Apithene

Polyethylene Pipes

Technical Handout

Table of Contents
Selecting Polyethylene materials for Potable Water
Transmission and Distribution line
Data Sheet PE 100
Data Sheet PE 80
PE 100 Dimensions for PN 6.3, PN 10, PN 12.5, PN 16 and
PN 20
PE 80 Dimensions for PN 6.3, PN 10, PN 12.5 and PN16
Model Specification for Polyethylene Piping System for
Supply of Potable Water
Apithene Chemical and Environmental Performance
prEN 12201 - 1 Plastics piping systems for water supply Polyethylene (PE) - Part 1: General
prEN 12201 - 2 Plastics piping systems for water supply Polyethylene (PE) - Part 2: Pipes
Potable Water Certifications
List of published Technical Bulletins by -api-

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54

Controlled Copy, For General Distribution, Revision F

Doc. Type
Doc. No.
Rev. No.

Technical
3019
A

Selecting Polyethylene materials for Potable Water

Transmision and Distribution lines
The information presented in this technical bulletin details the method for selecting Polyethylene materials for Potable
Water Transmission and Distribution lines. It is strongly recommended that any questions pertaining to Apithene
polyethylene pipe systems be directed to -api-s experienced personnel for further clarifications.

Polyethylene materials of the 60s and 70s and even early 80s were classified in terms of their
densities (i.e.) High Density, Medium Density and Low Density. At the time, the density of
Polyethylene reflected its strength and its ability to resists internal pressure.
Latest developments in Polyethylene synthesis and advances in molecular designs have changed
even the nomenclature of Polyethylene. Today, Polyethylene irrespective of its density value is
classified according to its MRS value (MRS = minimum required strength) which is a measure of the
stress that the polymer material can resist.
The most commonly used pressure pipe material are the following:
PE 100
PE 80
PE 63

MRS = 10.0 MPa

MRS = 8.0 MPa
MRS = 6.3 MPa

A stress of 50 kg/cm2 = 5.0 MPa is a very common design value for most water engineers. Pipes
made out of PE 63 material with a safety factor C = 1.25 are strong enough to comply with the
required design. We can verify by dividing the MRS value of the material 6.3 Mpa by the minimum
safety factor for water C = 1.25 i.e.:
s = MRS / C = 1.25 = 5.0 MPa = 50 kg/cm2.
If we use pipes made out of PE 80 material and for the same design stress of 50 kg/cm2. By
2
applying the same formula s = MRS / C = 8.0 / 1.25 = 6.3 MPa = 63 kg/cm . And when using
pipes originated from PE 100 materials and applying the same formula we get
2
s = 100 / 1.25 = 8.0 MPa = 80 kg/cm .
Therefore a HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) pipe produced from a PE 63 material is equally as
strong as an MDPE (Medium Density Polyethylene) pipe produced form a PE 63 material.
However, a HDPE pipe produced from a PE 63 material is not as strong as an MDPE pipe
produced from PE 80 material.
Our recommendation
In retrospect, for service pipes (up to OD = 75 mm) where a high degree of branching and
directional change, hence flexibility is essential we strongly recommend the use of (MDPE) PE80
material.
On the other hand, for larger pipes where flexibility is not a primary concern and higher pressure
performance is required, the (HDPE) PE 100 material will prove superior and more efficient. PE
100 material will allow us to produce a pipe with a thinner wall hence permitting a larger water
flow when compared to pipes made of (MDPE) PE 80 material.
ADVANCED PLASTIC INDUSTRIES sal
TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT

1 of 55

Data

Sheet

Polyethylene

HE 3490 - LS
Black HDPE for Pressure Pipes
DESCRIPTION
HE 3490 is a black high density polyethylene designed for gas and water pressure pipes.
HE 3490 contains minimum 2% of well dispersed, fine particle size Carbon Black and stabilisers to ensure
excellent weathering resistance and long-term stability.
HE 3490 shows excellent resistance to rapid crack propagation and slow crack growth, both being
important parameters for pressure pipe design.
HE 3490 can easily be welded by butt fusion, using standard HDPE parameters or by electrofusion.
HE 3490 is classified as MRS 100 (PE 100) material which makes it possible to manufacture pipes with a
nominal tensile stress of up to 8.0 MPa for 50 years at 20C.

PROPERTIES

Typical
Value *

Unit

Test Method

Density (Base resin)

Density (Compound)
Melt Flow Rate MFR2 (190C, 2.16 Kg)
Melt Flow Rate MFR5 (190C, 5.0 Kg)
Tensile Strength at yield
Elongation at break
Vicat Softening Temperature
Brittleness Temperature
ESCR, F50

950
961
0.1
0.4
23
> 600
119
< -70
> 1000

Kg/m3
Kg/m3
g/10 min
g/10 min
N/mm2
%
C
C
h

Durometer Hardness
Crystalline Melting Range
Charpy Impact Strength
Linear Expansion (20 - 90C)
Specific Heat, Cp
Thermal Conductivity (20C)
Thermal Stability Induction Time

59
128 - 132
No failure
0.2
2.0
0.4
15

ISO 1183 D/ISO 1872-2B

ISO 1183 D/ISO 1872-2B
ISO 1133
ISO 1133
ISO 6259
ISO 6259
ISO 306 A-50
ASTM D 746
ASTM D 1693 Cond A
10% Igepal (Belltest) 50C
ISO 868
DSC
ISO 179 (unnotched)
ASTM D 696
DSC (at 20C)
DIN 52 612
Al pan, isothermal in O2, 210C

Shore D
C
KJ/m2
mm/m . C
KJ/Kg . K
W/m . K
min

*Data should not be used for specification work

HE 3490-LS is a BORSTAR trademark, Data published by BOREALIS

2 of 55

Data

Sheet

Polyethylene

HE 3470 - LS
High Density Pipe Grade For Pressure Pipes

DESCRIPTION
HE 3470 is a high density pipe grade with optimum balance between flexibility and strength which makes it
ideal for drinking water, irrigation, gas and other pressure pipes.
HE 3470 shows excellent longterm pressure resistance in combination with high resistance to slow crack
growth and very good welding properties.
HE 3470 is classified as MRS 80 (PE 80) according to the new European and International pipe standards.

PROPERTIES

Typical
Value *

Unit

Test Method

Density (Base resin)

Density (Compound)
Melt Flow Rate MFR2 (190C, 2.16 Kg)
Melt Flow Rate MFR5 (190C, 5.0 Kg)
Carbon Black content
Tensile Strength at yield
Elongation at yield
Ultimate Elongation
Young Modulus
Charpy Impact Strength
Brittleness Temperature
Thermal Stability Induction Time

939
949
0.2
0.75
>=2
19
9
>600
600
No failure
< - 70
>=15

Kg/m3
Kg/m3
g/10 min
g/10 min
%
N/mm2
%
%
N/mm2
KJ/m2
C
min

ISO 1183 D/ISO 1872-2B

ISO 1183 D/ISO 1872-2B
ISO 1133
ISO 1133
ASTM D 1603
ISO 6259
ISO 6259
ISO 6259
ISO 6259
ISO 179 (unnotched)
ASTM D 746
Al pan, isothermal in O2, 210C

ESCR, F50

>5000

ASTM D 1693 Cond A, 10% Igepal

(Belltest), 50C

*Data should not be used for specification work

HE 3470-LS is a BORSTAR trademark, Data published by BOREALIS

3 of 55

APITHENE pipes are produced in accordance with international codes and standards including
DIN 8074 / DIN 8075, EN 12201.
PE 100 Dimensions

PE 100
PN 6.3
SDR 26
OD

OD

e min

e max

ID*

Bundle

in.

mm

mm

mm

mm

3/8
1/2
3/4
1
1 1/4
1 1/2
2
2 1/2
3
4
4 1/2
5
6
7
8
9
10

16
20
25
32
40
50
63
75
90
110
125*
140*
160*
180*
200*
225*
250*

2.9
3.5
4.2
4.8
5.4
6.2
6.9
7.7
8.6
9.6

3.3
4.0
4.8
5.4
6.1
7.0
7.7
8.6
9.6
10.7

68.8
82.5
101.0
114.8
128.5
146.8
165.4
183.7
206.8
229.7

75
50
50
11.8
11.8
11.8
11.8
8.00
8.00
8.00

OD
ID*
e
PN
*

Outside Diameter
Mean Inside Diameter
Thickness
Nominal Pressure in bar
Supplied in individual pipes

4 of 55

APITHENE pipes are produced in accordance with international codes and standards including
DIN 8074 / DIN 8075, EN 12201.
PE 100 Dimensions

PE 100
PN 10
SDR 17
OD

OD

e min

e max

ID*

Bundle

in.

mm

mm

mm

mm

3/8
1/2
3/4
1
1 1/4
1 1/2
2
2 1/2
3
4
4 1/2
5
6
7
8
9
10

16
20
25
32
40
50
63
75
90
110
125*
140*
160*
180*
200*
225*
250*

4.5
5.4
6.6
7.4
8.3
9.5
10.7
11.9
13.4
14.8

5.1
6.1
7.4
8.3
9.3
10.6
11.9
13.2
14.9
16.4

65.4
78.5
96.0
109.3
122.4
139.9
157.4
174.9
196.7
218.8

75
50
50
11.8
11.8
11.8
11.8
8.00
8.00
8.00

OD
ID*
e
PN
*

Outside Diameter
Mean Inside Diameter
Thickness
Nominal Pressure in bar
Supplied in individual pipes

5 of 55

APITHENE pipes are produced in accordance with international codes and standards including
DIN 8074 / DIN 8075, EN 12201.
PE 100 Dimensions

PE 100
PN 12.5
SDR 13.6
OD

OD

e min

e max

ID*

Bundle

in.

mm

mm

mm

mm

3/8
1/2
3/4
1
1 1/4
1 1/2
2
2 1/2
3
4
4 1/2
5
6
7
8
9
10

16
20
25
32
40
50
63
75
90
110
125*
140*
160*
180*
200*
225*
250*

5.6
6.7
8.1
9.2
10.3
11.8
13.3
14.7
16.6
18.4

6.3
7.5
9.1
10.3
11.5
13.1
14.8
16.3
18.4
20.4

63.1
75.8
92.8
105.5
118.2
135.1
151.9
169.0
190.0
211.2

75
50
50
11.8
11.8
11.8
11.8
8.00
8.00
8.00

OD
ID*
e
PN
*

Outside Diameter
Mean Inside Diameter
Thickness
Nominal Pressure in bar
Supplied in individual pipes

