ASTM F1298-90(2023)

Standard Specification for Flexible, Expansion-Type Ball Joints for Marine Applications

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the design, manufacture, and testing of ball joints utilized for accommodating thermal expansion and contraction, or mechanical movement of a pipeline carrying fluid. Ball joints shall be designed to conform to the requirements prescribed. Flex cycle test, thermal cycling test, and hydrostatic test shall be performed to meet the requirements prescribed.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the design, manufacture, and testing of ball joints utilized for accommodating thermal expansion and contraction, or mechanical movement of a pipeline carrying fluid. The ball joints are intended for use in systems operating above 0 °F (18 °C).  
1.2 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.  
1.3 The following precautionary 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.  
1.4 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: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2023
• ICS: 47.020.05 - Materials and components for shipbuilding
• Technical Committee: F25 - Ships and Marine Technology
• Drafting Committee: F25.11 - Machinery and Piping Systems

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F722-82(2014) - Standard Specification for Welded Joints for Shipboard Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM A395/A395M-99(2014) - Standard Specification for Ferritic Ductile Iron Pressure-Retaining Castings for Use at Elevated Temperatures
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2014
• Refers: ASTM A395/A395M-99(2009) - Standard Specification for Ferritic Ductile Iron Pressure-Retaining Castings for Use at Elevated Temperatures
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM F722-82(2008) - Standard Specification for Welded Joints for Shipboard Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM F722-82(2004) - Standard Specification for Welded Joints for Shipboard Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2004
• Refers: ASTM A395/A395M-99(2004) - Standard Specification for Ferritic Ductile Iron Pressure-Retaining Castings for Use at Elevated Temperatures
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2004
• Refers: ASTM A395/A395M-99 - Standard Specification for Ferritic Ductile Iron Pressure-Retaining Castings for Use at Elevated Temperatures
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-1999
• Refers: ASTM A395/A395M-99e1 - Standard Specification for Ferritic Ductile Iron Pressure-Retaining Castings for Use at Elevated Temperatures
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-1999
• Refers: ASTM F722-82(1998) - Standard Specification for Welded Joints for Shipboard Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1993

Overview

ASTM F1298-90(2023): Standard Specification for Flexible, Expansion-Type Ball Joints for Marine Applications provides essential requirements for the design, manufacture, and testing of flexible ball joints used in marine piping systems. These ball joints accommodate thermal expansion, contraction, and mechanical movement in pipelines transporting fluids, ensuring integrity and reliability in shipboard and marine environments. The standard supports safety and performance by specifying comprehensive qualification and production tests, material requirements, and inspection protocols.

Key Topics

• Design and Manufacturing Requirements

  • Ball joints must be designed to meet the operating requirements of marine pipelines, specifically for systems functioning above 0 °F (-18 °C).
  • Construction materials are restricted to wrought or cast steel and, in limited applications, ductile iron. All pressure-containing components must comply with relevant standards such as ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code or ANSI B31.1 Power Piping.
  • Seals and packing materials are selected for compatibility with the service environment, pressure, and temperature.

• Testing and Qualification

  • Ball joints undergo strict qualification testing, including flex cycle tests (8,000 cycles at maximum rated conditions), thermal cycling for high-temperature applications, and hydrostatic testing.
  • Production testing involves hydrostatic pressure tests for every ball joint to detect leaks and ensure structural integrity. Air testing is permitted under specific conditions for smaller ball joints.

• Safety and Inspection

  • Finished ball joints are inspected both visually and dimensionally to ensure compliance.
  • Non-destructive examination and radiographic inspection are required for welds in critical services or for certain sizes, focusing on service pressures and operating temperatures.
  • The standard emphasizes user responsibility in implementing appropriate safety, health, and environmental measures.

Applications

• Marine Piping Systems

  • Flexible, expansion-type ball joints are essential in marine pipelines to manage thermal and mechanical movements caused by changing temperatures and ship movements.
  • Commonly implemented in fuel oil, steam, and water lines where flexibility, leak-tightness, and durability are critical.
  • Suitable for applications in ships, offshore platforms, and other maritime infrastructure, these ball joints help maintain structural integrity and reduce maintenance related to pipeline stress.

• Operational Efficiency and Safety

  • By accommodating pipeline expansion, contraction, and misalignment, the ball joints minimize the risk of leaks or failures in marine environments.
  • Their design and testing requirements ensure reliability in high-pressure and variable-temperature conditions typical in shipboard systems.

