Plastic pipe in indoor chilled water systems

[belz]

I am looking at using plastic pipe to distribute HVAC chilled water through a utility tunnel in a college campus application. What are the drawbacks in using plastic verses steel in a tunnel? What type of plastic pipe is commonly used in this application? The pressure will be relatively low (tallest buidling is 6 stories and the pump head will be less than 60psig.). Does anyone have a design guide for plastic pipe in chilled water applications?

 

[imok2]

We used blue brute a lot in the County of Los Angeles

http://www.ipexinc.com/Content/EN_CA/2_0_Products/2_5_Municipal/2_5_1_1_bluebrute.asp

 

[Dymalica]

You could always use CPVC Sch 80 if your worried about damage from things hitting it or high pressure. The labor is pretty much the same except the pipe is $2x PVC, which is still dirt cheap. I guess just dont freeze the water in the pipe and it will be okay. I couldnt find any specs on the low temperature (only high temp) side of the plastic pipe.

 

[AbbyNormal]

I am in a year round cooling environment, we use sched 80 pvc. It expands and contracts quite a bit with temperature.

Maybe look at urecon preinsulated pipe

Take the "V" out of HVAC and you are left with a HAC(k) job.

 

[rconner]

Many chilled water users (including college campuses, you could see with a quick internet search of specifications etc.) for many reasons including experience, use ductile iron pipe. It is more impact and "pressure" resistant than the plastics.