6 of 55

APITHENE pipes are produced in accordance with international codes and standards including
DIN 8074 / DIN 8075, EN 12201.
PE 100 Dimensions

PE 100
PN 16
SDR 11
OD

OD

e min

e max

ID*

Bundle

in.

mm

mm

mm

mm

3/8
1/2
3/4
1
1 1/4
1 1/2
2
2 1/2
3
4
4 1/2
5
6
7
8
9
10

16
20
25
32
40
50
63
75
90
110
125*
140*
160*
180*
200*
225*
250*

6.8
8.2
10.0
11.4
12.7
14.6
16.4
18.2
20.5
22.7

7.6
9.2
11.1
12.7
14.1
16.2
18.2
20.2
22.7
25.1

60.6
72.6
88.9
100.9
113.2
129.2
145.4
161.6
181.8
202.2

75
50
50
11.8
11.8
11.8
11.8
8.00
8.00
8.00

OD
ID*
e
PN
*

Outside Diameter
Mean Inside Diameter
Thickness
Nominal Pressure in bar
Supplied in individual pipes

7 of 55

APITHENE pipes are produced in accordance with international codes and standards including
DIN 8074 / DIN 8075, EN 12201.
PE 100 Dimensions

PE 100
PN 20
SDR 9
OD

OD

e min

e max

ID*

Bundle

in.

mm

mm

mm

mm

3/8
1/2
3/4
1
1 1/4
1 1/2
2
2 1/2
3
4
4 1/2
5
6
7
8
9
10

16
20
25
32
40
50
63
75
90
110*
125*
140*
160*
180*
200*
225*
250*

8.4
10.1
12.3
14.0
15.7
17.9
20.1
22.4
25.2
27.9

9.4
11.3
13.7
15.6
17.4
19.8
22.3
24.8
27.9
30.8

57.2
68.6
84.0
95.4
106.9
122.3
137.6
152.8
171.9
191.3

50
50
12
11.8
11.8
11.8
11.8
8.00
8.00
8.00

OD
ID*
e
PN
*

Outside Diameter
Mean Inside Diameter
Thickness
Nominal Pressure in bar
Supplied in individual pipes

8 of 50

APITHENE pipes are produced in accordance with international codes and standards including
DIN 8074 / DIN 8075, EN 12201.
PE 80 Dimensions

PE 80
PN 6.3
SDR 21
OD

OD

e min

e max

ID*

Bundle

in.

mm

mm

mm

mm

3/8
1/2
3/4
1
1 1/4
1 1/2
2
2 1/2
3
4
4 1/2
5
6
7
8
9
10

16
20
25
32
40
50
63
75
90
110
125
140
160
180
200
225
250

2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.4
3.0
3.6
4.3

2.3
2.3
2.3
2.3
2.3
2.8
3.5
4.1
4.9

11.7
15.7
20.7
27.7
35.7
44.8
56.5
71.15
85.40

250
200
200
200
150
150
100
75
50

OD
ID*
e
PN

Outside Diameter
Mean Inside Diameter
Thickness
Nominal Pressure in bar

9 of 55

APITHENE pipes are produced in accordance with international codes and standards including
DIN 8074 / DIN 8075, EN 12201.
PE 80 Dimensions

PE 80
PN 10
SDR 13.6
OD

OD

e min

e max

ID*

Bundle

in.

mm

mm

mm

mm

3/8
1/2
3/4
1
1 1/4
1 1/2
2
2 1/2
3
4
4 1/2
5
6
7
8
9
10

16
20
25
32
40
50
63
75
90
110
125
140
160
180
200
225
250

2.0
2.0
2.0
2.4
3.0
3.7
4.7
5.6
6.7

2.3
2.3
2.3
2.8
3.5
4.2
5.3
6.3
7.5

11.7
15.7
20.7
26.8
33.5
42.1
53.0
69.05
82.9

250
200
200
200
150
150
100
75
50

OD
ID*
e
PN

Outside Diameter
Mean Inside Diameter
Thickness
Nominal Pressure in bar

10 of 55

APITHENE pipes are produced in accordance with international codes and standards including
DIN 8074 / DIN 8075, EN 12201.
PE 80 Dimensions

PE 80
PN 12.5
SDR 11
OD

OD

e min

e max

ID*

Bundle

in.

mm

mm

mm

mm

3/8
1/2
3/4
1
1 1/4
1 1/2
2
2 1/2
3
4
4 1/2
5
6
7
8
9
10

16
20
25
32
40
50
63
75
90
110
125
140
160
180
200
225
250

2.0
2.0
2.3
3.0
3.7
4.6
5.8
6.8
8.2

2.3
2.3
2.7
3.4
4.2
5.2
6.5
7.6
9.2

11.7
15.7
20.0
25.6
32.1
40.2
50.7
67.8
81.3

250
200
200
200
150
150
100
75
50

OD
ID*
e
PN

Outside Diameter
Mean Inside Diameter
Thickness
Nominal Pressure in bar

11 of 55

APITHENE pipes are produced in accordance with international codes and standards
including DIN 8074 / DIN 8075, EN 12201.
PE 80 Dimensions

PE 80
PN 16
SDR 9
OD

OD

e min

e max

ID*

Bundle

in.

mm

mm

mm

mm

3/8
1/2
3/4
1
1 1/4
1 1/2
2
2 1/2
3
4
4 1/2
5
6
7
8
9
10

16
20
25
32
40
50
63
75
90
110
125
140
160
180
200
225
250

2.0
2.3
3.0
3.6
4.5
5.6
7.1
8.4
10.1

2.3
2.7
3.4
4.1
5.1
6.3
8.0
9.4
11.3

11.7
15.0
18.6
24.3
30.4
38.1
47.9
66.10
79.30

250
200
200
200
150
150
100
75
50

OD
ID*
e
PN

Outside Diameter
Mean Inside Diameter
Thickness
Nominal Pressure in bar

12 of 55

Doc. Type
Doc. No.
Rev. No.

Technical
3017
B

Model Specification for

Polyethylene Piping System for Supply of Potable Water
While API has made every reasonable effort to ensure accuracy in the preparation of these guide specifications, it does
not constitute a guarantee or warranty for piping installations. These specifications are intended to be used as a guide to
support the designer of piping systems. These specifications may not be complete, particularly with respect to special or
unusual applications; are not intended to be used as installation instructions, and should not be used in place of the advice
of a professional engineer.

1.

General Terms and Conditions

1.1 Scope
This specification covers requirements for
polyethylene piping system (pipe and fittings)
for the supply of water under pressure at 20 C
intended for human consumption both above
ground and in buried pipe applications.
1.2 Engineered and Approved Plans
Construction shall be performed in
accordance with engineered construction plans
for the work prepared under the direction of a
Professional Engineer.

1.3 Referenced Standards

In absence of Lebanese standard
specifications The most recent ISO standards
or European Norms (EN) apply.
1.4 Inspections
All work shall be inspected by an Authorized
Representative of the Owner who shall have
the authority to halt construction if, in his
opinion, these specifications or standard
construction practices are not being followed.
Whenever any portion of these specifications is
violated, the Project Engineer or his
Authorized Representative, shall, by written
notice, order further construction to cease until
all deficiencies are corrected. A copy of the
order shall be filed with the Contractor's
license application for future review. If the
deficiencies are not corrected, performance
shall be required of the Contractor's surety.

1.5 Warranty and Acceptances

The Contractor shall warrant all work to be
free from defects in workmanship and materials
for a period of [one year] from the date of
completion of all construction. If work meets
these specifications, a letter of acceptance,
subject to the [one year] warranty period, shall
be given at the time of Completion. A final
acceptance letter shall be given upon final
inspection at the end of the [one year]
warranty period, provided the work still
complies with these specifications. In the event
deficiencies are discovered during the warranty
period, they shall be corrected b the Contractor
without additional charge to the owner before
final acceptance. During the warranty period,
the Project Engineer shall determine if
warranty repairs or replacement work shall be
performed by the Contractor. The decision of
the Project Engineer shall be binding upon the
Contractor.
2.

Polyethylene Pipes / Fittings

2.1 Qualification of Manufacturers
The Manufacturer shall have manufacturing
and quality control facilities capable of
producing and assuring the quality of the pipe
and fittings required by these specifications.
The manufacturer's production facilities shall
be open for inspection by the Owner or his
Authorized representative. Qualified
Manufacturers shall be approved by the Project
Engineer.
2.2 Approved Manufacturers
Manufacturers must be pre-qualified and
pre-approved by the Project Engineer.
Products from unapproved manufacturers are
prohibited.

