Abstract
This specification covers the requirements and test methods for material, dimensions, hydrostatic burst strength, tensile strength, chemical resistance, sustained pressure, heat fusion, and impact resistance of plastic pipes, tubing, and fittings used for direct burial and reliner applications in fuel gas mains and services for the distribution of natural gas. This specification does not cover threaded pipe. The plastic used to make the pipes and fittings shall be virgin plastic or reworked plastic having Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) long-term hydrostatic design stress and hydrostatic design basis rating.
Scope
1.1 This specification covers requirements and test methods for material (see Appendix X1) dimensions and tolerances, hydrostatic burst strength, chemical resistance, and impact resistance of plastic pipe, tubing, and fittings for use in fuel gas mains and services for direct burial and reliner applications. The annexes provide specific requirements and test methods for each of the materials currently approved. If and when additional materials are available, specific annex requirements will be added. The pipe and fittings covered by this specification are intended for use in the distribution of natural gas. Requirements for the qualifying of polyethylene systems for use with liquefied petroleum gas are covered in Annex A1.
1.1.1 This specification does not cover threaded pipe. Design considerations are discussed in Appendix X2. In-plant quality control programs are specified in Annex A3 and Annex A4.
1.2 The text of this specification references notes, footnotes, and appendixes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the specification.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information purposes only.
1.4 The following is an index of the annexes and appendixes in this specification:
| Annex | Subject |
| Annex A1 | Polyethylene (PE) Pipe and Fittings |
| Annex A2 | Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Pipe and Fittings for Maintenance or Repair |
| Annex A3 | In-Plant Quality Control for all materials up to 12 in. |
| Annex A4 | In-Plant Quality Control for PE materials between 14 and 24 in. |
| Annex A5 | Polyamide (PA) Pipe and Fittings |
| Annex A6 | Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe |
| Annex A7 | Peelable PE Pipe |
| Appendixes | Subject |
| Appendix X1 | New Materials |
| Appendix X2 | Design Consideration |
| Appendix X3 | Gas Pressure Pipe and Fittings Produced from Polyethylene (PE) materials with Minimum Required Strength (MRS) Designation |
1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 6, of this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
