"Will diesel fuel harm PVC pipe?"
"Will PVC pipe hold up to diesel fuel?"
"Can PVC pipe be used for diesel fuel?"
"Is PVC pipe compatible with diesel fuel?"
These questions are difficult to answer because they can mean different things. Often people ask these questions because they are wondering whether or not they can use PVC pipe to transport or store diesel fuel. Others ask because they are transporting PVC pipe and want to know if diesel fuel exhaust from a truck will damage the pipe or make it less usable. Regardless of the motivation, these questions are all perfectly reasonable. This blog post will provide some answers to this tricky topic.
The Effects of Diesel Fuel Exhaust on PVC Pipe
When PVC is being transported long distances, it usually travels on the back of a diesel truck. Smaller pipe may transported inside a trailer, but larger pipe is often kept in the open air on the trailer. This means the exhaust from the truck can get in and around the pipe, leading to staining. Whether this is an issue comes down to what the pipe will be used for. If it will be used in non-potable applications, such as gravity sewers, pressure sewers, and reclaimed water, then nothing needs to be done. If the pipes are going to be used in drinking water applications, it is a different story entirely.
When PVC pipes are being used in drinking water systems, the inside of the pipes need to be protected from any diesel exhaust. If exhaust is allowed to get inside the pipe, it can leave a noticeable smell and taste to any water that passes through it. For this reason, water utility specifications often require that the ends of pipe be covered during transportation. The outside of the pipe does not need to be protected, as any staining or residue from diesel exhaust on the outside of PVC pipe does not negatively affect it.
If your PVC pipe does end up with diesel exhaust residue inside, there is still hope! Unless the inside of PVC pipe is very heavily stained by exhaust fumes, it can be fully cleaned with a power washer or a scrub brush and common household detergent.
Using PVC Pipe to Transport or Store Diesel Fuel
People who use generators or any other machinery that requires diesel fuel often look for the best way to transport fuel into their machines. Because it is so inexpensive, PVC presents itself as a viable option. Many people believe that using PVC pipe for diesel fuel transportation and storage will corrode PVC pipe, but that is not true. Even over a long span of time, diesel fuel will not adversely affect PVC. The only danger comes with the possibility of sparks.
As is the case with many forms of plastic, PVC can become charged with static electricity if not grounded. If a spark from that electricity was to ignite the fuel traveling inside the pipe, the results could be devastating. For this reason, all PVC with any kind of fuel traveling through it should be securely grounded. Safety should always be on your mind when dealing with fuel and any flammable materials! For this reason, many people choose not to use PVC pipe with any fuel applications.
Temperature and Pressure
Other factors that can limit the use of PVC pipe in any applications are temperature and pressure. Regular PVC starts breaking down when it reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is not suitable for any applications in which hot liquids are involved. The maximum pressure PVC pipe will allow varies by size and schedule, with schedule 80 PVC being able to hold up to a substantially higher amount of pressure than schedule 40 PVC. Whenever using PVC, it is always a good idea to know what you will be using the pipe for and to do the proper research to ensure you make the correct selection.