13 of 55

Technical Bulletin No. 3017 Rev. B

2.3 Raw Materials

The polyethylene compounds used in the
manufacture of products furnished under this
specification shall be made from compounded
pellets obtained by the addition of the correct
type and amount of carbon black and necessary
antioxidants and other additives to protect the
pipe during extrusion and assure the life
expectancy of the pipe. Pipe produced by the
addition of black masterbatch to polyethylene
is strictly forbidden. The compound material
shall comply with the requirements as specified
in EN 12201-Part 1.
2.3.1 Typical material properties as
described by the Raw Material Supplier
brochure shall be submitted to the project
engineer for analysis and verification of
compliance. These properties are not to be
misconstrued as specification minimums.
2.3.2 All Raw Material used shall be
approved and certified Pipe Grade Material for
the transportation of potable water.
2.4 Polyethylene Pipe
Polyethylene pipe shall be manufactured
from approved Raw materials in accordance
with EN12201-Part 1. Pipes with OD up to
63mm must be produced from PE 80 (MDPE or
HDPE) material. Pipes with OD 75mm and up
must be produced from either PE 80 (MDPE or
HDPE) or PE 100 (HDPE) material.
2.4.1 Physical Appearance - Pipe surface
shall be smooth, free from scoring, pinholes
,and other surface defects. Pipe ends must be
cut clean and perpendicular to the axis of the
pipe . End caps at pipe extremities are required
in order to prevent unwanted matter entering
the pipe during storage.
2.4.2 Geometrical Characteristics - They
define characteristics such as Wall Thickness,
OD, etc. for PE 80 and PE 100:

2.4.2.1 Mean outside diameter and out

of roundness together with their tolerances are
EN 12201-Part 2.
2.4.2.2 Wall thickness for a specific
Nominal Pressure rating depends on the class
of Raw Material(PE 80 or PE 100) used in
producing the pipe.
2.4.2.3 Pipe Coil - Pipes with OD up to
63 mm shall be supplied in coils where the
inside diameter of the coil is 30 times OD.
Pressure pipes with OD 75mm up to 110mm
rated PN10 can be coiled only with the
approval between purchaser and manufacturer.
Pressure pipes with OD 75mm and up rated
PN12.5 and above shall be supplied in straight
lengths
2.4.3 Mechanical Characteristics Produced pipes shall pass the internal pressure
test (acceptance test) using test method per EN
921.
PE class Reqts
PE 100 >100hrs
PE 80
>100hrs

Stress
12.4MPa
10.0MPa

Temp.
20 C
20 C

2.5 Marking of Pipe

All pipes shall bear permanent
identification markings that will remain legible
during normal handling, storage, installation,
and service life and that have been applied in a
manner that will not reduce the strength nor
otherwise damage the products. The marking
shall not initiate any defects in the surface and
will not provide leakage channels when
elastomeric gasket compression fittings are
used to make joints. Both hot tape marking and
Ink Jet printing are acceptable.
Marking on pipe shall include the following
and shall be applied at intervals of
not
more than 1.5 meters:
1) Normal size (i.e. 32mm)
2) Standard PE designation (i.e. PE 80 )
3) The Standard Dimension Ratio (i.e. SDR
9 or SDR 11)
4) Marking the product with the applicable
standards designation (EN 12201).

14 of 55

Technical Bulletin No. 3017 Rev. B

2.5 Marking of Pipe (contd)

5) Nominal diameter and wall thickness
6) Date of manufacture
7) Manufacture's name or trademark and
production record code.
2.6 Service Identification Stripes
PE Pipes shall be permanently color-coded
with stripes for instant identification as potable
water service pipes. Stripes shall be provided
by co-extruding four (or more) equally spaced
blue color stripes into the pipe outside surface.
The striping material shall be the same
material as the pipe material except for color.
Stripes printed on the pipe outside surface shall
not be acceptable.
For applications other than potable water,
i.e. Irrigation and drainage, pipes are to be
colored black.
2.7 Pipe Fittings
There are three acceptable methods of
joining polyethylene pipe with each other and
with other pieces such as valves, flanges, etc.
2.7.1 Plastic Compression Fittings - This
type uses mechanical anchoring that holds the
pipe in place (clamp ring usually made of
Acetalic resin or C-PVC)and a sealing gasket
(EPDM or Rubber/food approved) to create a
tight grip and prevent water from leaking.
Pipes must be pushed inside the fitting without
the necessity to disassemble the fittings. The
following pipe OD to PN must apply:
!Pipes up to OD = 63mm with pressure
rating maximum PN16
!Pipes OD = 75mm up to 110mm
maximum PN10. For PN16 applications
metal compression fittings should be used.
!Pipes OD >110mm plastic compression
fittings are not used. Metal compression
fittings or electrofusion fittings should be
used.
All fittings must pass the testing
requirements of ISO 3458/3459/3501/3503
At the time of submission, manufacturers must
hold valid certificates of conformity to at least
2 of the following official marks of quality:

!DVGW
!WRc
!SVGW
!KIWA

Germany
United Kingdom
Switzerland
The Netherlands

All fittings supplied and installed must be

easily marked with date of manufacturing
for reference purpose.
2.7.2 Metal Compression Fittings Where plastic compression fittings are not
applicable metal compression fittings must be
used (see 2.7.1). Materials used in the
manufacturing of steel compression fittings
shall conform to the following:
!Body : GGG 400 - DIN 1693 (epoxy
coated, see below for detailed reqts)
!Lip Seal : EPDM
!Grip Ring : Ms 58 (dezincification
resistant brass)
!Bolts : A2 (stainless)
All steel compression fittings must be epoxy
coated to the following characteristics:
!Minimum coating thickness 250 mm
!Approved for food handling to KTW
standard
!Bacteriological approval to DVGW
recommendation W270
!Regular quality tests to DIN 30 677 T2
2.7.3 Electrofusion Fittings - This type
incorporates electrical heating coil that fuses
pipe and fitting by sending an electrical current
that heats up the polyethylene material of pipe
and fitting at a specific voltage for a specified
temperature and duration of time after which
pipe and fitting fuse together and become
integrated on the molecular level.
Manufacturer recommendations for the
electrofusion operation must be strictly
followed. Electrofusion machines used in the
electrofusion process must be supplied by the
same manufacturer of fittings. It strictly
forbidden to fuse one manufacturer fitting with
another manufacturer machine.
Electrofusion can be used for all
polyethylene pipes irrespective of size and
pressure rating as long as pipe and fitting are
manufactured from polyethylene resin of the
same class and series . It is possible to use
fittings with higher pressure rating than pipe,
but the opposite is strictly forbidden.

15 of 55

Technical Bulletin No. 3017 Rev. A

!Quality Control shall verify production

checks and test for:
>Melt Index as per ISO 1133 at a
frequency of at least once per extrusion
lot.
>Hydrostatic Strength testing (up to
110mm) as per EN 921 at a frequency of
at least once per day per line.
>All fabricated fittings shall be inspected
for joint quality and alignment.

Manufacturers of electrofusion fittings

must show evidence of approvals from at least
2 internationally reputed institutes such as:
!DVGW Germany
!SVGW Switzerland
2.7.4 Socket Fusion Fittings - This type
will not be discussed in this bulletin.
2.7.5 Butt Fusion Polyethylene Fittings This type is fabricated by the pipe
manufacturer. Butt fusion outlets shall be made
to the same outside diameter, wall thickness,
and tolerances as the mating pipe. All fittings
and custom fabrications shall be fully rated for
the same internal pressure as the mating pipe.
2.7.5.1 Fabricated Fittings - Fabricated
fittings shall be made by heat fusion joining
specially machined shapes cut from pipe,
polyethylene sheet stock, or molded fittings.
Fabricated fittings shall be rated for internal
pressure service equivalent to the full service
pressure rating of the mating pipe. Directional
fittings such as elbows, tees, crosses, etc., shall
have a plain end inlet for butt fusion and
flanged directional outlets. Part drawings shall
be submitted for the approval of the Project
Engineer.
2.8 Manufacturers Quality Control
The pipe manufacturer shall have an
established quality control program responsible
for inspecting incoming and outgoing
materials. Incoming PE materials shall be
inspected for density, melt flow rate, and
contamination. The cell classification
properties of the material shall be certified by
the supplier, and verified by Manufacturer's
Quality Control. Incoming materials shall be
approved by Quality Control before processing
into finished goods. Outgoing materials shall
be checked for:
!Outside diameter and wall thickness as
per EN 12201-Part 2 at a frequency of at
last once/hour or once/coil, whichever is
less frequent.
!Out of Roundness at a frequency of at
least once/hour or once/coil whichever is
less frequent.

2.8.1 Permanent Records - The

Manufacturer shall maintain permanent QC and
QA records.
2.9 Compliance Tests
Manufacturer's inspection and testing of the
materials. In case of conflict with
Manufacturer's certifications, the Contractor,
Project Engineer, or Owner may request
retesting be the Manufacturer or have retests
performed by an outside testing service. All
retesting shall be at the requester's expense, and
shall be performed in accordance with the
Specifications.
3.

Joining
3.1 Heat Fusion Joining
For pipes with diameters larger than 75mm,
joints between end of the pipes and fittings
may be made by butt fusion, and joints between
the main and saddle branch
fittings shall
be made using saddle fusion using only
procedures that are recommended b the pipe
and fitting Manufacturer. The Contractor shall
ensure that persons making heat fusion joints
have received training according to the
Manufacture's recommended procedure. The
Contractor shall maintain records of trained
personnel, and shall certify that training was
received not more than 12 months before
commencing construction.

3.1.1 Heat Fusion Training Services Upon request, the Manufacturer shall provide
training in the Manufacturer's recommended
butt fusion and saddle fusion procedures to the
Contractor's installation personnel, and to
inspectors representing the Owner.

16 of 55

Technical Bulletin No. 3017 Rev. A

3.2 Mechanical Joining

Polyethylene pipe and fittings may be joined
together or to other materials by means of
flanged connections (flange adapters and backup rings) or mechanical couplings designed for
joining polyethylene pipe or for joining
polyethylene pipe to another material.
Mechanical couplings shall be fully pressure
rated and fully thrust restrained such that when
installed in accordance with manufacturer's
recommendations, a longitudinal load applied
to the mechanical coupling will cause the pipe
to yield before the mechanical coupling
disjoins. External joint restraints shall not be
used in lieu of fully restrained mechanical
couplings.
3.3 Branch Connections
Branch connections to the main shall be
made with saddle fittings or tees. Polyethylene
saddle fittings shall be saddle fused to the main
pipe per 3.1.
4.

Installation and Handling

4.1 General
The Manufacturer shall package products
for shipment in a manner suitable for safe
transport by commercial carrier. When
delivered, a receiving inspection shall be
performed, and any shipping damage shall be
reported to the Manufacturer within 7 days.
Installation shall be in accordance with
Manufacturer's recommendations, and this
specification. All necessary precautions shall
be taken to ensure a safe working environment
in accordance with applicable codes and
standards.
4.2 Excavation
Trench excavations shall conform to this
Specification, the plans and drawings, as
otherwise authorized in writing by the Project
Engineer or his Approved Representative, and
in accordance with all applicable codes.
Excess groundwater shall be removed by the
Contractor. Where necessary, trench walls
shall be shored or reinforced.

