Pressurised Clear Pipe

[chem55]

Hi friends:

Can I use clear (transparent)PVC for 180psi
operating pressure? I would like to use it as a
pressure vessel which is pressurised by a propane
gas at around 170psi pressure and temperature is 50 deg cel. (Pressure vessel height is 5.5ft and Inside Dia: 14inch)

Could you pls suggest me what clear plastic should I use other than this?

Thanks,
Chem55

 

[patprimmer]

I think with PVC at that temp and pressure the wall thickness will be so high that it will not be very clear.

Acrylic might be a better choice, as it is more rigid, and much clearer in thick sections than PVC.

Some one will undoubtedly recommend polycarbonate because of it's excellent strength under controlled laboratory conditions, but it has very poor solvent stress crack properties, and in my opinion is to unreliable for your application. It has particularly poor resistance to aromatic hydrocarbons, which are inevitably in aliphaticas as impurities. They are also prevalent in a workshop environment as lubricants and cleaning agents

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Regards
pat

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[patprimmer]

You will need to very carefully asses the chemical properties, as well as the permiability of whatever you choose.

Remember all plastics are subject to creep under load.

Aromatic nylons like Trogamid or Grilamid might be worth a look, but they are VERY expensive. TPX probably won't have the barrier nor creep properties.

If you consider TPX, I expect it can be treated with fluorine (by the same process used to treat aumotive plastic fuel tanks) to improve the barrier properties.

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Regards
pat

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[chem55]

Hi Pat:

I also have to fabricate the tank to fix the flange & gasket. Is it possible to fabricate the PlexiGlass? I have heard that it is difficult to fabricate it.

I also tried to find Trogamid or Grilamid but I couldn't find it. Is it available in long 5ft pipe form?

regards,
Chem55