Charlotte Pipe and Foundry produces a full range of plastic pipe and fittings, including ABS, PVC, CPVC, FlowGuard Gold, and ChemDrain^® systems. Two of these, Corzan CPVC Schedule 80 pipe and FlowGuard Gold CPVC CTS pipe and fittings, have been used together to deliver potable water to occupants in multifamily residential buildings for decades.

Both Corzan and FlowGuard Gold are chlorinated polyvinyl chloride materials, providing enhanced temperature resistance suitable for residential and commercial applications. Lubrizol produces the CPVC compounds used in the manufacturing process for both at Charlotte Pipe.

In a multifamily, multistory residential setting, Corzan works to connect the water supply from floor to floor, while FlowGuard Gold distributes the water to each residence.

“Because potable water risers in these applications often require pipe sizes larger than 2 inches and the laterals are often 2 inches and smaller, the use of these two systems together is a common and effective solution,” said Brian Helms, training manager at Charlotte Pipe. 

Breaking Down the Compatibility of Corzan and FlowGuard Gold

Corzan and FlowGuard Gold are ideal piping systems for many pressure applications, as well as hot and cold domestic water distribution.

These hybrid systems are often found in the following settings:

• Residential: Single-family homes, apartments, townhomes, condos, assisted living facilities, and dorms
• Commercial: High-rise hotels, hospitals, health care institutions, and retailers

“Both Corzan and FlowGuard Gold meet the requirements set forth by every model code in the United States,” Helms said. “Both materials conform to NSF 61 and meet the temperature and pressure requirements per code, enhancing their ability to be used together.” 
 

Options for Joining the Two Systems

In a multifamily residential plumbing system, Corzan can easily transition to FlowGuard Gold with the use of transition bushings or adapters. However, because they’re dimensionally different, a direct connection isn’t possible. The required transition fittings are readily available and use a solvent weld joining method, which doesn’t require expensive proprietary fusion equipment. 

The drawing below showcases one way the two piping systems can be joined together using a Schedule 80 tee and transition bushing. (Refer to Charlotte Pipe’s detail drawings in the Technical Hub for more installation options.)

Corzan + FlowGuard Gold Systems: 10 Advantages

When joined and tested properly, Corzan and FlowGuard Gold team up to deliver a wealth of advantages and optimal results for building occupants.

Corzan

1. High-impact strength: Compared to traditional PVC, Corzan is highly durable when exposed to the elements.
2. Corrosion resistance: Corzan inherently resists corrosion and scaling, eliminating replacement costs or inefficiencies.
3. Chemical resistance: Corzan displays exceptional resistance to aggressive chemicals such as hypochlorite, sulfuric acid, chlorine gas, and others.
4. Water quality preservation: Corzan offers the best solution to maintain potable water and reduces the chance for Legionella growth.
5. Sustainable life span: The Corzan system is designed to maximize resources and extend the overall life cycle of the system.

FlowGuard Gold

1. Energy efficiency: FlowGuard Gold offers better heat retention and lower water heating costs compared to metallic alternatives.
2. Chemical compatibility: Like Corzan, FlowGuard Gold eliminates the guesswork of identifying the chemical compatibility of a plumbing system.
3. Easy installation: On its own, FlowGuard Gold doesn’t require a primer step to join.
4. Low-maintenance performance: Once installed, FlowGuard Gold requires little to no maintenance and offers optimum flow rates.
5. Nontoxic makeup: FlowGuard Gold won’t allow outside contaminants to impact the potable water supply for building occupants.

A Note on FlowGuard Gold Manufacturing Standards

Although the scope of the manufacturing standard for FlowGuard Gold is exclusively for water distribution, CPVC has been used for more than 60 years for chemical applications. Corzan is suitable for a variety of applications such as commercial, industrial, and chemical processes.

“If Corzan and FlowGuard Gold are used together, designers and installers should design the system based on the temperature and pressure limitations of FlowGuard Gold, which meets all of the code requirements for water distribution,” Helms said. 

For more information on both materials, explore Charlotte Pipe’s Plastics Product Knowledge Guide in the Technical Hub.