4.3 Large Diameter Fabricated Fittings

Fabricated directional fittings larger than
160mm in diameter shall be butt fused to the
end of a pipe. The flanged directional outlet
connections shall be made up in the trench.
4.4 Mechanical Joint & Flange
Installation
Mechanical joints and flange connections
shall be installed in accordance with the
Manufacturer's recommended procedure.
Flange faces shall be centered and aligned to
each other before assembling and tightening
bolts. In no case shall the flange bolts be used
to draw the flanges into alignment. Bolt
threads shall be lubricated, and flat washers
shall be fitted under the flange nuts. Bolts shall
be evenly tightened according to the tightening
pattern and torque step recommendations of the
Manufacturer at least 1 hour after initial
assemble, flange connections shall be retightened following the tightening pattern and
torque step recommendations of the
Manufacturer. The final tightening torque shall
be 135 Nm or less as recommended by the
Manufacturer.
4.5 Foundation & Bedding
Pipe shall be laid on grade and on a stable
foundation. Unstable or mucky trench bottom
soils shall be removed, and a 150mm
foundation or bedding of compacted Class I
material shall be installed to pipe bottom
grade. Excess groundwater shall be removed
from the trench before laying the foundation or
bedding and the pipe. A trench cut in rock or
stony soil shall be excavated to 150mm below
pipe bottom grade, and brought back to grade
with compacted Class I bedding. All ledge
rock, boulders and large stones shall be
removed.
4.6 Pipe Handling
When lifting with slings, only wide fabric
choker slings shall be sued to lift, move, or
lower pipe and fittings. Wire rope or chains
shall not be used. Slings shall be of sufficient
capacity for the load, and shall be inspected
before use. Worn or defective equipment shall
not be used.

17 of 55

Technical Bulletin No. 3017 Rev. A

4.7 Backfilling
Pipe embedment backfill shall be Class I or
II material placed and compacted to at least
90% Standard Proctor Density in 150mm lifts
to at least 150mm above the pipe crown.
4.8 Final Backfilling
Final backfill shall be placed and
compacted to finished grade. Native soils
without debris, stones, boulders, clumps, frozen
clods or the like larger than 200mm in their
largest dimension may be used.
4.9 Installation Notes
Consulting the Manufacturer during
installation phases is recommended to obtain
detailed information on the methods and
techniques used for proper execution.
5.

Testing
5.1 Butt Fusion Testing
On Every day butt fusions are to be made,
the first fusion of the day shall be a trial fusion.
The trial fusion shall be allowed to cool
completely, then fusion test strips shall be cut
out. The test strip shall be 25mm wide
lengthwise through the butt fusion so that
200mm remains on each side of the joint. Bend
the test strip until the ends of the strip touch. If
the fusion fails at the joint, a new trial fusion
shall be made, cooled completely and tested.
Butt fusion of pipe to be installed shall not
commence until a trial fusion has passed the
bent strip test.
5.2 System Pressure Testing
Pressure testing shall be conducted in
accordance with APIs Technical Bulletin No.
3015.

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Doc. Type
Doc. No.
Rev. No.

Technical
3014
A

Apithene
Chemical and Environmental Performance
The information presented in this technical bulletin details the Chemical and Environmental performance of Apithene

polyethylene pipes. It is strongly recommended that any questions pertaining to Apithene polyethylene pipe systems be
directed to -api-s experienced personnel for further clarifications.

Chemical Resistance of Apithene

Polyethylene pipes

Apithene high density polyethylene pipe

has outstanding chemical resistance, making it
an ideal piping material for harsh chemical
environments and highly corrosive systems.
This stability under chemical attack, when
coupled with superior abrasion resistance,
makes Apithene pipes an exceptional piping
solution for many municipal, industrial and
slurry applications.
Any chemical attack of polyethylene is
either a swelling phenomenon causing the
plastic to soften, or a direct attack on the
polymer structure. If the chemical causing the
polyethylene to swell is completely removed,
the plastic generally returns to its original
condition. A direct chemical attack on the
polymer may result in chain scission, crosslinking, oxidation, and substitution reactions.
These reactions may cause profound changes in
the original properties of the polyethylene
which cannot be restored by the removal of the
chemical.
Below are immersion chemical resistance
data for a wide variety of chemicals. Because
the particular conditions of each application
will vary, it is recommended that this
information be used only as a preliminary
guide to the resistance behavior of Apithene
pipe. Chemical resistance may be different for
pipes under stress or elevated temperature.

1.

2.

Resistance to Stress Cracking and

Corrosion
Because polyethylene is non-conducting, it
is immune to galvanic and electrochemical
effects. In addition, polyethylene, will not
corrode in the sense that metals do. Both

inside and out, Apithene polyethylene

pipes resist rot, pitting, and other common

causes of failure in metallic piping systems.
Some polyethylene may fail by
environmental stress cracking due to the
combined actions of stress and the
environment. Stress cracking is the slow
growth and propagation of cracks by the action
of sensitizing agents on minute surface flaws in
a stressed or strained material.
The polymer structure, molecular weight,
and the molecular weight distribution will
affect the stress crack resistance of the
polyethylene. Apithene's high density
polyethylene shows excellent resistance to
stress cracking.

3.

Environmental Effects

Apithene polyethylene pipes will not

degrade due to biological effects. Polyethylene
is not digestible and is not generally attacked
by burrowing insects or worms. The
exceptionally smooth surface of polyethylene
pipe disallows growth of algae or other marine
life on the pipe walls, especially under
conditions of flow.
4.

Sunlight and Thermal Effects

Apithene polyethylene pipes are also
protected against degradation caused by
ultraviolet (UV) rays when exposed to direct

sunlight. Apithene pipes contain 2% of finely

divided carbon black which also accounts for
the black color. Carbon black is the most
effective single additive capable of enhancing
the weathering characteristic of plastic
material. The protection carbon black imparts
to the plastic is so great that it is not necessary
to use other light stabilizers or UV absorbers.

19 of 55

Technical Bulletin No. 3014 Rev. A

4.

Sunlight and Thermal Effects

(contd)
Apithene pipes can be used over a wide
temperature range. With a brittleness
temperature (ASTM D746) of -70C, Apithene
pipes perform well at sub-ambient
temperatures. In pressurized systems, they can
be used up to 60C; up to 80C for nonpressure applications. However, elevated
temperatures reduce the effective operating
pressure of polyethylene piping systems. To
determine the pressure rating for pipe at a
temperature other than ambient, multiply the
23C rating by the following factor:

For Pressure Rating at

4.5C
15.5C
23C
38C
49C
60C

Multiply 23C Rating by

1.20
1.08
1.00
0.78
0.63
0.50

Table 1.
Pressure rating factors at temperatures other than ambient.

Temperature fluctuations experienced in

surface installations need to be taken into
consideration when designing a piping system.
Apithene Polyethylene pipes thermal
expansion coefficient of 0.2 mm/m.C (ASTM
D696 20 - 90 C) may lead to lateral movement
of the pipeline. The results of this movement
can be compensated for by snaking the pipeline
or installing expansion loops.

20 of 55

Technical Bulletin No. 3014 Rev. A

Chemical Resistance Key:

x = resistant

swelling <3% or weight loss <0.5% elongation at break not

substantially changed

/ = limited resistance

swelling 3-8% or weight loss 0.5-5% and/or elongation at break

reduced by <50%

- = not resistant

swelling > 8% or weight loss > 5% and /or elongation at break

reduced by >50%

D = discoloration
Medium

23C

Acetone
x
Acids, aromatic x
Aluminum sulphate
Alums
Ammonium sulphate
Ammonium sulphide
Beer
Beeswax
Boric acid
Butanol
x
Caustic soda
Chloroacetic acid
(mono)
Corn oil
Cyclohexane
Cyclohexanol
Cyclohexanone
Diesel oil
Dioxane
Emulsifiers
Ethyl alcohol
Ethyl glycol
Ethyl hexanol
Formic acid
Fruit juices
Gelatine
Gycerol
x
Hydrobromic acid
(50%)
Hydrochloric acid
(all concentrations)
Hydrofluoric acid
(40%)
Hydrofluoric acid
(70%)
Hydrogen

x
x
*x
x
*x
*x
x
x
*x
x
x

60C

x
x
x
x
x
**/to_
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
/
x
x
x
/
x
x
x
x
x

x
x

x
x

/
x

Medium
Hydrogen peroxide
(30%)
Hydrogen peroxide
(100%)
Jam
Keotones
Lactic acid
Linseed oil
Methane
Methonol
Methyl butanol x
Mineral oils
Molasses
Monochloroacetic acid
Monochloroacteic
ethyl ester
Monochloroacetic
methyl ester
Morpholine
Paraffin oil
Perchloric acid (20%)
Perchloric acid (50%)
Perchloric acid (70%)
Petrol
Petroleum
Petroleum ether x
Petroleum jelly
Phosphoric acid
(25%)
Phosphoric acid
(50%)
Phosphoric acid
(95%)
Potassium bromide
Potassium chloride

23C
x

60C
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
/
x
x

x to /
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
/
**x-/

x
x
x
x
/
D
x to /
/
/

x
*x
*x

/D
x
x

x
x to /
x
x
x

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Technical Bulletin No. 3014 Rev. A

Medium
Potassium chromate
aqueous (40%)
Potassium cyanide
Potassium hydroxide
(30% solution)
Potassium nitrate
Sea wter
Silicic acid
Silicone oil
Sodium carbonate
Sodium chloride
Sodium chlorite (50%)
Sodium hydroxide
(30% solution)
Sodium nitrate
Sodium silicate
Sodium sulphide
Spindle oil
Starch
Steric acid
Sugar syrup
Tannic acid (10%)
Tartaric acid
Toluene
/
Transformer oil x
Trichloroacetic acid
(50%)
Trichloroacetic acid
(100%)
Trichloroethylene

23C

60C

x
*x

x
*x
x
x
x
*x
*x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
/

x
*x
*x
*x
x to /
x
x
x
x
x
/

x
x
x
x
/
x
/
x
x
x

x
-

/ to -

22 of 55

prEN 12201 - 1

23 of 55

English version
Plastics piping systems for water supply Polyethylene (PE) - Part 1: General

This draft European Standard is submitted to the CEN members for CEN enquiry. IT has been drawn up by Technical
Committee CEN/TC 155.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal
Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving thid European Standard the status of national standard without any
alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in
any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to
the Cental Secretariat has the same status as the official version.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
CEN
European Committee for Standardization

24 of 55

Foreword
This Part of EN [155wi020] was prepared by CEN/TC 155 Plastics piping systems and ducting systems in collaboration
with Eureau and in liaison with CEN/TC 164 Water supply. It received approval from CEN members on yy-mm-dd.
No existing European Standard will be superseded by this standard.
This standard is a part of a System Standard for plastics piping systems which is a standard for plastics piping of a
particular material for a specified application.

