ISO/TC 138/SC 5 - General properties of pipes, fittings and valves of plastic materials and their accessories -- Test methods and basic specifications

This document specifies a test method to assess ductility of the fusion joint interface of polyethylene electrofusion socket assemblies for use in pipe systems for the distribution of fluids. This method is applicable to assemblies, with nominal outside diameters greater than or equal to 90 mm.

This document specifies a method for the evaluation of the ductility of the fusion joint interface of assemblies of polyethylene (PE) pipe and electrofusion saddles, intended for the conveyance of fluids. NOTE The applicability of this method depends upon the design of the saddle. If not applicable, the strip-bend test according to ISO 21751[1 08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B0200000008000000100000005200650066006500720065006E00630065005F007200650066005F0031000000 ] is considered an alternative.

This document specifies a method for the determination of the strain hardening modulus, which is used as a measure for the resistance to slow crack growth of polyethylene. This document specifies how to obtain a strain hardening modulus measurement from “true stress vs. draw ratio” curves on compression moulded samples. Details of the necessary equipment, precision and sample preparation for the generation of data are given. This document provides a method that is valid for all types of polyethylene, independent from the manufacturing technology, comonomer or catalyst type used for pipes and fittings applications.

This document specifies the minimum values for expected strength as a function of time and temperature in the form of reference lines, for use in calculations on pipes made of a) polyethylene of raised temperature resistance (PE-RT) type I, and b) polyethylene of raised temperature resistance (PE-RT) type II.

This document specifies the minimum values for expected strength as a function of time and temperature in the form of reference lines, for use in calculations on polysulfone (PSU) injection moulded fittings. This document is applicable for polysulfone homopolymer compounds only.

This document specifies the minimum values for expected strength as a function of time and temperature in the form of reference lines, for use in calculations on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) homopolymer extruded pipes and injection moulded fittings.

This document specifies the minimum values for expected strength as a function of time and temperature in the form of reference lines, for use in calculations on unplasticized polyamide (PA-U 180) extruded pipes. NOTE 1 PA-U 180 follows ISO 16486-1 in terms of minimum strength values and covers both PA-U11 180 and PA-U12 180. NOTE 2 As there is not test data available for other types of polyamide (e.g. PA-U 160) this document does not currently contain appropriate reference lines for these materials. Future revisions will include other types of polyamide when sufficient test data becomes available.

This document specifies the minimum values for expected strength as a function of time and temperature in the form of reference lines, for use in calculations on polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) injection moulded fittings.

This document describes a method with two procedures for the assessment of carbon black or pigment particle and agglomerate size, and the rating of dispersion in polyolefin pipes, fittings and compounds. The method is applicable to polyolefin pipes and fittings, as well as raw material in pellet form, with the choice of procedure to be determined by the referring specification. The method is applicable to carbon black or pigmented polyolefin pipes, fittings and compounds with a carbon black content of less than 3 % by weight, and pigment content of less than 5 % by weight.

This document describes the time of flight diffraction (TOFD) testing of polyethylene butt fusion (BF) joints, including pipe-to-pipe, pipe-to-fitting and fitting-to-fitting joints, used for the conveyance of fluids. This document provides a test to detect imperfections such as voids, inclusions, lack of fusions, misalignment and particulate contamination in the BF joints. The document only applies to polyethylene pipes and fittings without a barrier to ultrasonic waves. This document also provides requirements for procedure qualification and guidance for personnel qualifications, which are essential for applying this test technique. This document covers the equipment, the preparation and performance of the test, the indication assessment and the reporting for polyethylene BF joints. Acceptance criteria are not covered in this document. NOTE 1 At present, laboratory experiences exist on the use of TOFD for polyethylene butt fusion joints and/or reference blocks of wall thickness between 8 mm to 100 mm.[1][2][3][4][5][6] Field experience on butt fusion joints in high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes has been reported.[7] NOTE 2 Interlaboratory testing has shown that TOFD is a viable method for enhancing the integrity assessment of butt fusion joints.[13]

This document describes the phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) of polyethylene butt fusion (BF) joints, including pipe-to-pipe, pipe-to-fitting and fitting-to-fitting joints, used for the conveyance of fluids. This document provides a test, whereby the presence of imperfections such as voids, inclusions, lack of fusions, misalignment and particulate contamination in the BF joints can be detected. The document is only applicable to polyethylene pipes and fittings without a barrier to ultrasonic waves. This document also provides requirements for procedure qualification and guidance for personnel qualifications, which are essential for the application of this test technique. This document also covers the equipment, the preparation and performance of the test, the indication assessment and the reporting for polyethylene BF joints. Acceptance criteria are not covered in this document.

