Pipe Materials Reference Guide
Material properties, roughness values, and selection criteria for engineering applications
Material Properties Comparison
| Material | Roughness (mm) | Max Temp (°C) | Pressure Rating | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel (new) | 0.045 | 540 | Very High | Medium |
| Steel (aged) | 0.15-0.5 | 540 | Very High | Medium |
| Stainless Steel | 0.045 | 815 | Very High | High |
| Copper | 0.0015 | 250 | Medium-High | High |
| PVC | 0.0015 | 60 | Low-Medium | Low |
| CPVC | 0.0015 | 95 | Medium | Low-Medium |
| Cast Iron (new) | 0.25 | 350 | Medium-High | Medium |
| Cast Iron (aged) | 1.5 | 350 | Medium-High | Medium |
| Galvanized Steel | 0.15 | 200 | High | Medium |
| Concrete (smooth) | 0.3 | 100 | Low | Low |
| Concrete (rough) | 3.0 | 100 | Low | Low |
Water Supply Systems
- • Copper: Residential plumbing, potable water (excellent corrosion resistance)
- • PVC: Cold water distribution, irrigation (low cost, easy installation)
- • Steel: Large diameter mains, industrial water (high strength)
- • Ductile Iron: Underground mains, fire protection (durability)
HVAC Systems
- • Steel (black): Heating water, steam lines (high temperature)
- • Copper: Chilled water, refrigerant lines (thermal conductivity)
- • Stainless: High-purity systems, corrosive environments
- • CPVC: Hot water distribution (temperature rating)
Chemical/Process
- • Stainless Steel: Corrosive chemicals, high-purity applications
- • PVC/CPVC: Acids, alkalis at low temperatures
- • Hastelloy: Highly corrosive environments
- • Lined Steel: Abrasive slurries, corrosive fluids
Special Applications
- • Brass: Decorative, low-pressure water (aesthetics)
- • HDPE: Underground gas, trenchless installation (flexibility)
- • FRP: Corrosive environments, large diameter (lightweight)
- • Concrete: Large diameter water mains, sewer (low cost, large sizes)
Material Aging and Degradation
Steel Pipes
Surface roughness increases 3-10x over 20-30 years due to corrosion and scale buildup. Use aged roughness values (0.15-0.5 mm) for systems over 10 years old.
Plastic Pipes (PVC, CPVC)
Maintain smooth surfaces over time. Primary aging concern is embrittlement and reduced pressure rating due to UV exposure and chemical attack.
Copper Pipes
Generally maintain low roughness. Watch for dezincification in brass fittings and pitting corrosion in aggressive water conditions.
Material Selection Criteria
Technical Factors
- • Operating temperature and pressure
- • Fluid compatibility and corrosion resistance
- • Required service life
- • Flow characteristics (roughness)
- • Joining methods and ease of installation
Economic Factors
- • Initial material and installation costs
- • Maintenance requirements
- • Energy costs (pumping, heat loss)
- • Lifecycle cost analysis
- • Availability and lead times