PVC-O pipes have become a popular solution due to the unique combination of durability, ductility and efficiency they offer over traditional materials. However, a key question that arises when considering their use is: what is the maximum flow rate that a PVC-O pipe can withstand?
In this article we discuss some of the factors that make the TOM® Oriented PVC pipe one of the most efficient solutions on the market thanks to its great capacity to transport water under pressure. This maximum flow rate is an outstanding feature of TOM® because it is capable of transporting between 15% and 40% more water than other alternatives with similar external diameters.
How Is a Pipe’s Maximum Flow Rate Calculated?
The flow rate of a PVC-O pipe depends on water velocity limits:
- 2 m/s for horizontal flow
- 1.5 m/s for vertical flow
The following formula is used to determine the flow rate:
Flow rate (l/s) = velocity (m/s) × cross-sectional area (m2 ) × 103
For example, a TOM® PVC-O pipe with a Nominal Diameter of 160 mm and a Nominal Pressure of 16 bar can handle a maximum flow rate of 35.91 l/s at a speed of 2 m/s.
Why can TOM® pipes withstand such a high flow rate?
The reason why TOM® Oriented PVC pipes can withstand such high flow rates can be found in different properties that differentiate them from other solutions on the market.
Firstly, we find a larger internal cavity as a result of an optimisation of the use of raw materials due to the orientation process to which the base product is subjected. This allows us to obtain a larger internal diameter and a larger cross-section.
The different Nominal Pressures offered by the TOM® family contribute to this, being able to access up to 25 bar of pressure. The low celerity offered by the material, up to four times lower than other materials, makes it possible to cope with the water hammer that the network may suffer.
On the other hand, the extreme smoothness of the internal walls of TOM® should also be highlighted, which reduces pressure losses and makes it difficult for deposits to form inside the pipe. In other words, the smoothness of TOM® helps the volume of channelled water to be transported more easily.
In short, TOM® represents a revolution in water transport, carrying a greater quantity of water with less effort, which results in an optimisation of the activity to which the network in which it is installed is applied.
