ASTM D3261-97

NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
An American National Standard
Designation: D 3261 – 97
Standard Specification for
Butt Heat Fusion Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Fittings for
Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe and Tubing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3261; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This specification covers polyethylene (PE) butt fusion 3.1 Definitions are in accordance with Terminology F 412
fittings for use with polyethylene pipe (IPS and ISO) and and abbreviations are in accordance with Terminology D 1600,
tubing (CTS). Included are requirements for materials, work- unless otherwise specified.
manship, dimensions, marking, sustained pressure, and burst 3.2 dimension ratio (DR) for thermoplastic pipe—the ratio
pressure. of diameter to wall thickness. For this specification it is
1.2 The values given in parentheses are provided for infor- calculated by dividing the specified outside diameter by the
mation only. specified wall thickness of the fitting at its area of fusion. DRs
are rounded and do not calculate exactly.
2. Referenced Documents
4. Classification
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 1248 Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Molding and 4.1 General—This specification covers butt fusion fittings
Extrusion Materials intended for use with polyethylene pipe and tubing.
D 1598 Test Method for Time-to-Failure of Plastic Pipe 4.1.1 Fittings covered by this specification are normally
Under Constant Internal Pressure molded. Fittings may be machined from extruded or molded
D 1599 Test Method for Short-Time Hydraulic Failure Pres- stock.
sure of Plastic Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings 4.1.2 Fittings fabricated by thermal welding are not in-
D 1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to cluded in this specification.
Plastics 4.1.3 Fittings intended for use in the distribution of natural
D 2122 Test Method for Determining Dimensions of Ther- gas or petroleum fuels shall also meet the requirements of
moplastic Pipe and Fittings Specification D 2513.
D 2513 Specification for Thermoplastic Gas Pressure Pipe,
3 5. Ordering Information
Tubing, and Fittings
5.1 When ordering fittings under this specification, the
F 412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
2.2 Federal Standard: following should be specified:
5.1.1 Polyethylene compound (material designation or trade
Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies)
2.3 Military Standard: name)
5.1.2 Style of fitting (tee, 90° ell, and the like)
MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage
2.4 National Sanitation Foundation Standard: 5.1.3 Size:
5.1.3.1 Nominal diameter.
Standard No. 14 for Plastic Piping Components and Related
Materials 5.1.3.2 CTS, IPS, or schedule.
5.1.3.3 Dimension ratio number or schedule number.
6. Materials
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F-17 on Plastic
Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.10 on Fittings. 6.1 Basic Materials—This specification covers fittings
Current edition approved Aug. 10, 1997. Published November 1997. Originally
made from polyethylene plastics as defined in Specification
published as D 3261 – 73. Last previous edition D 3261 – 96.
D 1248. These are Grade P 23, Grade P 24, Grade P 33, and
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
Grade P 34.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.04.
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, 700
6.2 Compounds—The polyethylene fittings compounds
Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.
shall meet the requirements for P 23 and P 24, Class C or Class
Available from the National Sanitation Foundation, P.O. Box 1468, Ann Arbor,
MI 48106.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 3261
TABLE 2 ISO Sizing System (ISO 161/1) Outside Diameters and
B with antioxidants; P 33, Class C or Class B with antioxi-
Tolerances for Fit for Use with Polyethylene Pipe, mm
dants; P 34, Class C or Class B with antioxidants, as prescribed
Average Outside Diameter at Area of Fusion
in Specification D 1248. Nominal Pipe
A
Size
6.3 Rework Material—Clean rework material generated Min Max
from the manufacturer’s own production may be used by the 90 90.0 90.8
110 110.0 111.0
same manufacturer as long as the fittings produced conform to
160 160.0 161.4
the requirements of this specification.
200 200.0 201.8
250 250.0 252.3
7. Requirements
280 280.0 282.5
315 315.0 317.8
7.1 Dimensions and Tolerances:
355 355.0 358.2
7.1.1 Outside Diameter—Nominal outside diameters of butt
400 400.0 403.6
450 450.0 454.1
fusion fittings shall conform to the nominal iron pipe size (IPS)
500 500.0 504.5
or copper tubing size (CTS) dimensions at area of fusion.
560 560.0 565.0
These dimensions and tolerances shall be as shown in Table 1 630 630.0 635.7
710 710.0 716.4
and Table 2 of this specification.
800 800.0 807.2
7.1.2 Inside Diameter (CTS Fittings Only)—Inside diam-
900 900.0 908.1
eters of butt fusion fittings for tubing at area of fusion shall 1000 1000.0 1009.0
1200 1200.0 1210.8
conform to the dimensions of the tubing being joined. The
1400 1400.0 1412.6
dimensions and tolerances for the fittings are shown in Table 3.
1600 1600.0 1614.4
7.1.3 Wall Thickness—The wall thicknesses of butt fusion
A
Specified in ISO 3607.
fittings shall not be less than the minimum specified for the
pipe or tubing. The wall thicknesses and tolerances at the area
is manufactured from plastic compounds meeting the material
of fusion shall be as shown in Table 3, Table 4 and Table 5 of
requirements of this specification, and the strength and design
this specification.
requirements are calculated on the same basis as those used in
7.1.4 Measurements—These shall be made in accordance
this specification. For diameters not shown in Table 1 or Table
with Test Method D 2122 for roundable pipe.
