Polyvinyl chloride pipes or PVC pipes are one of the most common and versatile materials used in plumbing. They have been in use for a long time, arguably, as far back as 80 years and are used in various markets and industries. PVC pipes are available in multiple sizes and are adjustable in fitting and applications. They can be used for warm and cold water and have several properties that make them suitable for everyday use. Plastic Drainage Pipes is also a best option for your home or commercial place water management.
When was the first PVC pipe manufactured?
PVC pipes have been a frequent choice in various industries, primarily in plumbing. However, there is enough evidence to show that the first polyvinyl chloride pipe was manufactured and used about a hundred years ago. The first instance of its creation or discovery dates back to 1838 when French chemist Henri Victor Regnault experimented with it and found something unique. However, this experiment was not entirely successful.
In 1872, German chemist Eugene Baumann did a similar experiment and got the same result. Both the chemists discovered PVC, respectively, but it was not a breakthrough for either of them. Both times, the polymer materialized into a white solid substance in the flasks containing the vinyl chloride gas. Hence Baumann, along with Regnault, can be regarded informally as the first PVC pipe manufacturer .
After these first instances, there was no other development in this matter until the year 1913. Then, a German scientist named Friedrich Heinrich August Klatte took out its patent and made polyvinyl chloride using sunlight. Following this, various companies experimented on this material for years, and Klatte lost the patent.
Later in the 20th century, BF. Goodrich, the tire company owner, hired Waldo Semon to work on new alternative materials for rubber since it was becoming increasingly expensive. Polyvinyl chloride experiments were started for this purpose, but they were soon stopped due to the recession in 1920.
Around this time, the scientist involved in this project, Waldo Semon, came up with the idea for alternative use of PVC, that is, as a water-resistant layer for fabrics. This was a new development, and the idea soon became a hit, increasing the sales and uses of PVC worldwide. During World War II, PVC was in peak demand because it was used as a wiring insulator on military ships.
Initially, there were some issues regarding the safety of PVC pipes. This is so because many of these pipes were known to burst under extreme pressure or during their installation. This became quite a problem for any water tank manufacturer of that time. However, the solution to these problems was implemented soon enough. Flexible plastics were added to the PVC pipes which solved the problem effectively.
By the 1950s, the idea and use of PVC pipes were reaching their zenith since it was being used in various ways and industries due to its innumerable properties. As a result, industries began testing out the properties and potential uses of PVC pipes.
PVC pipes were helpful in different ways to different industries. For example, the flexible plastic of the material resistant to chemical, light, and corrosion was a practical choice for the construction industry to build different structures. Soon after this, the temperature resistance property of the PVC pipes was developed. This was a revolutionary change since it became helpful in the plumbing systems from then on.
Today PVC pipes have several applications starting from plumbing and construction to healthcare industries, IT, textiles, and even the transport sector.
