Cost Estimate

[Dymalica]

Even though I looked in Means, I was wondering what you guys thought would be cheaper? Using CPVC pipe with 1/2" insulation and aluminum jacketing or schedule 40 black steel painted? The piping will be outdoors in hot desert climate. CPVC is 3-4 times faster to install, but will the insulation and aluminum jacketing make it the same price as welded/flanged steel? Lets say the piping is for several cooling towers with 4,6, 8 inch pipe. Do you think CPVC with double coat of latex paint would be better?

Thanks

 

[zuccus]

Using CPVC outdoors over long runs, you must take into account that the span distances.

4" and 6" CPVC can only span 6-8 ft while steel pipe can span 20' easily. The cost of the extra supports made steel pipe much more appealing.

Of course steel piping can corrode very quickly in cooling towers if the water balance gets out of whack (technical term).

Zuccus

 

[trashcanman]

Why is the CPVC insulated and not the steel pipe? Cost of insulation + labor must be accounted for.

Don't forget that CPVC piping will expand faster than the steel pipe so you have to provide expansion loops or something to handle it. That costs too.

I would ask a local contractor what they use and why, or design it both ways and have the contractor price it.