High Purity & Ultrapure Water Piping Guide
If you are unsure which microfiltration system is right for you, or you have questions about your industrial water softening, deionization, reverse osmosis or other ultapure water treatment or piping, contact Industrial Water Services at 800-820-9021 or info@industrialh2osolutions.com. We are happy to help with your questions. Also, see our helpful technical articles on industrial water systems.
The following high purity piping guide, developed by Industrial Water Solutions, is a series of piping recommendations for corresponding high purity and ultra high purity water treatment applications as well as the maximum temperatures that the piping can accommodate. It is also very important that high purity or ultrapure water pipe fitting joints must not utilize chemical (solvent) bonding techniques or threads for assembly. Fitting joints must be accomplished with a heat based process. Suggested water velocity within the pipes for ultrapure water is 3-6 fps (feet per second).
The quality of water degrades as it is stored and is highly susceptible to bacterial growth. Recirculation of the water at the above velocities reduces the likelihood of the establishment of colonies and biofilm. Installing a UV system and .2 micron or smaller filter helps prevent bacterial growth. Smaller storage tanks, which don’t allow water to sit statically for long as well as spray balls or spray bars also reduce likelihood of bacterial growth. Lastly, deadlegs should be eliminated or minimized.
Due to the reduction or removal of ions, treated water can sometimes become “aggressive” and corrode some kinds of piping. Therefore, when utilizing a water treatment system, it is important to consider the piping that will be used for water’s transport.
| Water Treatment System | Acceptable Piping |
| Particle Filtration | Most piping can be used |
| Microfiltration | Most piping can be used, but avoid copper piping |
| Ultrafiltration | PVC, CPVC, PP, PVDF, 304 or 316 stainless steel |
| Nanofiltration | PVC, CPVC, PP, PVDF, 304 or 316 stainless steel |
| Reverse Osmosis Filtration | PVC, CPVC, PP, PVDF, 304 or 316 stainless steel |
| Mixed Bed Deionization | Virgin PP, 316L SS (PVC, CPVC not recommended) |
PP = Polypropylene PVC = Polyvinyl chloride type 1, grade 1 CPVC = Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride PVDF = Polyvinylidene Fluoride
Use the free industrial iron water filter calculator from Industrial Water Solutions to calculate your needs.
You may also find these calculators helpful:
Twin Bed Deionizer Calculators & Guides
Industrial Steel Filters
Maximum Temperatures for Polymer-Based Piping
| Pipe Type: | PP | PVC | CPVC | PVDF |
| Temperature (‘F): | 180′ | 140′ | 185′ | 250′ |
Industrial Water Solutions will work with you to find the right solution, assist in proper design of your industrial, commercial or municipal water system, and ensure proper installation, system start-up, and owner training for your customers.