This document describes phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) of polyethylene electrofusion (EF) socket joints used for the conveyance of fluids. This document provides a test whereby the presence of imperfections such as voids, wire dislocation, misalignment, pipe under-penetration, particulate contamination and lack of fusion in electrofusion socket joints can be detected. The technique is only applicable to polyethylene electrofusion socket fittings without a barrier to ultrasonic waves. This document also provides requirements for procedure qualification and guidance for personnel qualifications, which are essential for the application of this test technique. This document covers the test equipment, the preparation and performance of the test, the assessment of indications and the reporting for polyethylene EF joints. Acceptance criteria are not covered in this document. NOTE 1 At the time of publication, experience only exists in the use of PAUT for polyethylene (PE80 and PE100) electrofusion socket joint sizes between 90 mm and 710 mm (SDR 11 and 17).[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] NOTE 2 Interlaboratory testing has shown that PAUT is a viable method for enhancing the integrity assessment of electrofusion joints.[8][15][16] NOTE 3 This document does not apply to the detection of unscraped pipe. Such detection can be achieved by simple visual testing, provided mechanical scraping tools are employed. NOTE 4 PAUT techniques for cold fusion detection are known to be available. However further research verification and experience are needed to transfer the technique into an ISO International Standard. This document does not provide any information regarding the detection of cold fusions.

This document specifies a method for determining the longitudinal reversion of thermoplastics pipes, to be carried out in either a liquid or in air. In case of dispute, heated liquid is used as the reference. This document is applicable to all thermoplastics pipes with smooth internal and external walls of constant cross‑section. It is not applicable to non‑smooth structured‑wall thermoplastics pipes. The parameters appropriate to the pipe material and recommendations for the maximum levels of reversion as a function of the pipe material are given in Annex A. This method is applicable for pipes of wall thickness ≤ 16 mm.

This document specifies the values or options chosen for the test parameters (i.e. the impact energy, specimen dimensions, specimen type, specimen supports and test temperature) for both unnotched and notched specimens, for testing the impact resistance (pendulum method) of thermoplastics pipes of the following materials, in accordance with ISO 9854-1. It applies to pipes made of unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U), high-impact poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-HI), oriented unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-O), chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-C), acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile/styrene/acrylate (ASA), propylene homopolymer (PP-H), propylene impact polymer (PP-B), propylene random copolymer (PP-R), propylene random copolymer with modified crystallinity (PP-RCT), and polyethylene (PE).

This document specifies two general test methods, Method A and Method B, to be used for the determination of the impact properties of unnotched and notched specimens cut from thermoplastics pipes for the transport of fluids. — Method A: unnotched method, for unnotched specimens cut from thermoplastics pipes for the transport of fluids. — Method B: notched method, for specimens cut from thermoplastics pipes for the transport of fluids, into which a notch has been machined. The use of Method A or Method B is determined by the relevant product standards. This document is not intended as a reference test method for the determination of the impact strength of pipes. ISO 3127, relating to the determination of the impact strength of pipes by means of a falling mass, is the reference test method. However, this document can be used for scientific research, materials testing or the examination of pipe when it is not possible to take measurements in accordance with the reference method. This document can be applied to either isolated batches or continuous production of pipe.

This document specifies a test method for determining the resistance to slow crack growth of polyolefin pipes, expressed in terms of time to failure in a hydrostatic pressure test on a pipe with machined longitudinal notches in the outside surface. The test is applicable to pipes of wall thickness greater than 5 mm.

This document specifies two methods of testing for checking the leaktightness of assembled joints between mechanical fittings and plastic pressure pipes with diameters up to and including 63 mm. The test applies regardless of the design and material of the fitting used for jointing plastics pipe. This test method is not applicable to fusion-welded joints.

This document specifies a method for testing the leak tightness under negative pressure, angular deflection and deformation of assembled joints between elastomeric-sealing-ring-type sockets made of plastic or metal and plastic pressure pipes.

This document specifies a method for checking the ability of assembled uniaxial joints between fittings and plastic pressure pipes to withstand longitudinal tensile stresses. The test applies regardless of the design and material of the fitting used for jointing plastics pipe. This test method is not applicable to fusion-welded joints.

