EN 12099:1997

Overview

EN 12099:1997 (CEN) specifies a standardized method for the determination of volatile content in polyethylene (PE) piping materials and components. The procedure targets material volatile fractions that evaporate at 105 °C and is applicable to both moulding and extrusion grades of polyethylene as well as to finished components used in PE piping systems. The standard supports consistent laboratory measurement for material characterization and quality control.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and applicability: Measurement of material volatile content at 105 °C for PE used in piping systems; covers moulding, extrusion materials and components.
• Test condition focus: Establishes a common temperature reference (105 °C) to quantify volatile substances that can be released from PE piping materials.
• Sample applicability: Intended for both raw polymer compounds and manufactured components, enabling assessment at different production stages.
• Quality and conformity: Provides a reproducible basis for manufacturers and testing laboratories to compare volatile content against internal or regulatory limits.
• Reporting: Requires clear documentation of sample type, test conditions and measured volatile fraction to ensure traceability and comparability.

Practical applications

• Manufacturing quality control: Routine checks on raw PE compounds and extrusion/moulded components to detect excessive volatile content before shipment.
• Material acceptance and supplier control: Verifying incoming PE materials meet purchaser or industry criteria for volatile content.
• Product development and formulation: Comparing effects of additives, processing aids or stabilizers on residual volatiles in PE formulations.
• Failure analysis and forensic testing: Identifying whether volatile constituents may have contributed to odor, cosmetic defects, weldability issues or long‑term performance concerns.
• Third‑party testing and certification: Used by independent labs and certification bodies to support compliance assessments for PE piping products.

Who uses this standard

• PE pipe and fittings manufacturers
• Polymer compounders and masterbatch suppliers
• Independent testing laboratories and conformity assessment bodies
• Product engineers, quality managers and R&D teams working on PE piping systems
• Specifiers and procurement officers who require documented material properties

Related standards

• Other CEN/EN standards governing PE piping systems performance, material properties and installation (standards addressing mechanical properties, hydrostatic design and system testing) are typically used alongside EN 12099 to ensure complete specification and compliance of PE piping systems.

Keywords: EN 12099:1997, polyethylene piping, PE piping materials, determination of volatile content, 105 °C, moulding and extrusion, CEN, plastics piping systems, quality control, testing method.