ASTM D2737-12a(2020)

Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Tubing

ABSTRACT
This specification covers polyethylene (PE) tubing pressure-rated for water. Included here are criteria for classifying PE plastic tubing materials and PE plastic tubing, and requirements and test methods for materials, workmanship, dimensions, bond strength, carbon black, density,.sustained pressure, hydrostatic burst pressure, and environmental stress cracking. Quality-assurance-passed products shall be marked accordingly as specified.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers polyethylene (PE) plastic tubing in outside diameters and SDR’s that are pressure rated for water. Included are requirements for PE compounds, and requirements and test methods for PE plastic tubing workmanship, dimensions, elevated temperature sustained pressure, burst pressure and marking.  
1.2 The text of this specification references notes, footnotes, and appendixes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes shall not be considered as requirements of the specification. Notes and footnotes in tables and figures, and Supplementary Requirements are requirements of the specification.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
Note 1: Joining PE plastic tubing with fittings that require flaring the tubing is not recommended because Practice D3140, the technique used to make the flare has been withdrawn (discontinued).
Note 2: References and PE compound descriptions for PE2305, PE2406, PE3306, PE3406, and PE3408 have been removed due to changes in Specification D3350 and PPI TR-3. For removed designations, refer to previous editions of Specification D2737, Specification D3350, PPI TR-3 and PPI TR-4. The removal of these PE compounds does not affect pipelines that are in service. PE compounds and material designations resulting from changes in Specification D3350 and PPI TR-3 are addressed in Section 5.  
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 7, 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2020
• ICS: 23.040.20 - Plastics pipes
• Technical Committee: F17 - Plastic Piping Systems
• Drafting Committee: F17.26 - Olefin Based Pipe

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:D2737 −12a (Reapproved 2020) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Tubing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2737; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1 This specification covers polyethylene (PE) plastic tub-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
ing in outside diameters and SDR’s that are pressure rated for
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
water. Included are requirements for PE compounds, and
requirements and test methods for PE plastic tubing
2. Referenced Documents
workmanship, dimensions, elevated temperature sustained
2.1 ASTM Standards:
pressure, burst pressure and marking.
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
1.2 Thetextofthisspecificationreferencesnotes,footnotes,
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
and appendixes which provide explanatory material. These
D1238 Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics
notes and footnotes shall not be considered as requirements of
by Extrusion Plastometer
the specification. Notes and footnotes in tables and figures, and
D1598 Test Method for Time-to-Failure of Plastic Pipe
Supplementary Requirements are requirements of the specifi-
Under Constant Internal Pressure
cation.
D1599 Test Method for Resistance to Short-Time Hydraulic
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Pressure of Plastic Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
D1600 Terminology forAbbreviatedTerms Relating to Plas-
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
tics
and are not considered standard.
D1603 Test Method for Carbon Black Content in Olefin
Plastics
NOTE 1—Joining PE plastic tubing with fittings that require flaring the
D2122 Test Method for Determining Dimensions of Ther-
tubing is not recommended because Practice D3140, the technique used to
make the flare has been withdrawn (discontinued).
moplastic Pipe and Fittings
NOTE 2—References and PE compound descriptions for PE2305,
D2565 Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics In-
PE2406, PE3306, PE3406, and PE3408 have been removed due to
tended for Outdoor Applications
changes in Specification D3350 and PPI TR-3. For removed designations,
D2837 Test Method for Obtaining Hydrostatic Design Basis
refer to previous editions of Specification D2737, Specification D3350,
PPI TR-3 and PPI TR-4. The removal of these PE compounds does not forThermoplasticPipeMaterialsorPressureDesignBasis
affect pipelines that are in service. PE compounds and material designa-
for Thermoplastic Pipe Products
tions resulting from changes in Specification D3350 and PPI TR-3 are
D3350 Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Pipe and Fit-
addressed in Section 5.
tings Materials
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
D3140 Practice for Flaring Polyolefin Pipe and Tubing
test methods portion, Section 7, of this specification: This
(Withdrawn 1999)
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
D4218 Test Method for Determination of Carbon Black
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
Content in Polyethylene Compounds by the Muffle-
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
Furnace Technique
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
regulatory limitations prior to use.
