Both our metric and imperial clear PVC pipe has the same operational properties as our standard grey tube; however, the fittings differ. Clear fittings are only manufactured, to any degree of quality for use in industrial systems, in imperial (inch) sizes. Those that we stock are part of the Eviclear™ range which, although designed primarily for construction and demonstration purposes, are manufactured to US Schedule 40 specifications. We recommend that our transparent fittings are used at maximum pressures of 5 bar.

Clear PVC pipe and fittings have a number of industrial applications such as:

• Sightglasses to inspect levels in tankers, header tanks and silos;
• Demonstration systems of both industrial and domestic plumbing processes where the process can be viewed;
• Inspection for the presence of liquid such as in drain lines, process lines & condensation traps;
• Inspection and evidencing of correct mixing in closed process lines;
• Creative pipe and tube projects for sculpture and the film and media industries. Our Eviclear range of clear PVC fittings includes 3, 4 & 5-way fittings, as well as slip tees and the more "usual" fittings found in plastic pipe systems.

A transparent pipe that shows a clear view of the inside of the pipe only remains so if it is clean internally and externally. Whilst the latter is easy to control by washing dust and debris off, the former can be more difficult where a plastic pipe system is involved. A biological film of bacteria and/or algae can coat the inside of the pipe if the conditions are right, or, if the water contains fine particles, these can settle on the clear pipe internal wall.

It is therefore recommended that clear PVC pipe is installed so that it can be removed for periodic cleaning. Using unions or flanges is the best way to achieve this. Unions and flanges are, however, only available in our standard grey PVC ranges, but are compatible with the clear pipe systems.

The Eviclear range of clear plastic pipe in inch sizes has WRAS approval materials status for pipe and fittings.

WRAS materials approval means that the clear pipe and fittings have been tested by an accredited laboratory in the UK and passed as conforming to the British Standard BS6920. This tests for leaching of any chemicals out of the clear plastic pipe or fittings, and passes them as fit for use with drinking water systems in the UK.

The approval numbers are:

• 240155033 for clear pipe
• 240155034 for clear pipe fittings

PVC Transparent pipe

The measurements in the table below assume that the pipe in question is carrying a liquid of similar density to water at 20°C and 40°C. Extra clips and support should be placed either side of heavy fittings, valves or equipment and either side of clear PVC pipe elbows that are mounted horizontally. If you are unsure of the best way to support your system, give us a ring and our technical team will help you find the best solution.

Metric clear PVC pipe is supplied in 5m lengths; however, we also provide an option of cut half lengths. For some sizes, we supply clear pipe in two wall thicknesses. The tables below show the outside diameter (pipe size) and the wall thicknesses of our clear metric pipe:

Like all types of plastic pipe, the pressure rating of clear PVC pipe will change with an increase in temperature. Use the table below to calculate the actual pressure rating. For example, 10 bar pipe operating at 30°C will be 10 x 0.8 = 8.0bar.

We are often asked "where can I find some clear PVC pipe near me?" The best answer to this is you probably can't! There are very few stockists of clear PVC pipe and fittings in the UK. Many companies show it on their websites; however, most of these do not carry their own stocks. Plastic Pipe Shop Ltd are direct importers, distributors and stockists for most of the major clear PVC manufacturers. This is important as clear pipe only travels well when properly wrapped (which we are experienced in doing) and with fewer journeys. When supplied direct by us, you will find it arrives in the best condition possible. When purchased through secondary "middle man" companies, the pipe may be shipped to them and then re-wrapped and sent out again. This increases the chance of marks showing on the pipe. We can ship clear pipe next working day or on an a.m. (pre-noon) service, confident that you will find that it will arrive with you in the best condition possible.

Our clear pipe and fittings are made by two different companies. The inch sized WRAS approved clear PVC pipe and fittings are made by a company in the USA. Our metric pipe is made by a company in Germany.

• Clear PVC pipe is available in either inch or metric sizes.
• Fittings are only available in imperial (inch) pipe sizes.
• Clear pipe pressure ratings are the same as grey pipe.
• WRAS approved clear pipe is not UV stable.
• Clear pipe should be installed in a way that, periodically, it can be internally cleaned.