This document specifies a method for determining the tensile properties of pipes made of unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U), oriented unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-O), chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-C) and high-impact poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-HI, PVC-M or PVC-A), and in particular the following properties: — the stress at yield and stress at break; — the elongation at break. NOTE The general method of test for the determination of the tensile properties of thermoplastics pipes is given in ISO 6259‑1. This document also gives, for information purposes only, the corresponding basic specifications in Annexes A, B, C and D.

This document specifies a method for the preparation of test pieces assembled from polyethylene (PE) pipes or spigot-ended fittings and electrofusion fittings (e.g. socket fittings such as couplers, or saddles). The assembly criteria specified include parameters such as ambient temperature, fusion conditions, fitting and pipe dimensions, pipe configuration (coiled or straight pipe), taking into account the limiting service conditions specified by the relevant product standards. This document can apply to other shapes, e.g. re-rounded pipes, dependent on the manufacturer's instructions. NOTE For the purpose of this document, PE is understood to be PE, PE-RT or PE-X.

This document specifies test methods for the determination of the carbon black content of polyolefin compositions used in particular for the manufacture of pipes and fittings, and provides a basic specification for polyethylene pipes and fittings. This document applies equally to the material for manufacture and to any material taken from a pipe or fitting.

This document specifies the minimum values for expected strength as a function of time and temperature in the form of reference lines, for use in calculations on crosslinked polyethylene (PE-X) pipes and crosslinked medium density polyethylene (PE-MDX) pipes. NOTE 1 This document is applicable for pipes with the minimum level of crosslinking after production in accordance with Clause 4. NOTE 2 The density range for medium density polyethylene is 926 kg/m3 to 940 kg/m3 in accordance with ISO 17855-1:2014[2].

ISO 13761:2017 specifies a method for the derivation of pressure reduction factors to obtain the allowable operating pressure for operation of polyethylene (PE) pipeline systems at temperatures between 20 °C and 40 °C or 50 °C, dependent on the classification of the material used for manufacture.

ISO 9969:2016 specifies a test method for determining the ring stiffness of thermoplastics pipes having a circular cross section.

ISO 9967:2016 specifies a method for determining the creep ratio of thermoplastics pipes having a circular cross-section.

ISO 18489:2015 specifies a method to determine the resistance to slow crack growth (SCG) of polyethylene materials, pipes, and fittings. The test is applicable to samples taken from compression moulded sheet or extruded pipes and injection moulded fittings of suitable thickness. ISO 18489:2015 provides a method that is suitable for an accelerated fracture-mechanics characterization at ambient temperatures of 23 °C of different polyethylene grades, especially for PE 80 and PE 100 types for pipe applications. NOTE This test method could be adapted for other thermoplastics materials by developing the procedure using different test parameters.

ISO 18488:2015 specifies a method for the determination of the strain hardening modulus which is used as a measure for the resistance to slow crack growth of polyethylene. The strain hardening modulus is obtained from stress-strain curves on compression moulded samples. This International Standard describes how such measurement is performed and how the strain hardening modulus shall be determined from such a curve. Details of the required equipment, precision, and sample preparation for the generation of meaningful data are given. ISO 18488:2015 provides a method that is valid for all types of polyethylene, independent from the manufacturing technology, comonomer, catalyst type, that are used for pipes and fittings applications. NOTE This method could be developed for materials for other applications.

ISO 6259-3:2015 specifies a method of determining the tensile properties of polyolefin (polyethylene, cross-linked polyethylene, polypropylene, and polybutene) pipes, and the following properties: the stress at yield and the elongation at break.

The ISO 6259 series specifies a method of determining the tensile properties of thermoplastics pipes, including the following properties: stress at yield, and elongation at break. ISO 6259-1:2015 is applicable to all types of thermoplastics pipe, regardless of their intended use.

ISO 3458:2015 specifies the method of test for checking the leak tightness of assembled joints between mechanical fittings and plastic pressure pipes. The test applies regardless of the design and material of the fitting used for jointing plastic pipe.

ISO 17778:2015 specifies a method for determining the flow rate/pressure drop relationship of components for plastics piping systems when tested using air at 25 mbar.

ISO 13951:2015 specifies a method for testing the resistance to longitudinal tensile loading of uniaxial plastic pipe/pipe or pipe/fitting assemblies with electrofusion joints, butt fusion joints, or mechanical fittings (made of plastics or metals). For electrofusion joints and butt fusion joints, this test method is limited to nominal pipe diameters up to and including 250 mm.