G154 Practice for Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV)
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F17 on Plastic For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.26 on Olefin contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Based Pipe. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2020. Published November 2020. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1968. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D2737 – 12a. DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/D2737-12AR20. www.astm.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2737−12a (2020)
G155 Practice for Operating XenonArc LightApparatus for 4. Tubing Classification
Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials
4.1 General—This specification covers PE plastic tubing
2.2 APWA Standard:
made from PE compounds in three standard dimension ratios
APWA Uniform Color Code
and pressure rated for water. Pressure ratings for water are
2.3 NSF Standards:
dependent on the PE compound in accordance with the
NSF/ANSI Standard No. 14 for Plastic Piping Components
following relationship:
and Related Materials
2 3HDS
NSF/ANSI Standard No. 61 for Drinking Water Systems
PR 5 (1)
SDR11
~ !
Components—Health Effects
where:
2.4 PPI Standards:
PPI TR-3 Policies and Procedures for Developing Hydro-
PR = pressure rating for water, 73 °F (23 °C), psi (kPa)
HDS = hydrostatic design stress for water at 73 °F (23 °C),
static Design Basis (HDB), Pressure Design Basis (PDB),
Strength Design Basis (SDB), and Minimum Required psi (kPa)
SDR = standard dimension ratio
Strength (MRS) Ratings for Thermoplastic Piping Mate-
rials or Pipe NOTE 3—PR and HDS must have the same units. See Appendix X1 for
maximum pressure ratings for water.
PPI TR-4 HDB/SDB/PDB/MRS Listed Materials, PPI List-
ing of Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB), Strength Design
4.2 This specification covers PE tubing in standard dimen-
Basis(SDB),PressureDesignBasis(PDB),andMinimum
sion ratios SDR 7.3, SDR 9, and SDR 11.
Required Strength (MRS) Ratings for Thermoplastic Pip-
ing Materials or Pipe
5. Materials
3. Terminology 5.1 Polyethylene Compound—Polyethylene compounds
suitable for use in the manufacture of tubing under this
3.1 Definitions—Unless otherwise specified, definitions are
specification shall meet thermoplastic materials designation
in accordance with Terminology F412 and abbreviations are in
codesPE2708orPE3608orPE4608orPE4710,andshallmeet
accordance with Terminology D1600.
Table 1 requirements for PE2708 or PE3608 or PE4608 or
PE4710, and shall meet thermal stability, brittleness tempera-
ture and elongation at break requirements in accordance with
Specification D3350.
Available from APWA, 1200 Main Street, Suite 1400 Kansas City, MO
64105-2100, https://www.apwa.net/ 5.1.1 Color and Ultraviolet (UV) Stabilization—
Available from NSF International, P.O. Box 130140, 789 N. Dixboro Rd.,Ann
Polyethylene compounds shall meet Specification D3350 code
Arbor, MI 48113-0140, http://www.nsf.org.
C, D or E. In addition, Code C polyethylene compounds shall
Available from Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI), 105 Decker Court, Suite 825,
Irving, TX 75062, http://www.plasticpipe.org.
TABLE 1 Polyethylene Compound Requirements
Material Designation
Requirement PE2708 PE3608 PE4608 PE4710
Required Value
Minimum HDB at 140 ºF
(60 ºC), psi (MPa),
A A A A
800 (5.5) 800 (5.5) 800 (5.5) 800 (5.5)
per Test Method D2837
and PPI TR-3
HDS for water at 800 (5.5) 800 (5.5) 800 (5.5) 1000 (6.9)
73 °F (23 °C) psi (MPa),
per Test Method D2837
A
and PPI TR-3
Melt flow rate #0.40 g/10 min Cond. #0.15 g/10 min #0.15 g/10 min #0.15 g/10 min
per Test Method D1238 190/2.16 or #20 g/10 Cond. 190/2.16 or Cond. 190/2.16 or Cond. 190/2.16 or
min Cond. 190/21.6 #20 g/10 min #20 g/10 min #20 g/10 min
Cond. 190/21.6 Cond. 190/21.6 Cond. 190/21.6
Specification D3350 Required Value
Cell Classification
Property Requirement
Density (natural base resin) 2 3 4 4
SCG Resistance 7 6 6 7
B
Color and UV Stabilizer Code C, D or E C, D or E C, D or E C, D or E
A
Contact manufacturer or see PPI TR-4 for listed value.
