PVC pipes are lightweight and reasonably priced, and are commonly used in building drainage, industrial pipes and other fields. The weight of PVC pipes is an important parameter that cannot be ignored, and it is related to the selection, transportation and installation of pipes. Understanding the weight of PVC pipes can not only optimize costs, but also avoid construction hazards. This article will analyze in detail the PVC pipe weight calculation formula, specification comparison table and selection skills, and fully understand the relevant knowledge of PVC pipes.
The Importance of PVC pipes Weight
PVC Pipe Weight on installation, transportation and cost
The weight of PVC pipes directly affects three aspects:
Installation difficulty: Heavy pipes usually require more manpower or machinery to assist, especially in narrow spaces or complex working conditions. Lightweight PVC pipes can improve construction efficiency, reduce manpower and mechanical work, and improve convenience.
Transportation cost: The cost of transporting steel pipes is often calculated based on weight. For example, a 6-meter-long 4-inch SCH40 PVC pipe weighs about 10.5 kilograms, and the cost of long-distance transportation is very high.
Structural load-bearing: Pay attention to calculating the total weight on the roof or suspended pipe system. The weight of the pipe brings additional weight burden to the supporting structure to avoid overload.
PVC pipe weight calculation in KG
PVC Weight Calculator
Enter Outside Diameter & Wall Thickness (mm)
Outside Diameter
Wall Thickness
Relationship Between Density, Length, Diameter and Wall Thickness
PVC pipe weight can be calculated by the following formula:
Weight (kg) = π × (outer diameter² – inner diameter²) / 4 × length (m) × density (kg/m³)
PVC density: usually 1380~1460 kg/m³ (slightly different for different resin formulas).
Unit conversion: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 0.3048 m.
Example Calculation Demonstration
Case: Calculate the weight of a 6-meter-long PVC pipe with an outer diameter of 114.3 mm (4 inches) and a wall thickness of 6 mm.
Inner diameter = outer diameter – 2×wall thickness = 114.3mm – 2×6mm = 102.3mm
Cross-sectional area = π×(0.1143² – 0.1023²)/4 = 0.00196 m²
Weight = 0.00196 m² × 6m × 1400 kg/m³ ≈ 16.5 kg
Weight Comparison Table of PVC Pipes of Different Specifications
|
Nominal diameter (inches) |
Outer diameter (mm) |
Wall thickness (mm) |
6m pipe weight (kg) |
Applicable scenarios |
|
1/2 |
21.3 |
2.0 |
1.2 |
Domestic water supply |
|
1 |
33.4 |
3.0 |
3.8 |
Agricultural irrigation |
|
2 |
60.3 |
3.9 |
7.5 |
Industrial drainage |
|
4 |
114.3 |
6.0 |
16.5 |
Building main drain pipe |
Selection suggestions:
Lightweight demand: Choose thin-walled tubes (such as SCH20 standard), the weight can be reduced by 30%~40%.
High strength demand: Although thick-walled tubes (SCH80) are heavier, the pressure bearing capacity can be increased by more than 2 times.
Key Factors Affecting the Weight of PVC Pipes
Material density
Ordinary PVC resin: The density of ordinary PVC resin is about 1380 kg/m³. It is the most common PVC pipe material. It is relatively light and can reduce the cost of transportation and installation.
High-density modified PVC: This material is made by adding fillers such as calcium carbonate to ordinary PVC resin, so the density is increased to 1500 kg/m³. Although the weight has increased, the material cost is lower. And the mechanical properties of the pipe are improved.
Differences in manufacturing processes:
Extrusion molding: It is one of the most common manufacturing processes for PVC, but this process also has disadvantages, which may cause uneven pipe walls, local thickening, etc., usually within the range of ±5%. There is some impact on actual use.
Biaxial orientation process: An advanced manufacturing technology that stretches PVC pipes, reduces thickness, maintains strength, and reduces weight by about 15%.
1: Why may there be weight fluctuations in extruded PVC pipes?
During the extrusion process, the uniformity of the pipe wall may be poor, resulting in local thickening or weakening. Therefore, the weight of the pipe may fluctuate within a range of ±5%, which is a natural variation caused by the manufacturing process
2. Does weight affect pressure bearing capacity?
Not completely relevant. Pressure bearing capacity is mainly determined by wall thickness and material tensile strength. For example, SCH80 pipe is 50% heavier than SCH40, but the pressure bearing value is increased from 150PSI to 300PSI.
