ASTM F2657-07(2018)

Standard Test Method for Outdoor Weathering Exposure of Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 During shipment, storage and installation, PEX tubing may be exposed to UV radiation prior to being shielded from further exposure after installation. The effects of UV exposure on PEX tubing is determined by use of this test method. By first exposing specimens to solar UV radiation and subsequently testing specimens for oxidative resistance or stabilizer functionality, changes as a result of solar UV radiation exposure can be evaluated. This information can be used to determine the maximum allowable total UV exposure prior to permanent shielding provided by installation.  
5.2 The results of short-term exposure tests can provide an indication of relative outdoor performance, but they should not be used to predict the absolute long-term performance of a material. The results of tests conducted for less than twelve months will depend on the particular season of the year in which they begin.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes the procedure for exposing crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing produced in accordance with Specification F876 to natural (sunlight) ultraviolet (UV) radiation and evaluating the effects of the exposure. This test method outlines the requirements for specimen size and preparation, exposure orientation, minimum UV exposure energy, post exposure testing and reporting.
Note 1: While other laboratory UV exposure systems are available, this test method relies on natural sunlight as the UV radiation source. Laboratory methods may be added in the future if testing confirms a correlation between natural sunlight and laboratory exposure.  
1.2 PEX tubing is not designed for outdoor use. Data from short-term exposure testing per this test method can be used to judge the relative performance of PEX tubing stored outdoors for short periods of time prior to installation completely shielded from sunlight.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method and post exposure testing portions, Sections 8 and 9 of this test method.  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-Jul-2018
• ICS: 23.040.20 - Plastics pipes
• Technical Committee: F17 - Plastic Piping Systems
• Drafting Committee: F17.40 - Test Methods

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: F2657 − 07 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Test Method for
Outdoor Weathering Exposure of Crosslinked Polyethylene
(PEX) Tubing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2657; 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.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This test method describes the procedure for exposing 2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1435 Practice for Outdoor Weathering of Plastics
crosslinkedpolyethylene(PEX)tubingproducedinaccordance
with Specification F876 to natural (sunlight) ultraviolet (UV) D1598 Test Method for Time-to-Failure of Plastic Pipe
Under Constant Internal Pressure
radiation and evaluating the effects of the exposure. This test
D1600 Terminology forAbbreviatedTerms Relating to Plas-
method outlines the requirements for specimen size and
tics
preparation, exposure orientation, minimum UV exposure
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
energy, post exposure testing and reporting.
F876 SpecificationforCrosslinkedPolyethylene(PEX)Tub-
NOTE 1—While other laboratory UV exposure systems are available,
ing
this test method relies on natural sunlight as the UV radiation source.
F2023 Test Method for Evaluating the Oxidative Resistance
Laboratory methods may be added in the future if testing confirms a
of Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe, Tubing and
correlation between natural sunlight and laboratory exposure.
Systems to Hot Chlorinated Water
1.2 PEX tubing is not designed for outdoor use. Data from
G147 Practice for Conditioning and Handling of Nonmetal-
short-term exposure testing per this test method can be used to
lic Materials for Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests
judge the relative performance of PEX tubing stored outdoors
for short periods of time prior to installation completely
3. Terminology
shielded from sunlight.
3.1 Definitions—Definitions are in accordance with Termi-
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
nology F412 and abbreviations are in accordance with Termi-
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
nology D1600, unless otherwise indicated.
standard.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
3.2.1 nominal exposure time period, n—the number of
test method and post exposure testing portions, Sections 8 and
months corresponding to the measured TUV as defined in
9ofthistestmethod.Thisstandarddoesnotpurporttoaddress
Table 1.
all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is
3.2.2 polar orientation, n—the longitudinal direction of the
the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish
specimens with respect to the Equator.
appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to
3.2.3 solar UV radiation, n—the portion of the light spec-
use.
trum falling within the range of 295nm to 385nm.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.2.4 total solar UV radiation (TUV), n—the sum of mea-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
sured UV Energy for the time period specimens are exposed,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
expressed in MJ/m . The historical average monthly TUV
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
valuesforCentralArizona,5°offhorizontalexposurearelisted
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
in Table 1.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.5 tubing bow, n—the resultant curvature of a tubing
sample taken from a coil.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic
Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.40 on Test
Methods. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2018. Published August 2018. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2007. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as F2657–07(2012). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
.DOI: 10.1520/F2657-07R18. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2657 − 07 (2018)
A
TABLE 1 Total UV (TUV) Energy per Monthly Time Period
5.2 The results of short-term exposure tests can provide an
Nominal Exposure TUV Solar Radiation Highest Consecutive
indication of relative outdoor performance, but they should not
Time Period MJ/m UV Month Range
be used to predict the absolute long-term performance of a
1 month 40 June
material. The results of tests conducted for less than twelve
2 months 80 May-June
3 months 119 May-July
months will depend on the particular season of the year in
4 months 154 May-August
which they begin.