B
See 5.1.1.
D2737−12a (2020)
have 2 to 3 percent carbon black, and Code D or E polyethyl- 6.2.3 Wall Thickness Variation—The wall thickness varia-
ene compounds shall have sufficient UV stabilizer to protect tion shall not exceed 12 % when measured in accordance with
tubing from deleterious UV exposure effects during unpro- 7.4.
tected outdoor shipping and storage for at least eighteen (18) 6.2.4 Thickness of Outer Layer—For tubing produced by
months. simultaneous multiple extrusion, the outer concentric layer
shall be at least 0.020 in (0.5 mm) thick.
NOTE 4—Pipe users should consult with the pipe manufacturer about
the outdoor exposure life of the product under consideration. Evaluation
6.3 Bond—For tubing produced by simultaneous multiple
of UV stabilizer in Code D or E PE compound using Practice D2565 or
extrusion, the bond between the layers shall be strong and
Practice G154 or Practice G155 may be useful for this purpose.
uniform. It shall not be possible to cleanly separate any two
5.1.2 Colors for solid color, an external color layer or color
layers with a probe or point of a knife blade at any point.
stripes—In accordance with the APWA Uniform Color Code,
6.4 Carbon Black—Polyethylene tubing produced using
blue shall identify potable water service; green shall identify
CodeCpolyethylenecompoundper5.1.1shallcontain2to3%
sewer service; and purple (lavender) shall identify reclaimed
carbon black when tested in accordance with 7.5.
water service. Yellow identifies gas service and shall not be
6.5 Burst Pressure—The minimum burst pressure for tubing
used.
shall be as given in Table 4, when determined in accordance
5.2 Products intended for contact with potable water shall
with 7.6 using a minimum hoop stress of 2520 psi (17.4 MPa)
be evaluated, tested and certified for conformance with NSF/
for Table 1 density cell 2 polyethylene compound or 2900 psi
ANSI Standard No. 61 or the health effects portion of NSF/
(20.0 MPa) for Table 1 density cell 3 or 4 polyethylene
ANSI Standard No. 14 by a certifying organization acceptable
compound. In addition, the failure shall be ductile.
to the authority having jurisdiction.
6.6 Elevated Temperature Sustained Pressure—Elevated
5.3 Rework Material—Clean polyethylene compound from
temperature sustained pressure tests for each polyethylene
the manufacturer’s own tubing production that met 5.1 through
compound designation per Table 1 used in production at the
5.2 as new PE compound is suitable for re-extrusion into
facility shall be conducted twice annually per 7.7.
tubing when blended with new PE compound having the same
6.7 Inside Surface Ductility for Tubing—Tubing shall be
material designation. Tubing containing rework material shall
tested for inside surface ductility in accordance with 7.8 or 7.9.
meet all the requirements of this specification.
NOTE 6—Tensile elongation testing per 7.9 provides a quantifiable
6. Requirements
result and is used for referee testing and in cases of disagreement.
6.1 Workmanship—The tubing shall be homogeneous
7. Test Methods
throughout and free from visible cracks, holes, foreign
inclusions, or other defects. The tubing shall be as uniform as
7.1 Conditioning—Condition as specified in the test
commercially practicable in color, opacity, density, and other
method.Whereconditioningisnotspecifiedinthetestmethod,
physical properties. See 5.1.2.
condition the test specimens at 73 6 3.6 °F (23 6 2 °C)
without regard to relative humidity for not less than 4 h prior
6.2 Dimensions and Tolerances:
to the test in accordance with ProcedureAof Practice D618,or
6.2.1 Outside Diameters—The outside diameters and toler-
at 73 6 3.6 °F (23 6 2 °C) for not less than1hin accordance
ances shall be as shown in Table 2 when measured in
with Procedure D of Practice D618.
accordance with 7.4.