2, the tolerance shall be the same percentage as that shown in
7.1.5 Design Dimensions—Overall fitting dimensions may
the corresponding tables for the next smaller listed size.
be as preferred from a design standpoint by the manufacturer
Minimum wall thickness for these special sizes shall not be less
and accepted by the purchaser consistent with 7.1.3.
than the minimum wall specified for the pipe or tubing the
7.1.6 Special Sizes— Where existing system conditions or
fitting is designed to be used with. The maximum wall
special local requirements make other diameters or dimension
thickness allowed shall not be greater than 20 % thicker than
ratios necessary, other sizes or dimension ratios, or both, shall
the specified minimum wall, and shall be determined by 10.4.3
be acceptable for engineered applications when mutually
of this specification.
agreed upon by the customer and the manufacturer, if the fitting
7.2 Pressure Test Requirements:
7.2.1 Short-Term Rupture Strength for Fittings ⁄2 to 12 in.
TABLE 1 IPS Sizing System Outside Diameters and Tolerances and 90 to 315 mm, Nominal Diameter—The minimum short-
for Fittings for Use with Polyethylene Pipe, in.
term rupture strength of the fitting and fused pipe or tubing
Average Outside shall not be less than the minimum short-term rupture strength
Nominal Pipe
Diameter at Area of Tolerance
of the pipe or tubing in the system when tested in accordance
Size
A
Fusion
with 10.5.3. These minimum pressures shall be as shown in
⁄2 0.840 60.008
Table 6 of this specification. Test specimens shall be prepared
⁄4 1.050 60.008
1 1.315 60.010 for testing in the manner described in 10.5.1 of this specifica-
1 ⁄4 1.660 60.010
tion. The test equipment, procedures, and failures definitions
1 ⁄2 1.900 60.010
shall be as specified in Test Method D 1599.
2 2.375 60.010
3 3.500 60.012 7.2.2 Short-Term Strength for Fittings 14 to 48 in. and 355
4 4.500 60.015
to 1600 mm, Nominal Diameter—Fittings shall not fail when
6 6.625 60.018
tested in accordance with 10.5.3. The minimum pressure shall
8 8.625 60.025
10 10.750 60.027 be as shown in Table 6 of this specification. Test specimens
12 12.750 60.036
shall be prepared for testing in the manner described in 10.2 of
14 14.000 60.063
this specification. The test equipment and procedures shall be
16 16.000 60.072
18 18.000 60.081
as specified in Test Method D 1599.
20 20.000 60.090
7.2.3 Sustained Pressure—The fitting and fused pipe or
21.5 21.500 60.097
tubing shall not fail, as defined in Test Method D 1598, when
22 22.000 60.099
24 24.000 60.108
tested at the time, pressures, and test temperatures selected
28 28.000 60.126
from test options offered in Table 7. The test specimens shall be
32 32.000 60.144
prepared for testing in the manner prescribed in 10.5.1.
36 36.000 60.162
42 42.000 60.189
8. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
48 48.000 60.216
A
1 1
Defined as measured ⁄4 to ⁄2 in. (6.4 to 12.7 mm) from fitting outlet extremity. 8.1 The manufacture of these fittings shall be in accordance
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 3261
TABLE 3 Diameter, Wall Thickness, and Tolerances for Fittings for Use with Plastic Tubing
A
Diameter at Area of Fusion
Tubing Type Nominal Tubing Minimum Wall
Outside, in. (mm) Inside, in. (mm)
in. (mm) Size, in. Thickness, in. (mm)
Average Tolerance Average Tolerance
0.062 (1.57) ⁄2 CTS 0.625 (15.88) 60.010 (60.26) 0.495 (12.58) 60.004 (60.10) 0.062 (1.58)
⁄4 CTS 0.875 (22.22) 6 0.010 (60.26) 0.745 (18.92) . .
0.090 (2.29) ⁄2 CTS 0.625 (15.88) 60.010 (60.26) 0.437 (11.10) 60.004 (60.10) 0.090 (2.28)
⁄4 CTS 0.875 (22.22) 60.010 (60.26) 0.687 (17.44) 60.004 (60.10) 0.090 (2.28)
1 CTS 1.125 (28.58) 60.013 (60.34) 0.937 (23.80) 60.005 (60.12) 0.090 (2.28)
1 ⁄4 CTS 1.375 (34.92) 60.013 (60.34) 1.187 (30.14) 60.005 (60.12) 0.090 (2.28)
DR 11 ⁄4 CTS 0.875 (22.22) 60.010 (60.26) 0.715 (18.16) 60.004 (60.10) 0.077 (1.96)
1 CTS 1.125 (28.58) 60.013 (60.34) 0.915 (23.24) 60.005 (60.12) 0.101 (2.56)
1 ⁄4 CTS 1.375 (34.92) 60.013 (60.34) 1.125 (28.58) 60.005 (60.12) 0.121 (3.08)
DR 9.3 ⁄2 CTS 0.625 (15.88) 60.010 (60.26) 0.483 (12.26) 60.004 (60.10) 0.067 (1.70)
⁄4 CTS 0.875 (22.22) 60.010 (60.26) 0.679 (17.24) 60.004 (60.10) 0.094 (2.38)
1 CTS 1.125 (28.58) 60.013 (60.34) 0.873 (22.18) 60.005 (60.12) 0.121 (3.08)
1 ⁄4 CTS 1.375 (34.92) 60.013 (60.34) 1.069 (27.16) 60.005 (60.12) 0.148 (3.76)
A
1 1
Defined as measured ⁄4 to ⁄2 in. (6.4 to 12.7 mm) from fitting outlet extremity.