5 months 187 April-August
6 months 218 April-September
6. Apparatus
7 months 246 March-September
8 months 270 March-October
6.1 Test Site—Exposure site shall be in accordance with
9 months 289 February-October
10 months 307 February-November Practice D1435 and shall be in a hot, dry climate (for example,
11 months 324 January-November
Phoenix, AZ).
12 months 339 January-December
6.2 Specimen Rack—Specimen racks shall be in accordance
A
Solar UV radiation is based on Central Arizona 5° off horizontal for the 4 year
periodof1998through2001asreportedbyAtlasandTestingandTechnologyLLC. with Practice D1435 and shall allow for vertical mounting of
samples free of torsional or tensile stress. The rack shall
position the exposed surface of the specimens at a tilt angle in
the range of 5° to 45° inclusive.
3.2.6 UV energy, n—the amount of solar UV radiation per
6.3 Backing—specimens shall be tested un-backed.
unit time based on a 5° off horizontal specimen placement for
Central Arizona expressed as MJ/m .
6.4 UV Energy Measurement Equipment— UV radiation
3.2.6.1 Discussion—UV Energy for Central Arizona was
shall be measured using an Ultraviolet Radiometer conforming
selected as it represents the worst case North American
to the requirements of Practice D1435. Radiometer shall be
location based on a 4-year average of 1998 through 2001. This
mounted in the same attitude as the exposed samples.
information was provided by Atlas Material Testing Technol-
7. Sampling and Specimen Preparation
ogy LLC.
7.1 Sampling—specimens shall be representative of the
4. Summary of Test Method
product/material being evaluated. Select a sufficient amount of
4.1 PEX tubing specimens are exposed to solar UV radia-
tubing to satisfy the testing requirements. Specimens can be
tion for a period of time and then removed. The exposed
straight or can have a bow when cut from a coil.
specimens are then tested in accordance with one of the
7.2 Test Specimen Size—PEX tubing specimens shall be of
following methods:
nominalsize ⁄2 in.,SDR9,andshallbeaminimumof380mm
4.2 Potable Water Applications—UV exposed specimens
(15 in.) in length for the UV exposure portion of this method.
are tested at one temperature and pressure condition in accor-
7.3 Number of Test Specimens:
dance with Test Method F2023 to determine the average time
7.3.1 Post Exposure Testing to Test Method F2023—when a
to failure. The average time to failure for the UV-exposed
complete data set exists for the PEX material being evaluated
specimens is then compared to the average time to failure of
toTest Method F2023 and that data will be used for calculation
non UV-exposed specimens of the same PEX material or to the
in accordance with 10.4, a minimum of five specimens are
predicted time to failure for the same material based on a
required. When no data set exists for the PEX material being
completeTestMethodF2023dataset.Thepercentagedecrease
evaluated to Test Method F2023, or the existing data set will
in the average time to failure for the UV exposed specimens
notbeusedforcalculationinaccordancewith10.4,aminimum
and the TUV of the exposure are reported.
of ten specimens are required, five for UV exposure and five
4.3 Non-Potable Water Applications— PEX tubing for non-
for the non UV-exposed portion of this method.
potable water applications is post-exposure tested in accor-
7.3.2 Post-Exposure Testing to Stabilizer Functionality — a
dance with 4.2 or, alternately, tested in accordance with the
minimum of six specimens are required when stabilizer func-
stabilizer functionality test in Specification F876. The pass or
tionality is used for post UV exposure testing.
fail result of the stabilizer functionality test and theTUVof the
NOTE 2—The minimum specimen requirements are based on a single
exposure are reported.
Nominal Exposure Time Period (NETP) for the material being evaluated.
When the expected NETP for the material is unknown, additional
5. Significance and Use
specimens may be UV exposed for various levels of NET
...

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: F2657 − 07 (Reapproved 2012) F2657 − 07 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Test Method for
Outdoor Weathering Exposure of Crosslinked Polyethylene
(PEX) Tubing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2657; 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.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method describes the procedure for exposing crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing produced in accordance with
Specification F876 to natural (sunlight) ultraviolet (UV) radiation and evaluating the effects of the exposure. This test method
outlines the requirements for specimen size and preparation, exposure orientation, minimum UV exposure energy, post exposure
testing and reporting.
NOTE 1—While other laboratory UV exposure systems are available, this test method relies on natural sunlight as the UV radiation source. Laboratory
methods may be added in the future if testing confirms a correlation between natural sunlight and laboratory exposure.
1.2 PEX tubing is not designed for outdoor use. Data from short-term exposure testing per this test method can be used to judge
the relative performance of PEX tubing stored outdoors for short periods of time prior to installation completely shielded from
sunlight.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method and post exposure testing portions, Sections 8 and 9
of this test method. 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:
D1435 Practice for Outdoor Weathering of Plastics
D1598 Test Method for Time-to-Failure of Plastic Pipe Under Constant Internal Pressure
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
F876 Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing
F2023 Test Method for Evaluating the Oxidative Resistance of Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe, Tubing and Systems to
Hot Chlorinated Water
G147 Practice for Conditioning and Handling of Nonmetallic Materials for Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions are in accordance with Terminology F412 and abbreviations are in accordance with Terminology
D1600, unless otherwise indicated.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 nominal exposure time period, n—the number of months corresponding to the measured TUV as defined in Table 1.