6.2.1.1 Out-of-roundness—Out of roundness shall be in
7.2 Test Conditions—Conduct tests in accordance with the
accordance with Table 2 as extruded, but before coiling for
conditionsspecifiedinthetestmethod,orifnotspecifiedinthe
packaging when measured in accordance with 7.4.
test method, at 73.4 6 3.6 °F (23 6 2 °C) without regard to
relative humidity.
NOTE 5—Coiling may increase out-of-roundness, depending on the
coiling method and coil dimensions.
7.3 Sampling—The number and selection of samples shall
be as specified in the test method, or if not specified in the test
6.2.2 Wall Thicknesses—The wall thicknesses and tolerance
shall be as shown in Table 3 when measured in accordance method, sample selection shall be as agreed upon by the
with 7.4. Wall thickness shall be inclusive of all extruded purchaser and seller. In case of no prior agreement, any sample
concentric layers. selected by the testing laboratory shall be deemed adequate.
TABLE 2 Outside Diameters and Tolerances for PE Plastic Tubing
Outside
Tubing
Diameter,
Outside Diameter Out-of-Roundness,
Size
in. (mm)
Tolerance, in. (mm) in. (mm)
⁄2 0.625 (15.87 ±0.004 (±0.10) 0.030 (0.76)
⁄8 0.750 (19.05) ±0.004 (±0.10) 0.030 (0.76)
⁄4 0.875 (22.23) ±0.004 (±0.10) 0.030 (0.76)
1 1.125 (28.58) ±0.005 (±0.13) 0.030 (0.76)
1 ⁄4 1.375 (34.93) ±0.005 (±0.13) 0.030 (0.76)
1 ⁄2 1.625 (41.23) ±0.006 (±0.15) 0.030 (0.76)
2 2.125 (53.98) ±0.006 (±0.15) 0.030 (0.76)
D2737−12a (2020)
TABLE 3 Wall Thickness and Tolerances for PE Plastic Tubing
A
Wall Thickness, in.
SDR 7.3 SDR 9 SDR 11
in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm)
Tubing Size, in. Minimum Tolerance Minimum Tolerance Minimum Tolerance Minimum Tolerance Minimum Tolerance Minimum Tolerance
⁄2 0.086 +0.010 (2.18) (0.25) 0.069 +0.010 (1.75) (0.25) 0.062 +0.010 (1.57) (0.25)
⁄8 0.103 +0.010 (2.62) (0.25) 0.083 +0.010 (2.11) (0.25) 0.068 +0.010 (1.73) (0.25)
⁄4 0.120 +0.012 (3.05) (0.30) 0.097 +0.010 (2.46) (0.25) 0.080 +0.010 (2.03) (0.25)
1 0.154 +0.015 (3.91) (0.38) 0.125 +0.012 (3.18) (0.30) 0.102 +0.010 (2.59) (0.25)
1 ⁄4 0.188 +0.019 (4.78) (0.48) 0.153 +0.015 (3.89) (0.38) 0.125 +0.012 (3.18) (0.30)
1 ⁄2 0.233 +0.022 (5.92) (0.56) 0.181 +0.018 (4.60) (0.46) 0.148 +0.015 (3.76) (0.38)
2 0.291 +0.029 (7.39) (0.74) 0.236 +0.024 (5.99) (0.61) 0.193 +0.019 (4.90) (0.48)
A
The minimum is the lowest wall thickness of th
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D2737 − 12a D2737 − 12a (Reapproved 2020) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Tubing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2737; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers polyethylene (PE) plastic tubing in outside diameters and SDR’s that are pressure rated for water.
Included are requirements for PE compounds, and requirements and test methods for PE plastic tubing workmanship, dimensions,
elevated temperature sustained pressure, burst pressure and marking.
1.2 The text of this specification references notes, footnotes, and appendixes which provide explanatory material. These notes and
footnotes shall not be considered as requirements of the specification. Notes and footnotes in tables and figures, and Supplementary
Requirements are requirements of the specification.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
NOTE 1—Joining PE plastic tubing with fittings that require flaring the tubing is not recommended because Practice D3140, the technique used to make
the flare has been withdrawn (discontinued).
