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Selection of Pipe Material for Sewer
Selection of pipe material to be used for sewer line is important to to avoid unforeseen circumstances in the future. Sanitary sewers shall be designed and installed to collect and convey all waste flows both domestic municipal) wastes and industrial wastes (should be approved by the approving authority) as well as an unavoidable amount of the ground water infiltration to a point of acceptable treatment and ultimate discharge. Common material suitable for sewers are :
- Vitrified clay pipe (VCP) – available locally and are manufactured with flexible joints in lengths of 0.6 m to 1.0 m or more and diameter of 100 mm to 300 mm.
- Reinforced concrete pipe – available locally in sizes ranging from 150 mm to 3000 mm in diameter. Standard length are 1.83 m for pipe diameter less than 375 mm and lengths of 3.05 m for pipe diameter greater than 375 mm. Several pipe joints are available including the spigot and socket type with rubber rings.
- Fabricated steel with sulphates resistance cement lining – available in a wide range of diameter 100 mm to 1500 mm and lengths up to 9.0 m. Several pipe joints are available such as spigot and socket, flange and mechanical which are commonly used for small diameters up to 750 mm whilst welded joints are used for larger diameter pipe.
- Cast iron – available in variety of diameters and the standard length of 3.66 m. Pipe joints commonly used include both the flanged and the spigot and socket types.
- Asbestos cement pipe – available diameter pipe range from 100 mm to 600 mm and the standards length is 4.0 m.
- Plastic pipe – available in variety of plastics materials such as UPVC, HDPE, PE and PP and with normal range from 110 mm to 630 mm and of pipe length of 6 m. pipe joint are available including spigot end and socket type with rubber seals as well as jointing by flanges, welding and solvent cementing.
- Other material – as approved and permitted for their use by the appropriate local authority.
Selection materials for gravity sewers pipe
Various pipe materials are available and selection should be based on evaluation of the following factors:
- Life expectancy
- Previous local experience
- Resistance to internal and external corrosion and abrasion
- Roughness coefficient
- Structural strength
- Cost of supply, transport and ease of installation
- Local availability.