3.2.2 polar orientation, n—the longitudinal direction of the specimens with respect to the Equator.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.40 on Test Methods.
Current edition approved March 1, 2012Aug. 1, 2018. Published April 2012August 2018. Originally approved in 2007. Last previous edition approved in 20072012 as
F2657F2657–07(2012).–07.DOI: 10.1520/F2657-07R12. .DOI: 10.1520/F2657-07R18.
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2657 − 07 (2018)
A
TABLE 1 Total UV (TUV) Energy per Monthly Time Period
Nominal Exposure TUV Solar Radiation Highest Consecutive
Time Period MJ/m UV Month Range
1 month 40 June
2 months 80 May-June
3 months 119 May-July
4 months 154 May-August
5 months 187 April-August
6 months 218 April-September
7 months 246 March-September
8 months 270 March-October
9 months 289 February-October
10 months 307 February-November
11 months 324 January-November
12 months 339 January-December
A
Solar UV radiation is based on Central Arizona 5° off horizontal for the 4 year
period of 1998 through 2001 as reported by Atlas and Testing and Technology LLC.
3.2.3 solar UV radiation, n—the portion of the light spectrum falling within the range of 295nm to 385nm.
3.2.4 total solar UV radiation (TUV), n—the sum of measured UV Energy for the time period specimens are exposed, expressed
in MJ/m . The historical average monthly TUV values for Central Arizona, 5° off horizontal exposure are listed in Table 1.
3.2.5 tubing bow, n—the resultant curvature of a tubing sample taken from a coil.
3.2.6 UV energy, n—the amount of solar UV radiation per unit time based on a 5° off horizontal specimen placement for Central
Arizona expressed as MJ/m .
3.2.6.1 Discussion—
UV Energy for Central Arizona was selected as it represents the worst case North American location based on a 4-year average
of 1998 through 2001. This information was provided by Atlas Material Testing Technology LLC.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 PEX tubing specimens are exposed to solar UV radiation for a period of time and then removed. The exposed specimens
are then tested in accordance with one of the following methods:
4.2 Potable Water Applications—UV exposed specimens are tested at one temperature and pressure condition in accordance
with Test Method F2023 to determine the average time to failure. The average time to failure for the UV-exposed specimens is
then compared to the average time to failure of non UV-exposed specimens of the same PEX material or to the predicted time to
failure for the same material based on a complete Test Method F2023 data set. The percentage decrease in the average time to
failure for the UV exposed specimens and the TUV of the exposure are reported.
4.3 Non-Potable Water Applications— PEX tubing for non-potable water applications is post-exposure tested in accordance
with 4.2 or, alternately, tested in accordance with the stabilizer functionality test in Specification F876. The pass or fail result of
the stabilizer functionality test and the TUV of the exposure are reported.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 During shipment, storage and installation, PEX tubing may be exposed to UV radiation prior to being shielded from further
exposure after installation. The effects of UV exposure on PEX tubing is determined by use of this test method. By first exposing
specimens to solar UV radiation and subsequently testing specimens for oxidative resistance or stabilizer functionality, changes
as a result of solar UV radiation exposure can be evaluated. This information can be used to determine the maximum allowable
total UV exposure prior to permanent shielding provided by installation.
5.2 The results of short-term exposure tests can provide an indication of relative outdoor performance, but they should not be
used to predict the absolute long-term performance of a material. The results of tests conducted for less than twelve months will
depend on the particular season of the year in which they begin.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Test Site—Exposure site shall be in accordance with Practice D1435 and shall be in a hot, dry climate (for example, Phoenix,
AZ).
6.2 Specimen Rack—Specimen racks shall be in accordance with Practice D1435 and shall allow for vertical mounting of
samples free of torsional or tensile stress. The rack shall position the exposed surface of the specimens at a tilt angle in the range
of 5° to 45° inclusive.
F2657 − 07 (2018)
6.3 Backing—specimens shall be tested un-backed.
6.4 UV Energy Measurement Equipment— UV radiation shall be measured using an Ultraviolet Radiometer conforming to the
requirements of Practice D1435. Radiometer shall be mounted in the same attitude as the exposed samples.
7. Sampling and Specimen Preparation
7.1 Sampling—specimens shall be representative of the product/material being evaluated. Select a sufficient amount of tubing
to satisfy the testing requirements. Specimens can be straight or can have a bow when cut from a coil.
7.2 Test Specimen Size—PEX tubing specimens shall be of nominal size ⁄2 in., SDR 9, and shall be a minimum of 380 mm (15
in.) in length for the UV exposure portion of this method.
7.3 Number of Test Specimens:
7.3.1 Post Exposure Testing to Test Method F2023—when a complete data set exists for the PEX material being evaluated to
Test Method F2023 and that data will be used for c
...