PVC experiments-first rate lab apparatus from plastic plumbing, adhesive, and imagination

The present paper is intended to assist faculty who wish to develop undergraduate instructional laboratory apparatus, but who have only limited financial resources available. The paper attempts to make interested faculty aware of how simple, low cost, readily available PVC materials and products can be utilized to create first rate laboratory experiments. Although much of the information provided might be familiar to some home owners who undertake their own renovations and repairs, it is felt that the ideas expressed here may prove to be a revelation to many faculty who had previously considered the purchase of packaged experiments as their only option. Tips are given on types and sources of PVC, fabrication techniques and some example experiments are discussed.