There are a number of such System Standards.

System Standards are based on the results of the work being undertaken in ISO/TC 138 Plastics pipes, fittings and valves
for the transport of fluids, which is a Technical Committee of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
They are supported by separate standards on test methods to which references are made throughout the System Standard.
The System Standards are consistent with standards on general functional requirements and standards on recommended
practice for installation.
EN [155wi020] consists of the following Parts, under the general title Plastics piping systems for water supply Polyethylene (PE)
- Part 1:

General (this standard)

- Part 2:

Pipes

- Part 3:

Fittings

- Part 4:

Valves and ancillary equipment

- Part 5:

Fitness for purpose of the system

- Part 6:

Recommended practice for installation

- Part 7:

Assessment of conformity

25 of 55

The following diagram indicated the place of this standard within the CEN framework of plastics piping systems:

Water supply

Applications

Materials

Water supply

PE

Test
methods

General functional
requirements
7
6
5
4
3
2

Part used
1 for the conveyance of water under pressure include the
System Standards for piping systems of other plastics materials
following:
EN 1452Plastics piping systems for water supply - Unplasticized poly (vinyl chloride) PVC-U
EN 1796Plastics piping systems for water supply - Glass-reinforced thermosetting plastics (GRP) based on
polyester resin (UP)
EN [155wi021] Plastics piping systems for water supply - Polypropylene (PP)
EN [155wi027] Plastics piping systems for water supply - Glass-reinforced thermosetting plastics (GRP) based on
epoxy resin (EP)

26 of 55

Introduction
The System Standard, of which this is Part 1, specifies the requirements for a piping system and its components when made
from polyethylene (PE). It is intended to be used for water supply. It includes a recommended practice for installation and
the requirements for assessments of conformity by certification.
The product which is in permanent or temporary contact with water, intended for human consumption, shall not adversely
affect the quality of the drinking water and does not contravene the E.C. Directives and EFTA Regulations on the quality of
drinking water.
This Part of EN [155wi020] covers the general aspects of the plastics piping system.

27 of 55

Scope

This Part of EN [155wi020] specifies the general aspects of polyethylene (PE) piping systems in the field of water supply.
In conjunction with one of the parts 2 to 7 of EN [155wi020] it applies to PE pipes, fittings, valves and ancillary
equipment, including the connection references of, and method of jointing to, components of other plastics and non-plastics
materials, intended to be used for water supplies above ground both outside and inside buildings, for the conveyance of
cold water under pressure and for buried water mains and services for the supply of water up to 20 C intended for human
consumption and general purposes, both above and buried in ground and inside and outside buildings. For the conveyance
of water at higher temperatures reference should be made to table xxx of EN [155wi020]-6 [SECR: THIS PART 6 IN NOT
INCLUDED IN WORK PROGRAMME 1].
ThisPart of EN [155wi020] does not cover piping systems for hot water.

Normative references

This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These normative
references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed hereafter.
For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these publications apply to this European Standard
only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision.
For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies.
NOTE: All listed European Standards are under preparation.
EN 728

Plastics piping and ducting systems - Polyolefin pipes and fittings - Determination of the
oxidation induction time (ISO TR 10837:1991)

EN 921

Plastics piping systems - Thermoplastic pipes - Determination of the resistance to internal

pressure under constant temperature (ISO 1167:1973)

EN [155wi020]-2

Plastics piping systems for water supply - Polyethylene (PE) - Part 2: Pipes

EN [155wi020]-3

Plastics piping systems for water supply - Polyethylene (PE) - Part 3: Fittings

EN [155wi020]-4

Plastics piping systems for water supply - Polyethylene (PE) - Part 4: Valves and ancillary
equipment

EN [155wi020]-5

Plastics piping systems for water supply - Polyethylene (PE) - Part 5: Fitness for purpose of
the system

EN [155wi020]-6

Plastics piping systems for water supply - Polyethylene (PE) - Part 6: Recommended
practice for installation

EN [155wi020]-7

Plastics piping systems for water supply - Polyethylene (PE) - Part 7: Assessment of
conformity

EN [155wi053]

Plastics piping and ducting systems - thermoplastic pipes - Determination of long term
hydrostatic strength of thermoplastic pipe materials by extrapolation. (ISOTR9080:1991).

prEN 32162

Classification of thermoplastic materials in pipe form based on the resistance against

internal hydrostatic pressure - Material Designation and Claculations (ISO/DIS12162).

prEN 33477

Thermoplastics pipes for the transport of fluids - Resistance to crack propagation Determination of the critical pressure for rapid crack propagation (small scale steady state
[S4] test)

28 of 55

prEN 33479

Plastics piping systems - Resistance to crack propagation - method of test for slow crack
growth on notched pipe (notch test).

ISO 3:1973

Preferred numbers - series of preferred numbers.

ISO 472:1988

Plastics vocabulary

ISO 1043-1: 1987

Plastics symbols - Part 1: Basic polymers and their special characteristics

ISO 1133: 1991

Plastics - Determination of the melt mass-flow rate (MFR) and the melt volume-flow
rate (MVR) of thermoplastics

ISO/DIS 4065: 1993

Thermoplastics pipes - Universal wall thickness table.

ISO 6964: 1986

Polyolefin pipes and fittings - Determination of carbon black content by calcination and
pyrolysis - Test method and basic specification

ISO/DIS 11420: 1991

Method of test for carbon black dispersion in polyethylene pipes and fittings.

ISO/CD 13949: 1993

Method of test for pigment dispersion in polyolefin pipes and fittings.

3
3.1

Definitions, symbols and abbreviations

Definitions

For the purposes of this standard the definitions in ISO 3, ISO 472 and ISO 1043-1 apply, together with the following.
3.1.1

Geometrical definitions

3.1.1.1 nominal size DN/OD: Numerical designation of the size of a component, which is a convenient round
number, approximately equal to the manufacturing dimensions in millimeters, and related to the outside
diameter.
3.1.1.2 nominal outside diameter (dn): The specified diameter, in millimeters, assigned to a nominal size DN/OD.
3.1.1.3 mean outside diameter (de): The value of the measurement of the outer circumference of the pipe in any
cross section divided by p (= 3.142), rounded to the next greater 0.1 mm.
3.1.1.4 minimum mean outside diameter (de, min.): The minimum value of the outside diameter as specified for a
given nominal size.
3.1.1.5 maximum mean outside diameter (de, max.): The maximum value of the outside diameter as specified for a
given nominal size.
3.1.1.6 outside diameter at any point (de,y): The value of the measurement of the outside diameter through its
cross section at any point of the pipe, rounded to the next greater 0,1 mm.
3.1.1.7 out-of-roundness (ovality): the difference between the measured maximum outside diameter and the
measured minimum outside diameter in the same cross section of the pipe.
3.1.1.8 nominal wall thickness (en): Numerical designation of the wall thickness of a component, which is a
convenient round number, approximately equal to the manufacturing dimension in millimeters.

29 of 55

3.1.1.9 wall thickness at any point (ey): The value of the measurement of the wall thickness at any point around the
circumference of the pipe.
3.1.1.10 minimum wall thickness at any point (ey, min.): The minimum value of the wall thickness at any point
around the circumference of the pipe.
3.1.1.11 maximum wall thickness at any point (ey, max.): The maximum value of the wall thickness at any point
around the circumference of the pipe.
3.1.1.12 mean wall thickness (em): The arithmetic mean of a number of measurements regularly spaced around the
circumference of the pipe in the same cross section of the pipe, including the measured minimum and the
measured maximum values of the wall thickness.
3.1.1.13 pipe series (S): A number for pipe designation conforming to ISO 4065.
3.1.1.14 standard dimension ratio (SDR): The quotient of the nominal outside diameter and the nominal wall
thickness.
NOTE: The relationship between the pipe series S and the standard dimension ratio SDR is given
by the following equation as specified in ISO 4065

[SDR] - 1
[S] =
3.1.1.15 tolerance: The permissible variation of the specified 2value of a quantity expressed as the difference
between the permissible maximum and permissible minimum values.
3.1.2

Definitions related to service conditions

3.1.2.1 nominal pressure (PN): A numerical designation used for reference purposes related to the mechanical
characteristics of the component of a piping system. For plastic piping systems conveying water it
corresponds to the maximum continuous operating pressure in bar, which can be sustained with water at
20 C, based on the minimum design coefficient.
3.1.3

Material definitions

3.1.3.1 lower confidence limit (LCL): A quantity, with the unit of stress in megapascals, which can be considered
as a property of the material under consideration, representing the 97.5% lower confidence limit of the
predicted long-term hydrostatic strength at a temperature of 20 C for 50 years in water.
3.1.3.2 minimum required strength (MRS): The value of LCL, rounded to the next smaller value of the R10 series
or of the R20 series conforming to ISO 3 and ISO 497 depending on the value of the LCL.
NOTE: R10 and R20 series are the Renard number series according to ISO 3 and ISO 497.
3.1.3.3 design stress (sS): The allowable stress for a given application and derived from the MRS by dividing it by
the coefficient C, then rounding to the nearest value in R20 series
It is expressed in megapascals:

[MRS]
s S=

30 of 55

3.1.3.4 overall service (design) coefficient (C): An overall coefficient with a value greater than 1 and taken from
the R20 series, which takes into consideration service conditions as well as properties of the components of
a piping system other than those represented in LCL.
3.1.3.5 melt mass-flow rate (MFR): A value relating to the viscosity of the molten material at a specified
temperature and load.
3.2

Symbols

For the purpose of this standard, tho following symbols apply.

