Recommended Specification for PolyPipe PW

HDPE Factory Mutual PE3408/PE3608 Pipe

INTRODUCTION
This Recommended Specification for Polyethylene Plastic Pipe was developed by PolyPipe, to assist the end user in developing his
own specifications which will help to ensure that the products purchased will perform satisfactorily in the intended end-use.
It is incumbent upon the utility user to have a working familiarity with the applicable standard specifications and recommendations
listed below but not limited to:
ASTM D3035
ASTM D3261
ASTM D3350
ASTM F714
ASTM F1055
ASTM F2620
AWWA C901
AWWA C906
FM 1613
PPI TR-3
PPI TR-4

Standard Specification of Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe Based on Controlled Outside Diameter
Standard Specification for Butt Heat Fusion Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Fittings for Polyethylene (PE)
Plastic Pipe and Tubing
Standard Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Pipe and Fittings Materials
Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe Based on Outside Diameter
Standard Specification for Electrofusion Type Polyethylene Fittings for Outside Diameter-Controlled
Polyethylene Pipe and Tubing
Standard Practice for Heat Fusion Joining of Polyethylene Pipe and Fittings
Standard for Polyethylene (PE) Pressure Pipe and Tubing, through 3 for Water Service
Standard for Polyethylene (PE) Pressure Pipe and Fittings, 4 through 63 for Water Service
Factory Mutual Approval Standard for Polyethylene (PE) Pipe and Fittings for Underground Fire
Protection
Policies and Procedures for Developing Recommended Hydrostatic Design Stresses for Thermoplastic
Design Stresses for Thermoplastic Pipe Materials
Recommended Hydrostatic Strengths and Design Stresses for Thermoplastics Pipe and Fittings
Compounds

Although it is difficult to incorporate in a specification, one of the most important considerations in purchasing quality materials for a
polyethylene piping system is the selection of a quality vendor. Such a vendor will have an understanding of the necessary Quality
Control tests and the capabilities to perform them and will also be able to provide records showing that a Quality Assurance program,
such as ISO 9001:2008, is in effect that utilizes these testing facilities.
In qualifying a Supplier the user should consider the following:
1. A demonstrated commitment to the market as evidenced by facilities investment and products offered;
2. A good reputation for product quality and service based on other user comments;
3. Adequate in-plant inspection and Quality Assurance testing, either in the Supplier's own facilities or in a qualified
independent laboratory;
4. Evidence that the Supplier has a qualified joining procedure in accordance with the recommendations of PPI TR-33 Generic
Fusion Procedures.
5. The ability to provide sound technical support for its products.
The user should ensure that, in addition to clearly defined material purchase specifications, the Manufacturer has also established
procedures for qualification testing and acceptance testing of PE pipe and tubing and certification requirements for the materials
purchased for use in their systems.
The following model specification is furnished to assist the user of polyethylene pipe in the procurement of materials meeting the
minimum federal standards as well as some additional recommended requirements. In the event local standards are more stringent,
appropriate modifications should be made to this model specification.

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1.0

MATERIALS
1.1

The pipe shall be high-density polyethylene with a standard thermoplastic material designation code of
PE3408/PE3608 and having a cell classification of 345464C per ASTM D3350.

1.2

Materials used to manufacture pipe shall be listed under the Manufacturers name in the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI)
TR-4, PPI Listing of Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB), Strength Design Basis (SDB), Pressure Design Basis (PDB)
and Minimum Required Strength (MRS) Ratings for Thermoplastic Piping Materials or Pipe. The Manufacturer
shall supply a product with a standard grade HDB rating of 1600 psi (minimum) at 73F and 800 psi (minimum) for
140F. Upon request, the Manufacturer shall supply certification that the materials used to manufacture the pipe
and fittings meet the above requirements.

