Purified Water Piping Guidelines

If you are unsure which system is right for you, Aqua-Chem offers site visits to help you design the perfect water system including; piping, pumps, tanks, flow rates, and water treatment equipment. 

The purified water piping guide is a series of piping recommendations for purified water treatment applications and the maximum temperatures that the piping can accommodate. Purified water pipe joints must be fitted utilizing a heat based process. (chemical/solvent bonding techniques or threads must not be used). 

Water quality degrades over time, and stored water is susceptible to bacterial growth. Aqua-Chem’s recommended water velocity within the pipes for purified water is 3-9 fps (feet per second). Aqua-Chem Water Room designs incorporate recirculation to reduce the potential for the establishment of colonies and biofilm. Aqua-Chem recommends the use of a UV system and .2 micron or smaller filter to help prevent bacterial growth. Eliminating deadlegs will further protect the integrity of water quality.

After the reduction or removal of ions, treated water can become ‘aggressive’ and can corrode some types of piping. Therefore, when utilizing a water treatment system, it is important to consider the transport piping.

Water Piping Guide

for Purified Water

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
Ozone 316 stainless steel, PVDF, PTFE
Distillation 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 PTFE= Teflon