A ,B,C
TABLE 4 IPS Sizing System Wall Thickness and Tolerance at the Area of Fusion for Fittings for Use with Polyethylene Pipe, in.
Minimum Wall Thickness
Nominal Pipe Size
SCH 40 SCH 80 SDR 21 SDR 17 SDR 13.5 DR 10 DR 11.5 SDR 11 DR 9.3 SDR 9
⁄2 0.109 0.147 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.076 0.090 . . .
⁄4 0.113 0.154 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.095 0.113 0.117
1 0.133 0.179 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.119 0.142 0.146
1 ⁄4 0.140 0.191 . . . . . . . . . 0.166 . . . 0.151 0.179 0.184
1 ⁄2 0.145 0.200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.173 0.204 0.211
2 0.154 0.218 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.216 0.256 0.264
3 0.216 0.300 . . . . . . 0.259 . . . 0.305 0.318 0.377 0.389
4 0.237 0.337 . . . 0.264 0.333 . . . 0.392 0.409 0.484 0.500
6 0.280 0.432 0.316 0.390 0.491 . . . 0.576 0.603 0.713 0.736
8 0.322 . . . 0.410 0.508 0.639 . . . 0.750 0.785 0.928 0.958
10 0.365 . . . 0.511 0.633 0.797 . . . 0.935 0.978 1.156 1.194
12 0.406 . . . 0.608 0.750 0.945 . . . 1.109 1.160 1.371 1.417
14 . . . . . . 0.667 0.824 . . . . . . . . . 1.273 1.505 1.556
16 . . . . . . 0.762 0.941 . . . . . . . . . 1.455 1.720 1.778
18 . . . . . . 0.857 1.059 . . . . . . . . . 1.636 1.935 2.000
20 . . . . . . 0.952 1.176 . . . . . . . . . 1.818 2.151 2.222
21.5 . . . . . . 1.024 1.265 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 . . . . . . 1.048 1.294 . . . . . . . . . 2.000 2.366 2.444
24 . . . . . . 1.143 1.412 . . . . . . . . . 2.182 2.581 . . .
28 . . . . . . 1.333 1.647 . . . . . . . . . 2.545 . . . . . .
32 . . . . . . 1.524 1.882 . . . . . . . . . 2.909 . . . . . .
36 . . . . . . 1.714 2.118 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
42 . . . . . . 2.000 2.471 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
48 . . . . . . 2.286 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A
Tolerance +20 %, −0 %.
B
For those SDR groups having overlapping thickness requirements, a manufacturer may represent their product as applying to the combination (for example, 11.0/11.5)
so long as their product falls within the dimensional requirements of both DR’s.
C
For wall thicknesses not listed the minimum wall thickness may be calculated by the average outside diameter/SDR rounded up to the nearest 0.001 in.
with good commercial practice so as to produce fittings engineered piping systems. Test methods that are applicable
meeting the requirements of this specification. Fittings shall be from other specifications will be referenced in the paragraph
homogeneous throughout and free of cracks, holes, foreign pertaining to the particular test. Certain special test methods
inclusions, or other injurious defects. The fittings shall be as applicable to this specification only are explained in the
uniform as commercially practicable in color, opacity, density, appropriate paragraph.
and other physical properties.
10.2 Conditioning—Unless otherwise specified, condition
the specimens prior to test at 73.4 6 3.6°F (23 6 2°C) for not
9. Sampling
less than6hinair,or1hin water, for those tests where
9.1 Parts made for sale under this specification should be
conditioning is required and in all cases of disagreement.
sampled at a frequency appropriate for the end use intended.
Newly molded fittings shall be conditioned 40 h prior to test.
When the fittings are to be installed under a system specifica-
10.3 Test Conditions—Conduct the tests at the standard
tion (such as Specification D 2513 for gas), the minimum
laboratory temperature of 73.4 6 3.6°F (23 6 2°C) unless
requirements of that specification must be satisfied.
otherwise specified.
10. Test Methods
10.4 Dimensions and Tolerances:
10.1 General—The test methods in this specification cover 10.4.1 Outside Diameter—Measure the outside diameter
fittings to be used with pipe and tubing for gas, water, and other of the fit
...