1.3

The materials shall meet the following nominal physical property requirements:

PROPERTY
Material Designation
Cell Classification
Density, Natural
Density, Black
Melt Index (190C/2.16 kg)
Flow Rate (190C/21.6 kg)
Tensile Strength @ Yield
Ultimate Elongation
Flexural Modulus, 2% Secant
Environmental Stress Crack Resistance (ESCR)
F0, Condition C
PENT
Brittleness Temperature
Hardness, Shore D
Vicat Softening Temperature
Izod Impact Strength, Notched
Thermal Expansion Coefficient
PPI Hydrostatic Design Basis:
(As listed in PPI TR-4)
(1)

2.0

TEST METHOD(1)

NOMINAL VALUE

PPI/ASTM
D3350
D1505
D1505
D1238
D1238
D638
D638
D790

PE3408/PE3608
345464C
0.946 gm/cc
0.955 gm/cc
0.07 gm/10 min
8.5 gm/10 min
3,200 psi
>800%
136,000 psi

D1693
F1473
D746
D2240
D1525
D256
D696

>10,000 hrs.
>100 hrs.
<-180F
64
255F
7 ft-lbf/in
1.0 x 10-4 in/in/F
1,600 psi @ 73.4F
800 psi @ 140F

D2837

Test procedures are ASTM unless otherwise specified. (PPI = Plastics Pipe Institute)

POLYETHYLENE PIPE
2.1

Pipe furnished under this specification shall be manufactured from compounds in compliance with Section 1.0
above. The dimensional and performance characteristics shall conform to the requirements of the most current
version of ASTM F714. Each lot of material shall be tested for melt index, density and % carbon. Upon request,
the Manufacturer shall furnish test data.

2.2

Pipe shall be manufactured at a Factory Mutual (FM) inspected and approved facility only. Pipe shall be Pressure
Class (PC) 150 (4IPS 36 IPS) or 200 (4IPS 36IPS) or 267 (4 20).

2.3

The pipe Manufacturers Quality system shall be certified to be in accordance with ISO 9001:2008.

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3.0

JOINING
3.1

3.2

HEAT FUSION
3.1.1

Pipe shall be joined by thermal fusion per the Manufacturers recommended procedures.

3.1.2

Upon request, the Manufacturer shall provide fusion training by authorized personnel or an authorized
representative. The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that personnel have received proper
training per the Manufacturers recommended procedure. Records of training shall be maintained by the
Contractor and should not exceed 12 months from date of construction.

OTHER METHODS OF JOINING

3.2.1

4.0

MARKING
4.1

5.0

7.0

Pipe shall be homogenous throughout, and free of visible cracks, holes, foreign inclusions, blisters, dents or other
injurious defects. The pipe shall be as uniform as commercially practicable in color, opacity, density and other
physical properties.

TESTING
6.1

The Contractor shall be responsible for field set-up and performance of the fusion equipment and the fusion
procedure used by the operator. Upon request, the Contractor shall verify the fusion quality by making and testing
per the Manufacturers recommended qualification procedure. The Contractor shall be responsible for the necessary
adjustments to the set-up, equipment, operation and fusion procedure. Fusions that fail the qualification procedure
shall be remade.

6.2

Hydrostatic testing shall be conducted in accordance with the Manufacturers recommended testing procedures.

THIRD PARTY CERTIFICATION

7.1

8.0

Pipe shall be permanently marked in accordance with all applicable standards per this specification and include the
appropriate FM logo in the printline. Marking shall be legible and shall remain legible under normal handling and
installation practices.

WORKMANSHIP
5.1

6.0

Polyethylene pipe may be joined together or to other materials through the use of electrofusion fittings,
flange adapters with back-up rings, mechanical couplings designed for connecting polyethylene pipe to
itself or to another material, or MJ adapters. The Manufacturer of the joining device shall be consulted for
proper installation procedures.

The performance requirements of the pipe and fittings shall be as required by FM. The Manufacturer shall comply
with FM PC150, PC200 or PC267 by certifying in writing to the design engineer and marking the pipe with the
appropriate FM logo.

APPROVED MANUFACTURERS
8.1

The pipe shall be PolyPipe PW.

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