drainage and industrial networks. Butt and electrofusion welding allow long lines with fewer joints.
PE100
A common classification for modern polyethylene grades in pressure pipes, indicating the required-strength level in the material classification. Grade selection belongs to the project specification.
SDR — Standard Dimension Ratio
The ratio between the pipe's outside diameter and its wall thickness (SDR = D / e). The lower the SDR, the relatively thicker the wall and the higher the pressure capability.
PN — Nominal Pressure
A rating expressing the pipe's nominal operating pressure (in bar) at the reference temperature adopted in the standard. It relates to the material class and SDR.
Outside Diameter (OD)
Plastic pipe sizing is normally based on the outside diameter — the basis for fitting and welding-tool compatibility.
Wall thickness
The thickness of the pipe body, defined by the required pressure or stiffness class. It is measured at multiple points in dimensional inspection.
Pressure classes
Pressure pipes are produced in classes (e.g. PN 6 to PN 25 for polyethylene) for different operating conditions; correct selection balances design pressure and safety factors.
Pipe lengths
Rigid pipes are typically supplied in standard lengths (6 m is common); special lengths can be agreed per project and transport constraints.
Pipe coils
Small-diameter polyethylene pipes are wound into coils that ease transport and reduce field joints; the maximum coilable diameter depends on the class's flexibility.
Jointing methods
Rubber-ring sockets and solvent cement for PVC; butt fusion, electrofusion and mechanical couplings for polyethylene. The method follows the family and application.
Application-based selection
Selection starts from the application — drinking water, irrigation, drainage, conduit or industrial — then material, diameter, pressure class and jointing are defined to meet the network's needs.
This information is for general orientation and does not replace engineering design; final product selection must be reviewed against the project requirements and applicable standards under a qualified engineer's supervision.