C
de
de, min.
de, max.
de,y
dn
DN/OD
em
en
ey
ey, max..
ey, min.

sS

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

overall service (design) coefficient

mean outside diameter
minimum mean outside diameter
maximum mean outside diameter
outside diameter at any point
nominal outside diameter
nominal size, outside diameter related
mean wall thickness
nominal wall thickness
wall thickness at any point
maximum wall thickness at any point
minimum wall thickness at any point
design stress

3.3

Abbreviations

For the purpose of this standard, the following abbreviations apply:

LCL
MFR
MRS
PE
PN
S
SDR

4
4.1

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Lower confidence limit

Melt flow rate
Minimum required strength
Polyethylene
Nominal pressure
Pipe series as defined in ISO 4065
Standard dimension ratio

Material
Compound

The compound from which the products are produced shall be made be adding to the polyethylene base polymer only those
additives necessary for the manufacture and end use of the products, conforming to the requirements of the applicable parts
of EN [155wi020].
All additives shall be uniformly dispersed.
4.2

Colour

4.2.1

General

The colour of the compound shall be blue or black.

31 of 55

4.2.2

Black compound

The carbon black used in the production of black compound shall have an average (primary) practice size of 10 nm to 25
nm.
4.3

Use of reprocessable material

Clean reprocessable material generated from a manufacturers own production of products conforming to specification
may be used if it is derived from the same compound as used for the relevant production. Other reprocessable material
shall not be used.
4.4

Physical characteristics of the compound

The compound from which the pipe and the components of the fusion fittings are manufactured shall conform to the
requirements given in table 1.
4.4.1

Compatibility

Compounds designated as PE 63, PE 80 and PE 100 (see 4.5) having an MFR 190/5 within the range 0.2 g / 10 min to 1.3
g / 10 min shall be considered to be compatible for fusion to each other.

32 of 55

Table 1: Requirements for the PE compound

Characteristics

Test Parameters

Requirements

Parameters

Value

Test
Method

As granules
Black Compound
Carbon Black
content
Black Compound
Carbon Black
dispersion

Blue Compound 1)
Pigment dispersion

All Compounds
Oxidation induction
time

All Compounds
Melt mass-flow rate
MFR

Shall Conform to
ISO 6964

(2 to 2.5) % by mass

Preparation of test
pieces

Compression

Number of test
pieces

See prEN 12201-7

Preparation of test
pieces

Compression

Number of test
pieces

See prEN 12201-7

Test temperature

200 C 2)

Number of test
pieces

See prEN 12201-7

Load
Test temperature
Time
Number of test
pieces

5 kg
190 C
10 min
See prEN 12201-7

Test temperature

3 C

Impact speed

20 m/s

Number of test
pieces

See prEN 12201-7

Test temperature

80 C

Internal test pressure

for
PE 63 SDR11
PE 80 SDR11
PE 100 SDR11

7 bar
8 bar
9.2 bar

Test period

165 h

Number of test
pieces

See prEN 12201-7

as specified in
EN [155wi044]-1

as specified in
EN [155wi044]-1

grade 3

grade 3

20 min

20 % of value specified
by compound producer

ISO/DIS
11420

ISO/CD
13949

prEN 728

ISO 1133
condition
18

As pipe
Resistance to
rapid crack
propagation 3)

Slow crack growth

(notch test)
e > 5 mm 4)

Effect on water
quality 5)
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

No failure during test

Taste and Odour

EN 33477

EN 33479

EN [155wi044]-1

For blue compounds the weathering requirements are specified in EN [155wi020]-2 and EN [155wi020]-3.
Test may be carried out at 210 C providing that there is a clear correlation to the results at 200 C, in the case of dispute the
reference temperature shall be 200 C..
Test method and parameters under review.
Test for e < 5 mm under review.
Test methods, parameters and requirements for all properties are under preparation. Until these ENs are published National
Regulations shall apply.

33 of 55

4.5

Classification and designation

Compounds shall be designated by the material type (PE) and the level of minimum required strength (MRS), in
conformance with table 2.
The compound shall have a minimum required strength (MRS) equal to or greater than the values specified in
table 2 when evaluated according to EN [155wi053] (where the pressure test is done in accordance with EN 921 to find the
LCL). This LCL shall be classified according to prEN 32162 give the MRS.
The classification of the compound in accordance with EN [155wi053] shall be certified by the compound producer.
NOTE: Where fittings are manufactured from the same compound as pipe then the material classification
will be the same as for the pipe.
When a compound is intended only to be used for the manufacture of fittings, the compound shall be classified as extruded
pipe except where it is not possible to extrude the material, in which case injection-moulded pipes shall be used.

Table 2: Material designation and design stress

Designation

PE 100
PE 80
PE 63
PE 40
PE 32

Minimum required strength (MRS)

MPa

ss 1)
MPa

10.0
8.0
6.3
4.0
3.2

8.0
6.3
5.0
3.2
2.5

1) The design stress is derived from the MRS by application of the overall service (design) coefficient
C = 1.25

Water quality

The product which is in permanent or in temporary contact with water intended for human consumption shall not adversely
affect the quality of the drinking water and does not contravene the E.C. Directives and EFTA Regulations on the quality of
drinking water.
NOTE: Should be considered as any product used for the transportation and distribution of water intended
for human consumption.
Test methods, parameters and requirements for the effect on water quality are in the process of being prepared for
publication as ENs. Until these are published National Regulations shall apply.

34 of 55

prEN 12201 - 2

35 of 55

English version
Plastic piping systems for water supply Polyethylene (PE) - Part 2: Pipes

This draft European Standard is submitted to the CEN members for CEN enquiry. It has been drawn up by Technical
Committee CEN/TC 155.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal
Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any
alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in
any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to
the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
CEN
European Committee for Standardization

36 of 55

Foreword
This Part 2 of EN [155wi020] was prepared by CEN/TC 155 Plastics piping systems and ducting systems in
collaboration with Eureau and in liaison with CEN/TC 164 Water supply. It received approval from CEN members on
yy-mm-dd.
No existing European Standard is superseded by this standard.
This standard is a Part of a System Standard for plastics piping systems which is a standard for plastics piping of a
particular material for a specified application.
System Standards are based on the results of the work being undertaken in ISO/TC 138 Plastics pipes, fittings and valves
for the transport of fluids, which is a Technical Committee of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
They are supported by separate standards on test methods to which references are made throughout the System Standard.
The System Standards are consistent with standards on general functional requirements and standards on recommended
practices for installation.
EN [155wi020] consists of the following parts, under the general title Plastics piping systems for water supply Polyethylene (PE)
- Part 1:

General

- Part 2:

Pipes (this standard)

- Part 3:

Fittings

- Part 4:

Valves and ancillary equipment

- Part 5:

Fitness for purpose of the system

- Part 7:

Assessment of conformity

37 of 55

The following diagram indicates the place of this standard within the CEN framework of plastics piping systems:

Water supply

Materials

Applications

Water supply

PE

Test
methods

General functional
requirements
1
7
6
5
4
3
Part 2

System Standards for piping systems of other plastics materials used for the conveyance of water are the following:
EN 1452Plastics piping systems for water supply - Unplasticized poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC-U)
EN 1796Plastics piping systems for water supply - Glass-reinforced thermosetting plastics (GRP) based
on polyester resins (UP)
EN [155wi021] Plastics piping systems for water supply - Polypropylene (PP)
EN [155wi027] Plastics piping systems for water supply - Glass - reinforced thermosetting plastics (GRP) based
on epoxy resin (EP)

Introduction
The System Standard, of which this is Part 2, specifies the requirements for a piping system and its components when made
from polyethylene (PE) and intended to be used for water supply. It includes recommended practice for installation and the
requirements for assessment of conformity.
The product which is in permanent or temporary contact with water, intended for human consumption, does not adversely
effect the quality of the drinking water and does not contravene the EC Directives and EFTA Regulations on the quality of
drinking water.
This Part 2 of EN [155wi020] covers the characteristics of pipes.

38 of 55

Scope

This Part of EN [155wi020] specifies the characteristics of pipes made from polyethylene (PE) intended to be used in the
field of water supply. It also specifies the test parameters for the test methods referred to in this standard.
It is applicable to PE pies intended to be used for the supply of water for human consumption and for general purposes,
under pressure at up to 20 C, in the following situations:
a)

buried water mains and services

b0

conveyance of water above ground, both inside and outside buildings

For the conveyance of water at other temperatures reference should be made to Table xxx of EN[155wi020]-6 [SECR:
THIS PART 6 IS NOT INCLUDED IN WORK PROGRAMME 1].
NOTE: This table should be extended to include temperatures below 20 C
This Part of EN [155wi020] does not cover piping systems for hot water.

normative references

This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These normative
references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed hereafter.
For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these publications apply to this European Standard
only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision.
For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies.
NOTE: All listed European standards are under preparpartion
prEN 496

Plastics piping systems - Plastics pipes and fittings - Measurement of dimensions and
visual inspection of surfaces

EN 638

Plastics piping systems - Thermoplastics pipes - Determination of short-term tensile

properties

EN 728

Plastic piping and ducting systems - Polyolefin pipes and fittings - Determination of
oxidation induction time.

EN 921

Plastics piping systems - Thermoplastics pipes - Determination of the resistance to

internal pressure at constant temperature (ISO 1167)

prEN 1056

Plastics piping and ducting systems - Plastics pipes and fittings - Test method for
resistance to direct (natural) weathering.

EN [155wi020]-1

Plastics piping systems for water supply - Polyethylene (PE) - Part 1: General

EN [155wi044]-1

Odour and flavor assessment of water intended for human consumption - Pipes, fittings
and their coatings used in piping systems - Part 1: Test method for organic materials

EN [155wi053]

Plastics piping and ducting systems - Thermoplastics pipes - Determination of long-term

hydrostatic strength of thermoplastics pipe materials by extrapolation

prEN 32162

Classification of thermoplastic materials in pipe form based on the resistance against

internal hydrostatic pressure - Material designation and calculations.

39 of 55

ISO 1133 : 1991

Plastics - Determination of the melt mass-flow rate (MFR) and the melt volume-flow
rate (MVR) of thermoplastics

ISO 4433 : 1984

Polyolefin pipes - Resistance to chemical fluids - Immersion test method - System for
preliminary classification

ISO 6964 : 1986

Polyolefin pipes and fittings - Determination of carbon black content by calcination and
pyrolysis - Test method and basic specification

ISO/DIS 11420 : 1991

Method of test for carbon black dispersion in polyethylene pipes and fittings.

ISO/CD 13949 : 1993

Method of test for pigment dispersion in polyolefin pipes and fittings.

40 of 55

Definitions, symbols and abbreviations

For the purposes of this European Standard, the definitions, symbols and abbreviations given in EN [155wi020]-1 apply.

