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Tests on Plastic Pipes

Based on the many applications and different types of materials, there are a large number of national and international standards available for testing of plastic pipes. Both the material properties of the plastic and the performance characteristics of the finished pipe are tested. ZwickRoell testing machines are used to perform many of these tests.

Important tests on plastic pipes Application-based test requirements Quality standards for testing of plastic pipes

Initial ring stiffness / ring flexibility plastic pipes
ISO 9969, ASTM D2412, EN 1228, ISO 13968, ISO 13967
to Initial ring stiffness / ring flexibility plastic pipes
Creep test on thermoplastic pipes
ISO 9967
to Creep test on thermoplastic pipes
Tensile test on plastic pipes
ISO 6259, ISO 1979
to Tensile test on plastic pipes
Crack growth on polyethylene pipes
ISO 18488, ISO 18489
Strain Hardening (ESC, SCG)
to Crack growth on polyethylene pipes
Determination of MFR & MVR
MFR and MVR tests and other characteristic values of melt flow tests on plastics
Overview of the melt flow test incl. definition of the test methods for MFR and MVR tests and determined characteristic values, comparison between the test methods and standards ISO 1133, ASTM D1238 and ASTM D3364.
to Determination of MFR & MVR
Vicat softening temperature for plastic pipes
EN 727, ISO 306, ASTM D1525
to Vicat softening temperature for plastic pipes
Impact tests on plastic pipes or pipe sections
ISO 7628-2, ISO 3127, ISO 9854-1, ISO 9854-2
to Impact tests on plastic pipes or pipe sections

Plastic pipe test requirements for different applications

  • Pipe systems made of thermoplastic polymers or fiberglass reinforced plastics are used to transport liquids (mainly water) or gases. These systems are subject to stringent quality requirements.
  • Thermoplastic pipes, for example, made of PE, PP, PVC or PEX are manufactured in a variety of designs and feature mechanical properties including corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, low weight, flexibility, adequate ring stiffness and a low level of surface roughness.
  • Pipes with smooth inner and outer surfaces are often used as sewer base pipes for wastewater disposal. They can be produced in the form of solid wall tubes or as core-foamed tubes. Outer diameters range from 16 mm to 1200 mm. Heat-resistant pipes, which must also meet higher fire protection requirements, are used internally in homes and buildings.
  • Applications for corrugated pipes range from cable protection in machine construction, ship building and the automotive industry to drainage, safety, wastewater and sewer pipe applications with diameters up to 1800 mm. The corrugation feature makes these pipes very flexible in the longitudinal direction, which allows them to easily adapt to the environment while still maintaining a high level of ring stiffness. Special mechanical properties can be achieved by the type of profiling of the pipe wall or through hollow chambers.
  • Through the combination of different materials, properties can be selectively created. A typical example of this type of multilayer composite pipe is an aluminum pipe that is lined inside and outside with an adhesive layer of cross-linked PE (PEX). These types of pipes are very flexible, easy to install and impermeable to oxygen.
  • GRP pipes normally have a higher level of ring stiffness and can also be used for the transport of chemicals. These pipes are manufactured with outer diameters up to 3000 mm.

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Quality standards in testing of plastic pipes

The testing of pipes is based on the defined field of application. The national building and construction authorities require the approval of pipes according to a defined set of criteria, which are usually defined in specification standards or technical delivery conditions, with a great level of detail. The requirements can vary widely from one country to another.

Due to the wide range of application areas and materials, there are numerous national and international standards used in the testing of plastic pipes. Both the material properties of the plastic and the performance characteristics of the finished pipe are tested. ZwickRoell testing machines perform many of these tasks precisely and accurately.

The following overview provides and exemplary impression of the scope of the tests that apply to an underground PE pipe system, which is used for pressureless drainage and irrigation applications to EN 13476-1. The dimensional measurement are not presented here.

  • EN 13476-1:
    Plastic pipeline systems for underground pressureless sewer lines - Pipeline system with profiled wall of plasticizer-free polyvinyl chloride (PVC-U), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) - part 1: General requirements and features

Material properties

  • ISO 1167-1 Resistance to internal pressure, 165 h
  • ISO 1167-1 Resistance to internal pressure, 1000 h
  • ISO 1133-1 Melt mass-flow rate, MFR @ 190°C, 5 kg
  • ISO 728 Melt mass-flow rate, MFR @ 190°C, 5 kg
  • ISO 1183 Determination of the oxidation induction time, OIT

Physical properties

  • ISO 2505 Determination of longitudinal reversion, heating effects, PE fittings.
  • ISO 12091 Oven test

Mechanical properties of pipes

  • ISO 9969 Ring stiffness
  • EN 744 Resistance to external blows by the round-the-clock-method, drop weight tester method
  • ISO 13968 Ring flexibility
  • ISO 9967 Creep behavior
  • EN 1979 Tensile strength of a seam
  • EN 1411 Resistance to external blows by using the staircase method, drop weight tester method

Mechanical properties of fittings

  • ISO 13967 Stiffness
  • EN 12061 Test method for impact resistance
  • EN 12256 Mechanical strength or flexibility of fabricated fittings

Behavior requirements

  • EN 1277 Leaktightness of elastomeric sealing ring type joints
  • ISO 13260 Resistance to combined temperature cycling and external loading
  • EN 1055 Resistance to elevated temperature cycling
  • EN 1989 Resistance to elevated temperature cycling
  • EN 1053 Watertightness

ZwickRoell testing machines and testing instrument are available for different test methods.

In addition to the methods already presented, ZwickRoell also has testing equipment for special requirements.

Just ask us!

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