NOTE 2—References and PE compound descriptions for PE2305, PE2406, PE3306, PE3406, and PE3408 have been removed due to changes in
Specification D3350 and PPI TR-3. For removed designations, refer to previous editions of Specification D2737, Specification D3350, PPI TR-3 and PPI
TR-4. The removal of these PE compounds does not affect pipelines that are in service. PE compounds and material designations resulting from changes
in Specification D3350 and PPI TR-3 are addressed in Section 5.
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 7, 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.26 on Olefin Based
Pipe.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2012Nov. 1, 2020. Published December 2012November 2020. Originally approved in 1968. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as
D2737 – 03.D2737 – 12a. DOI: 10.1520/D2737-12A.10.1520/D2737-12AR20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2737 − 12a (2020)
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D1238 Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer
D1598 Test Method for Time-to-Failure of Plastic Pipe Under Constant Internal Pressure
D1599 Test Method for Resistance to Short-Time Hydraulic Pressure of Plastic Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
D1603 Test Method for Carbon Black Content in Olefin Plastics
D2122 Test Method for Determining Dimensions of Thermoplastic Pipe and Fittings
D2565 Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics Intended for Outdoor Applications
D2837 Test Method for Obtaining Hydrostatic Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Materials or Pressure Design Basis for
Thermoplastic Pipe Products
D3350 Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Pipe and Fittings Materials
D3140 Practice Forfor Flaring Polyolefin Pipe Andand Tubing (Withdrawn 1999)
D4218 Test Method for Determination of Carbon Black Content in Polyethylene Compounds by the Muffle-Furnace Technique
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
G154 Practice for Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
G155 Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials
2.2 APWA Standard:
APWA Uniform Color Code
2.3 NSF Standards:
NSF/ANSI Standard No. 14 for Plastic Piping Components and Related Materials
NSF/ANSI Standard No. 61 for Drinking Water Systems Components—Health Effects
2.4 PPI Standards:
PPI TR-3 Policies and Procedures for Developing Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB), Pressure Design Basis (PDB), Strength
Design Basis (SDB), and Minimum Required Strength (MRS) Ratings for Thermoplastic Piping Materials or Pipe
PPI TR-4 HDB/SDB/PDB/MRS Listed Materials, 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
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Unless otherwise specified, definitions are in accordance with Terminology F412 and abbreviations are in
accordance with Terminology D1600.
4. Tubing Classification
4.1 General—This specification covers PE plastic tubing made from PE compounds in three standard dimension ratios and
pressure rated for water. Pressure ratings for water are dependent on the PE compound in accordance with the following
relationship:
23HDS
PR 5 (1)
SDR11
~ !
where:Where:
PR = pressure rating for water, 73°F (23°C), psi (kPa)
PR = pressure rating for water, 73 °F (23 °C), psi (kPa)
HDS = hydrostatic design stress for water at 73°F (23°C), psi (kPa)
HDS = hydrostatic design stress for water at 73 °F (23 °C), psi (kPa)
SDR = standard dimension ratio
NOTE 3—PR and HDS must have the same units. See Appendix X1 for maximum pressure ratings for water.
4.2 This specification covers PE tubing in standard dimension ratios SDR 7.3, SDR 9, and SDR 11.
Withdrawn. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
APWA, 2345 Grand Boulevard, suite 500, Kansas, City, MO 64108-2641. Available from APWA, 1200 Main Street, Suite 1400 Kansas City, MO 64105-2100,
https://www.apwa.net/
Available from NSF International, P.O. Box 130140, 789 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48113-0140, http://www.nsf.org.
Available from Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI), 105 Decker Court, Suite 825, Irving, TX 75062, http://www.plasticpipe.org.