4
4.1

Material
Compound

The material from which the pipes are made shall conform to the requirements as specified in EN [155wi020]-1.
4.2

Identification compound

Where applicable, the compound used for identification stripes (see 5.2) shall be manufactured from the identical PE
polymer as used in the compound for pipe production.

5
5.1

General characteristics
Appearance

When viewed without magnification the internal and external surfaces of pipes shall be smooth, clean and free from
scoring, cavities, and other surface defects which may affect pipe performance. The pipe ends shall be cut cleanly and
square to the axis of the pipe.
5.2

Colour

The pipes for transportation of water for human consumption shall be blue or black with blue stripes.
The pipes for all other water applications shall be black.
NOTE: For above ground installations, blue pipe should be protected from direct UV light.
5.3

Effect on water quality

The pipe shall conform to EN [155wi44]-1 in respect of taste and odour. Tests for toxicological and organoleptic
properties are being prepared. Until all these ENs are published National Regulations shall apply.

6
6.1

Geometrical characteristics
Measurements

In the case of dispute the reference measurements of dimensions should be made not less than 24 h after manufacture in
accordance with EN 496 after being conditioned for at least 4 h.
6.2
Mean outside diameter and out-of-roundness (ovality) shall be in accordance with table 1.
For normal tolerance pipes grade A tolerance shall apply and for close tolerance pipes grad B tolerances shall apply.
NOTE: The tolerance grades are defined in ISO/DIS 11922-1 : 1993

41 of 55

Table 1: Mean outside diameters and out-of-roundness

Nom. Nominal
outside
size
DN/OD diameter
dn

1)
2)
*

de,min.

Maximum 1)
out of roundness/ovality

de,max.

Grade A Grade B

Grade K 2)

Grade N

16
20
25
32

16
20
25
32

16.0
20.0
25.0
32.0

16.3
20.3
25.3
32.3

16.3
20.3
25.3
32.3

1.2
1.2
1.5
2.0

1.2
1.2
1.2
1.3

40
50
63
75

40
50
63
75

40.0
50.0
63.0
75.0

40.4
50.5
63.6
75.7

40.4
50.4
63.4
75.5

2.4
3.0
3.8
-

1.4
1.4
1.5
1.6

90
110
125
140

90
110
125
140

90.0
110.0
125.0
140.0

90.9
111.0
126.2
141.3

90.6
110.6*
125.6*
140.9

1.8
2.2
2.5
2.8

160
180
200
225

160
180
200
225

160.0
180.0
200.0
225.0

161.5
181.7
201.8
227.1

161.0
181.1
201.2
226.4

3.2
3.6
4.0
4.5

250
280
315
355

250
280
315
355

250.0
280.0
315.0
355.0

252.3
282.6
317.9
358.2

251.5
281.7
316.9
357.2

5.0
9.8
11.1
12.5

400
450
500
560

400
450
500
560

400.0
450.0
500.0
560.0

403.6
454.1
504.5
565.0

402.4
452.7
503.0
563.4

14.0
15.6
17.5
19.6

630
710
800
900

630
710
800
900

630.0
710.0
800.0
900.0

635.7
716.4
807.2
908.1

633.8
714.0
804.0
904.0

22.1
24.9
28.0
31.5

1000
1200
1400
1600

1000
1200
1400
1600

1000.0
1200.0
1400.0
1600.0

1009.0
1210.0
1410.0
1610.0

1004.0
1204.0
1404.0
1604.0

35.0
42.0
49.0
56.0

Measurements of out-of-roundness shall be done at the point of manufacture.

For coiled pipe dn 63 Grade K shall apply for pipe with dn 75 the maximum
out-of-roundness shall be specified by agreement.
Grade E in accordance with ISO/DIS 11922-1
Dimensions in millimeters

42 of 55

Tolerance bands shall be calculated using following formulae, as applicable.

a) Grade A: 0.009 de rounded to the next greater 0.1 mm with a minimum value of 0.3 mm and a
maximum value of 10.0 mm;
b) Grade B: 0.006 de rounded up to the next greater 0.1 mm with a minimum value of 0.3 mm and a
minimum value of 0.3 mm and a maximum value of 4.0 mm;
c) Grade K: 0.06 de rounded up to the next greater 0.1 mm;
d) Grade N:
- for diameters 75 mm
[0.008 de + 1 mm]
- for diameters 90 mm and 250 mm
[0.02 de]
- for diameters > 250 mm
[0.035 de]
rounded to next greater 0.1 mm.
6.3
6.3.1

Wall thicknesses and their tolerances.

Typical examples of the relationship between PN, MRS, S, and SDR based on

[MRS]
= for PE] are given in table 2.
[For the conveyance of water at 20 C, Cmin. s=S1.25
C
Relationship between nominal pressure PN, design stress ss and the series S/SDR are represented by the following equation:

10 x s S

PN =

or

PN =

20 x s S
SDR - 1

Table 2: Examples of relationship between PN at 20 C, S,

and SDR for the material class (MRS) given
SDR

PN in bars
PE 32

Material Class
PE 40 PE 63 PE 80

41
20
33
16
27.6 13.3

2.5
3.2

3.2
4

2.5

5
6

26
22
21

12.5
10.5
10

2.5

3.2

17.6
17
13.6

8.3
8
6.3

3.2
4

4
5

11.6
11
9.4

5.3
5
4.2

5
6

9
7.4
6

4
3.2
2.5

8
10

PE 100
4
5
6

6
8

8
10

10
12.5

10

12.5

16

12.5
16
20

16
20
25

20
25
32

8
10
12.5

43 of 55

6.3.2

Wall thickness

The wall thickness shall be in accordance with table 3.

NOTE: The tolerance grades are defined in ISO/DIS 11922-1 : 1993.

Table 3: Wall thickness for pipe series

Nom.
size
DN/OD

SDR 6
S-2.5
min.

max.

SDR 7.4
S-3.2
min.

max.

SDR 9
S-4
min.

SDR 11
S-5

max.

min.

SDR 13.6
S-6.3

SDR 17
S-8

max.

min.

max.

min.

max.

Grade V
16
20
25
32

3.0*
3.4
4.2
5.4

3.4
3.9
4.8
6.1

2.3*
3.0*
3.5
4.4

2.7
3.4
4.0
5.0

2.0*
2.3
3.0*
3.6

2.3
2.7
3.4
4.1

2.0*
2.3
3.0

2.3
2.7
3.4

2.0*
2.4

2.3
2.8

2.0*

2.3

40
50
63
75

6.7
8.3
10.5
12.5

7.5
9.3
11.7
13.9

5.5
6.9
8.6
10.3

6.2
7.7
9.6
11.5

4.5
5.6
7.1
8.4

5.1
6.3
8.0
9.4

3.7
4.6
5.8
6.8

4.2
5.2
6.5
7.6

3.0
3.7
4.7
5.6

3.5
4.2
5.3
6.3

2.4
3.0
3.8
4.5

2.8
3.4
4.3
5.1

90
110
125
140

15.0
18.3
20.8
23.3

16.7
20.3
23.0
25.8

12.3
15.1
17.1
19.2

13.7
16.8
19.0
21.3

10.1
12.3
14.0
15.7

11.3
13.7
15.6
17.4

8.2
10.0
11.4
12.7

9.2
11.1
12.7
14.1

6.7
8.1
9.2
10.3

7.5
9.1
10.3
11.5

5.4
6.6
7.4
8.3

6.1
7.4
8.3
9.3

160
180
200
225

26.6
29.9
33.2
37.4

29.4
33.0
36.7
41.3

21.9
24.6
27.4
30.8

24.2
27.2
30.3
34.0

17.9
20.1
22.4
25.2

19.8
22.3
24.8
27.9

14.6
16.4
18.2
20.5

16.2
18.2
20.2
22.7

11.8
13.3
14.7
16.6

13.1
14.8
16.3
18.4

9.5
10.7
11.9
13.4

10.6
11.9
13.2
14.9

250
280
315
355

41.5
46.5
52.3
59.0

45.8
51.3
57.7
65.0

34.2
38.3
43.1
48.5

37.8
42.3
47.6
53.5

27.9
31.3
35.2
39.7

30.8
34.6
38.9
43.8

22.7
25.4
28.6
32.2

25.1
28.1
31.6
35.6

18.4
20.6
23.2
26.1

20.4
22.8
25.7
28.9

14.8
16.6
18.7
21.1

16.4
18.4
20.7
23.4

54.7
61.5

60.3
67.8

44.7
50.3
55.8

49.3
55.5
61.5

36.3
40.9
45.4
50.8

40.1
45.1
50.1
56.0

29.4
33.1
36.8
41.2

32.5
36.6
40.6
45.5

23.7
26.7
29.7
33.2

26.2
29.5
32.8
36.7

57.2

63.1

46.3
52.2
58.8

51.1
57.6
64.8

37.4
42.1
47.4
53.3

41.3
46.5
52.3
58.8

59.3

65.4

400
450
500
560
630
710
800
900
1000
1200
1400
1600

The calculated values of ey,min. (ISO/DIS 4065) have been rounded up to the nearest value of either 2.0 or 2.3 or 3.0 .
Dimensions in millimeters, Table Concluded on following page.

44 of 55

Table 3: Wall thickness for pipe series (concluded)

Nom.
size
DN/OD

SDR 17.6
S-8.3

SDR 21
S-10

SDR 26
S-12.5

SDR 41
S-16

SDR 33
S-16
min.

max.

min.

max.