ISO 3503:2015 specifies a method for checking the leak tightness under internal pressure of assembled joints between mechanical fittings and plastic pressure pipes when subjected to bending. It defines the calculation method for the average bending radius and how to perform this bending. Checking of the leak tightness under internal pressure is carried out in accordance with the method given in ISO 3458. This test method is not applicable to fusion-welded joints.

ISO 13845:2015 specifies a method for testing the leak tightness under internal pressure with angular deflection of assembled joints between elastomeric-sealing-ring-type sockets made of plastic or metal and plastic pressure pipes.

ISO 9080:2012 specifies a method for predicting the long-term hydrostatic strength of thermoplastics materials by statistical extrapolation. The method is applicable to all types of thermoplastics pipe at applicable temperatures. It was developed on the basis of test data from pipe systems.

ISO/TS 16479:2012 determines the slow cracking resistance of pipes and fittings using the Notched Ring Test (NRT) which is a method for determining the slow crack resistance of thermoplastics resins and compounds in pipe form and/or finished products (e.g. pipes and fittings) from which a ring specimen can be cut and notched. The test is performed under sustained constant loading in a test medium at a specified temperature and the time to the on-set of slow cracking is measured. This method applies to the rings from pipes or fittings having a wall thickness greater than 5 mm. ISO/TS 16479:2012 specifies the method of testing using notched ring specimens directly obtained from pipes or fittings.

ISO12230:2012 specifies minimum values for the expected strength as a function of time and temperature in the form of reference lines and tabulated data, for use in calculations on pipes made of polybutene-1 homopolymer (PB-H), and polybutene-1 random copolymer (PB-R). For the sake of simplicity the designation polybutene and the abbreviation PB are used throughout.

ISO 19893:2011 specifies a method for testing the resistance to temperature cycling of joints for piping systems with rigid or flexible thermoplastics pipes. It is applicable to thermoplastics piping systems intended to be used in hot and cold water pressure applications.

This International Standard specifies a method for testing the leaktightness under vacuum of joints for thermoplastics piping systems. It is applicable to piping systems based on thermoplastics pipes intended to be used in hot and cold water pressure applications.

ISO 19892:2011 specifies a method for testing the resistance of joints to pressure cycling. It is applicable to piping systems based on thermoplastics pipes intended to be used in hot and cold water applications.

ISO 23228:2011 specifies a method for the determination of the time-to-failure of thermoplastics resins and compounds for piping and fitting applications by the use of a plane strain grooved tensile specimen in a stress-rupture test. The grooved tensile specimen produces a biaxial state of stress on uni-axial loading, which is taken to be indicative of the stress conditions found in pressurized solid-wall plastics pipes. The ratio of the stress in the axial direction to the transverse direction approximates that for a pressurized end-capped solid-wall pipe specimen. It is intended that the data generated on these specimens be utilized to determine the stress-rupture (time-to-failure) resistance of moulding materials for pipes and fittings as well as experimental piping resins. This method is also applicable to stress-rupture evaluations of pipes which are difficult to test, e.g. larger diameter pipes, including their batch release tests. ISO 23228:2011 is not intended to replace the stress-rupture test of ISO 1167, which uses internally pressurized end-capped pipes.

ISO 10147:2011 specifies a method for the assessment of the degree of crosslinking in crosslinked polyethylene (PE-X) pipes and fittings by determination of the gel content by solvent extraction.

ISO 9311-2:2011 specifies a method for the determination of the shear strength of joints made with adhesives for thermoplastic piping systems.

ISO 21751:2011 specifies a strip-bend test method for the evaluation of ductility of the fusion joint interface of assemblies of pipe and electrofusion fittings and saddle fittings intended for the conveyance of fluids. It is applicable to polyolefin assemblies.

ISO 13956:2010 specifies a method for the evaluation of the ductility of the fusion joint interface of assemblies of polyethylene (PE) pipe and electrofusion or heated tool saddles, intended for the conveyance of fluids.

ISO 19899:2010 specifies a method to determine, for mechanically jointed polyolefin pipe and fitting assemblies in sizes of nominal outside diameter of less than or equal to 63 mm, the effect of component relaxation and creep on the resistance of the assembly to pipe pull out under the long-term application of a constant and longitudinally applied force.