D2737 − 12a (2020)
5. Materials
5.1 Polyethylene Compound—Polyethylene compounds suitable for use in the manufacture of tubing under this specification shall
meet thermoplastic materials designation codes PE2708 or PE3608 or PE4608 or PE4710, and shall meet Table 1 requirements
for PE2708 or PE3608 or PE4608 or PE4710, and shall meet thermal stability, brittleness temperature and elongation at break
requirements in accordance with Specification D3350.
5.1.1 Color and Ultraviolet (UV) Stabilization—Polyethylene compounds shall meet Specification D3350 code C, D or E. In
addition, Code C polyethylene compounds shall have 2 to 3 percent carbon black, and Code D or E polyethylene compounds shall
have sufficient UV stabilizer to protect tubing from deleterious UV exposure effects during unprotected outdoor shipping and
storage for at least eighteen (18) months.
NOTE 4—Pipe users should consult with the pipe manufacturer about the outdoor exposure life of the product under consideration. Evaluation of UV
stabilizer in Code D or E PE compound using Practice D2565 or Practice G154 or Practice G155 may be useful for this purpose.
5.1.2 Colors for solid color, an external color layer or color stripes—In accordance with the APWA Uniform Color Code, blue
shall identify potable water service; green shall identify sewer service; and purple (lavender) shall identify reclaimed water service.
Yellow identifies gas service and shall not be used.
5.2 Products intended for contact with potable water shall be evaluated, tested and certified for conformance with NSF/ANSI
Standard No. 61 or the health effects portion of NSF/ANSI Standard No. 14 by a certifying organization acceptable to the authority
having jurisdiction.
5.3 Rework Material—Clean polyethylene compound from the manufacturer’s own tubing production that met 5.1 through 5.2 as
new PE compound is suitable for re-extrusion into tubing when blended with new PE compound having the same material
designation. Tubing containing rework material shall meet all the requirements of this specification.
TABLE 1 Polyethylene Compound Requirements
Material Designation
Requirement PE2708 PE3608 PE4608 PE4710
Required Value
Minimum HDB at 140ºF
(60ºC), psi (MPa),
A A A A
800 (5.5) 800 (5.5) 800 (5.5) 800 (5.5)
per Test Method D2837
and PPI TR-3
Minimum HDB at 140 ºF
(60 ºC), psi (MPa),
A A A A
800 (5.5) 800 (5.5) 800 (5.5) 800 (5.5)
per Test Method D2837
and PPI TR-3
HDS for water at 800 (5.5) 800 (5.5) 800 (5.5) 1000 (6.9)
73°F (23°C) psi (MPa),
per Test Method D2837
A
and PPI TR-3
HDS for water at 800 (5.5) 800 (5.5) 800 (5.5) 1000 (6.9)
73 °F (23 °C) psi (MPa),
per Test Method D2837
A
and PPI TR-3
Melt flow rate #0.40 g/10 min Cond. #0.15 g/10 min #0.15 g/10 min #0.15 g/10 min
per Test Method D1238 190/2.16 or #20 g/10 Cond. 190/2.16 or Cond. 190/2.16 or Cond. 190/2.16 or
min Cond. 190/21.6 #20 g/10 min #20 g/10 min #20 g/10 min
Cond. 190/21.6 Cond. 190/21.6 Cond. 190/21.6
Specification D3350 Required Value
Cell Classification
Property Requirement
Density (natural base resin) 2 3 4 4
SCG Resistance 7 6 6 7
B
Color and UV Stabilizer Code C, D or E C, D or E C, D or E C, D or E
A
Contact manufacturer or see PPI TR-4 for listed value.
B
See 5.1.1.
D2737 − 12a (2020)
6. Requirements
6.1 Workmanship—The tubing shall be homogeneous throughout and free from visible cracks, holes, foreign inclusions, or other
defects. The tubing shall be as uniform as commercially practicable in color, opacity, density, and other physical properties. See
5.1.2.
6.2 Dimensions and Tolerances:
6.2.1 Outside Diameters—The outside diameters and tolerances shall be as shown in Table 2 when measured in accordance with
7.4.
6.2.1.1 Out-of-roundness—Out of roundness shall be in accordance with Table 2 as extruded, but before coiling for packaging
when measured in accordance with 7.4.