2.0
2.5
2.9

2.3
2.9
3.3

2.0
2.3

2.3
2.7

4.9
6.0
6.7
7.5

3.5
4.2
4.8
5.4

4.0
4.8
5.4
6.1

2.8
3.4
3.9
4.3

3.2
3.9
4.4
4.9

2.3*
2.7
3.1
3.5

2.6
3.1
3.6
4.0

7.7
8.6
9.6
10.8

8.6
9.6
10.7
12.0

6.2
6.9
7.7
8.6

7.0
7.7
8.6
9.6

4.9
5.5
6.2
6.9

5.5
6.2
7.0
7.7

4.0
4.4
4.9
5.5

4.5
5.0
5.5
6.2

15.8
17.6
19.8
22.3

11.9
13.4
15.0
16.9

13.2
14.9
16.6
18.7

9.6
10.7
12.1
13.6

10.7
11.9
13.5
15.1

7.7
8.6
9.7
10.9

8.6
9.6
10.8
12.1

6.2
6.9
7.7
8.7

7.0
7.7
8.6
9.7

22.7
25.5
28.3
31.7

25.1
28.2
31.3
35.0

19.1
21.5
23.9
26.7

21.2
23.8
26.4
29.5

15.3
17.2
19.1
21.4

17.0
19.1
21.2
23.7

12.3
13.8
15.3
17.2

13.7
15.3
17.0
19.1

9.8
11.0
12.3
13.7

10.9
12.2
13.7
15.2

630
710
800
900

35.7
40.2
45.3
51.0

39.4
44.4
50.0
56.2

30.0
33.9
38.1
42.9

33.1
37.4
42.1
47.3

24.1
27.2
30.6
34.4

26.7
30.1
33.8
38.3

19.3
21.8
24.5
27.6

21.4
24.1
27.1
30.5

15.4
17.4
19.6
22.0

17.1
19.3
21.7
24.3

1000
1200
1400
1600

56.6

62.4

47.7
57.2

52.6
63.1

38.2
45.9
53.5
61.2

42.2
50.6
59.0
67.5

30.6
36.7
42.9
49.0

33.8
40.5
47.3
54.0

24.5
29.4
34.3
39.2

27.1
32.5
37.9
43.3

min.

max.

min.

max.

min.

16
20
25
32

2.0*

2.3

40
50
63
75

2.3
2.9
3.6
4.3

2.7
3.3
4.1
4.9

2.0*
2.4
3.0
3.6

2.3
2.8
3.4
4.1

90
110
125
140

5.1
6.3
7.1
8.0

5.8
7.1
8.0
9.0

4.3
5.3
6.0
6.7

160
180
200
225

9.1
10.2
11.4
12.8

10.2
11.4
12.7
14.2

250
280
315
355

14.2
15.9
17.9
20.1

400
450
500
560

max.

Grade V

Dimensions in millimeters

Grade V tolerances in accordance with ISO/DIS 11922-1 : 1993 calculated using the following formula:
(0.1 ey, min.+ 0.1) mm rounded to next higher 0.1 mm.
For certain applications for ey > 30 mm tolerance grade T in accordance with ISO/DIS 11922-1 : 1993 can be used and the
tolerance calculated from the following formula: (0.15 ey, min.) rounded to next higher 0.1 mm.

45 of 55

6.4

Coiled pipe

The minimum internal diameter of the coil shall conform to both the following conditions:
a) shall be such that localized deformation, such as buckling and kinking is prevented
b) the minimum internal diameter shall not be less than 18 de.
NOTE: No requirements have been set concerning particular lengths of coiled or straight pipe or the tolerance
thereon; hence it is necessary for lengths of pipe to be supplied by agreement between purchaser and
manufacturer.

46 of 55

7
7.1

Mechanical characteristics
Conditioning

Unless otherwise specified by the applicable test method, the test pieces shall be conditioned at (23 2) C before testing
in accordance with table 4 and, if applicable table 5.
7.2

Requirements

When tested in accordance with the test methods as specified in table 4 using the indicated parameters, the pipe shall have
mechanical characteristics conforming to the requirements given in table 4.

Table 4: Mechanical characteristics

Characteristics

Test Parameters

Requirements

Parameters
Hydrostatic strength No failure during test
at 20 C
period of all test pieces

Hydrostatic strength No failure during test

at 80 C
period of all test pieces

Value

End caps
Type a)
Conditioning period 1 h
Number of test
See prEN 12201-7
pieces
Type of test
Circumferential
(hoop) stress
PE 32
PE 40
PE 63
PE 80
PE 100

water-in-water

Test period
Test temperature

100 h
20 C

Type of test
Test temperature
Circumferential
(hoop) stress
PE 32
PE 40
PE 63
PE 80
PE 100

water-in-water
80 C

Test period

165 h 1)

Test period

EN 921
(ISO 1167)

6.5 MPa
7.0 MPa
8.0 MPa
10.0 MPa
12.4 MPa

End caps
Type a)
Conditioning period Min 1 h
Number of test
See prEN 12201-7
pieces

PE 32
PE 40
PE 63
PE 80
PE 100

Test
Method

EN 921
(ISO 1167)

2.0 MPa
2.5 MPa
3.5 MPa
4.6 MPa
5.5 MPa

1.5 MPa
2.0 MPa
3.2 MPa
4.0 MPa
5.0 MPa
1000 h

1) Premature ductile failures are not taken into account, for retest procedure see 7.3 .

47 of 55

7.3

Retest in case of failure at 80 C

A fracture in a brittle mode in less than 165 h shall constitute a failure, however if a sample in the 165 h test fails in a
ductile mode in less than 165 h, a retest shall be performed at a selected lower stress in order to achieve minimum required
time for the selected stress obtained from the line through the recommended stress / time points given in table 5.
NOTE: Slow crack growth in PE pipes is thought to be an important characteristic which may have to be
taken into account and test methods are under development one of which is EN[155wi143].

Table 5: Hydrostatic strength at 80 C retest requirements

PE 32
Stress

8
8.1

PE 40
Stress

MPa

Requirement
h

2.0
1.9
1.8
1.7
1.6
1.5

165
227
319
456
667
1000

PE 63
Stress

MPa

Requirement
h

2.4
2.4
2.3
2.2
2.1
2.0

165
230
323
463
675
1000

Physical characteristics

PE 80
Stress

MPa

Requirement
h

3.5
3.4
3.3
3.2

165
295
538
1000

PE 100
Stress

MPa

Requirement
h

MPa

Requirement
h

4.6
4.5
4.4
4.3
4.2
4.1
4.0

165
219
293
394
533
727
1000

5.5
5.4
5.3
5.2
5.1
5.0

165
233
332
476
688
1000

Conditioning

Unless otherwise specified by the applicable test method, the test pieces shall be conditioned at (23 2) C before testing
in accordance with table 6.
8.2

Requirements

When tested in accordance with the test methods as specified in table 6 using the indicated parameters, the pipe shall have
physical characteristics conforming to the requirements given in table 6.

48 of 55

Table 6: Physical characteristics

Characteristics

Requirements

Test Parameters
Parameters

Test
Method
Value

All pipes
Elongation at break 350%

For e 12 mm
Speed of test
100 mm/min
Test piece dimension As specified in EN
638
Test piece shape

EN 638

As specified in EN
638

For e > 12 mm
Speed of test
25 mm/min
Test piece dimension As specified in EN
638
Test piece shape

As specified in EN
638

Number of test
pieces

See prEN 12201-7

Test temperature

(23 2) C

Melt mass-flow rate Change of MFR by

(MFR)
processing
Less than 20% 1)

Load
Test temperature
Time
Number of test
pieces

5 kg
190 C
10 min
See prEN 12201-7

ISO 1133
condition 18

Oxidation induction 20 min

time

Test temperature
Number of test
pieces

200 C 2)
See prEN 12201-7

prEN 728

Effect on water
quality 3)

As specified in relevant test methods

Additional tests on blue pipes

Resistance to
weathering

20 min

Cumulative solar
radiation

3.5 GJ/m

ISO 1056
(ISO 4607)

Tests after weathering

Hydrostatic strength No failure during test
at 80 C
period of all test pieces

See table 4, 165 h test See table 4

at 80 C

EN 921 (ISO
1167)

Elongation at break See above

See above

See above

EN 638

Oxidation induction 10 min

time

Test temperature
Number of test
pieces

200 C 2)
See prEN 12201-7

prEN 728

1) Value as measured on the pipe relative to the value measured on the compound.
2) Test may be carried out at 210 C providing that there is a clear correlation of the results to those at 200 C.
3) Test methods, parameters and requirements for all properties are under preparation. Until these ENs are
published National Regulations shall apply.
4) For samples after weathering the exposed surface shall be removed up to a depth of 0.4 mm.

49 of 55

Chemical characteristics

If for a particular installation in accordance with EN [155wi020]-6, it is necessary to evaluate the chemical resistance of
the pipe, then the pipe shall be classified in accordance with ISO 4433.
NOTE: Guidance for the resistance of polyethylene pipes to chemicals is given in ISO/TR 10358.

10

Sealing rings: (Not relevant)

11 Adhesives: (Not relevant)

12

Marking

12.1
All pipes shall be permanently and legibly marked along their lengths in such a way that the marking does not
initiate cracks or other types of premature failure and that normal storage, weathering, handling, installation and use shall
not affect the legibility of the marking.
12.2

If printing is used the colour of the printed information shall differ from the basic colour of the pipe.

12.3

The marking shall be legible without magnification

12.4

The marking shall be in accordance with table 7.

Table 7: Minimum required marking

Aspects

marking or Symbol
e.g. :

Manufacturer identification
Dimensions d x e
SDR series
Material and designation
Pressure class in bars
Production date (date or code)
Standard Number

Name or Symbol
110 x 10
SDR11
PE 80
PN 12.5
9302
EN 12201

Coils up to and including nominal diameter 63 mm shall be sequentially marked

with the meterage, which will indicate the length remaining on the coil.

13

Bibliography

1) ISO/DIS 4065 : 1993 Thermoplastics pipes - Universal wall thickness table

2) ISO/DIS 11922-1 : 1993 Thermoplastic pipes for the transport of fluids - Dimensions and tolerances - Part 1:
Metric series
3) ISO/TR 10358 : 1993 Plastics pipes and fittings - Combined chemical-resistance-classificatin table.

50 of 55

Potable Water
Certifications

51 of 55

Technical Bulletins

54 of 55

List of published Technical Bulletins by -apiBulletin No.

Title

3013 Apithene Support Spacing for Above

Ground Application

3015 Apithene System Testing

3016 Apithene Underground Installation

3018 Apiduct , Cable Conduit Pipes

3020 Procedure for Making Butt Fusion Joints

on Apithene Polyethylene Pipes

3021 Apithene Perforated Pipes (ASTM F810)

3022 Procedure for installing Compression

Fittings on Apithene Pipes

3023 Procedure for installing Electrofusion

Fittings on Apithene Pipes

Revision
-

55 of 55