NOTE 5—Coiling may increase out-of-roundness, depending on the coiling method and coil dimensions.
6.2.2 Wall Thicknesses—The wall thicknesses and tolerance shall be as shown in Table 3 when measured in accordance with 7.4.
Wall thickness shall be inclusive of all extruded concentric layers.
6.2.3 Wall Thickness Variation—The wall thickness variation shall not exceed 12 % when measured in accordance with 7.4.
6.2.4 Thickness of Outer Layer—For tubing produced by simultaneous multiple extrusion, the outer concentric layer shall be at
least 0.020 in (0.5 mm) thick.
6.3 Bond—For tubing produced by simultaneous multiple extrusion, the bond between the layers shall be strong and uniform. It
shall not be possible to cleanly separate any two layers with a probe or point of a knife blade at any point.
6.4 Carbon Black—Polyethylene tubing produced using Code C polyethylene compound per 5.1.1 shall contain 2 to 3% carbon
black when tested in accordance with 7.5.
6.5 Burst Pressure—The minimum burst pressure for tubing shall be as given in Table 4, when determined in accordance with 7.6
using a minimum hoop stress of 2520 psi (17.4 MPa) for Table 1 density cell 2 polyethylene compound or 2900 psi (20.0 MPa)
for Table 1 density cell 3 or 4 polyethylene compound. In addition, the failure shall be ductile.
6.6 Elevated Temperature Sustained Pressure—Elevated temperature sustained pressure tests for each polyethylene compound
designation per Table 1 used in production at the facility shall be conducted twice annually per 7.7.
6.7 Inside Surface Ductility for Tubing—Inside Surface Ductility for Tubing—Tubing Tubing shall be tested for inside surface
ductility in accordance with 7.8 or 7.9.
NOTE 6—Tensile elongation testing per 7.9 provides a quantifiable result and is used for referee testing and in cases of disagreement.
7. Test Methods
7.1 Conditioning—Condition as specified in the test method. Where conditioning is not specified in the test method, condition the
TABLE 2 Outside Diameters and Tolerances for PE Plastic Tubing
Outside
Tubing
Diameter,
Outside Diameter Out-of-Roundness,
Size
in. (mm)
Tolerance, in. (mm) in. (mm)
⁄2 0.625 (15.87 ±0.004 (±0.10) 0.030 (0.76)
⁄8 0.750 (19.05) ±0.004 (±0.10) 0.030 (0.76)
⁄4 0.875 (22.23) ±0.004 (±0.10) 0.030 (0.76)
1 1.125 (28.58) ±0.005 (±0.13) 0.030 (0.76)
1 ⁄4 1.375 (34.93) ±0.005 (±0.13) 0.030 (0.76)
1 ⁄2 1.625 (41.23) ±0.006 (±0.15) 0.030 (0.76)
2 2.125 (53.98) ±0.006 (±0.15) 0.030 (0.76)
D2737 − 12a (2020)
TABLE 3 Wall Thickness and Tolerances for PE Plastic Tubing
A
Wall Thickness, in.
SDR 7.3 SDR 9 SDR 11
in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm)
Tubing Size, in. Minimum Tolerance Minimum Tolerance Minimum Tolerance Minimum Tolerance Minimum Tolerance Minimum Tolerance
⁄2 0.086 +0.010 (2.18) (0.25) 0.069 +0.010 (1.75) (0.25) 0.062 +0.010 (1.57) (0.25)
⁄8 0.103 +0.010 (2.62) (0.25) 0.083 +0.010 (2.11) (0.25) 0.068 +0.010 (1.73) (0.25)
⁄4 0.120 +0.012 (3.05) (0.30) 0.097 +0.010 (2.46) (0.25) 0.080 +0.010 (2.03) (0.25)
1 0.154 +0.015 (3.91) (0.38) 0.125 +0.012 (3.18) (0.30) 0.102 +0.010 (2.59) (0.25)
1 ⁄4 0.188 +0.019 (4.78) (0.48) 0.153 +0.015 (3.89) (0.38) 0.125 +0.012 (3.18) (0.30)
1 ⁄2 0.233 +0.022
...