Related Standards

• ASTM A395/A395M - Specification for Ferritic Ductile Iron Pressure-Retaining Castings for Use at Elevated Temperatures
• ASTM F722 - Specification for Welded Joints for Shipboard Piping Systems
• ANSI B31.1 - Power Piping Standard
• ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII & IX - Relevant for materials, pressure vessel design, and welding/brazing procedures

Practical Value

Following ASTM F1298-90(2023) ensures that flexible, expansion-type ball joints for marine systems are safe, reliable, and compliant with internationally recognized standards. Marine engineers, shipbuilders, and equipment manufacturers rely on this specification to:

• Guarantee compatibility and safety for shipboard piping
• Reduce maintenance and operational risks related to pipe movement
• Promote standardized quality in marine equipment procurement and installation

By referencing ASTM F1298 certification, organizations can demonstrate adherence to global best practices in marine pipeline engineering, supporting both operational reliability and regulatory compliance.

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation: F1298 − 90 (Reapproved 2023) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Flexible, Expansion-Type Ball Joints for Marine
Applications
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1298; 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 2.2 ANSI Standard:
B 31.1 Power Piping
1.1 This specification covers the design, manufacture, and
2.3 American Society of Mechanical Engineers:
testing of ball joints utilized for accommodating thermal
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII,
expansion and contraction, or mechanical movement of a
Division 1 Pressure Vessels Section IX, Welding and
pipeline carrying fluid. The ball joints are intended for use in
Brazing Requirements
systems operating above 0 °F (18 °C).
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded 3. Ordering Information
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.1 Each purchase order or inquiry for ball joints to this
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
specification shall include the following as applicable:
and are not considered standard.
3.1.1 Title, number, and latest revision of this specification,
1.3 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
3.1.2 Manufacturer’s part number or ball-joint type
test methods portion, Section 7, of this specification: This
information,
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
3.1.3 Materials for ball joint and seals, if other than to this
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
specification,
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
3.1.4 Service conditions,
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
3.1.4.1 Minimum and maximum operating temperature
regulatory limitations prior to use.
(°F),
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.4.2 Maximum operating pressure (psig),
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 3.1.5 Fluid media (internal),
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.6 Atmosphere or media (external),
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 3.1.7 ANSI pressure class, facing and drilling of flanged
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
ends, and pipe schedule or wall thickness of ends for weld end
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. joints,
3.1.8 Special end connections as defined by the purchaser,
2. Referenced Documents 3.1.9 Ball sphere or other special coatings, if required,
3.1.10 Qualification test report, if required,
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.11 Drawing requirements; for example, envelope draw-
A395/A395M Specification for Ferritic Ductile Iron
ing sufficiently detailed to describe the ball joint to be supplied,
Pressure-Retaining Castings for Use at Elevated Tempera-
and
tures
3.1.12 Other tests to satisfy customer requirements.
F722 Specification for Welded Joints for Shipboard Piping
Systems
4. Materials and Manufacture
4.1 All pressure retaining components shall be fabricated
from wrought or cast steel. Ductile iron complying with
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F25 on Ships
Specification A395/A395M may be used for the ball joint
and Marine Technology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F25.11 on
retaining ring in services not above 350 psig (2.41 N/mm ) or
Machinery and Piping Systems.
Current edition approved May 1, 2023. Published June 2023. Originally
approved in 1990. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as F1298 – 90 (2018).
DOI: 10.1520/F1298-90R23. Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on International Headquarters, Two Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
the ASTM website. www.asme.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1298 − 90 (2023)
450 °F (232 °C). Steel shall comply with one of the materials welds for Class I piping as required by Specification F722,
listed in Section VIII, Division 1, of the ASME Code, or ANSI except packing cylinders, drains, and similar ancillary
B 31.1. connections, which may be attached by fillet or socket welds.
4.2 Bolting material shall be in accordance with ANSI 5.6 Threaded pipe connections shall be limited to the
B 31.1.
following services:
⁄4 in. (19 mm) NPS and under 1500 psig (10.3 N/mm ) max
4.3 Ball spheres shall be coated in accordance with the
1 in. (25 mm) NPS and under 1200 psig (8.27 N/mm ) max
manufacturer’s standard practice or as specified by the custom- 2
2 in. (50 mm) NPS and under 600 psig (4.14 N/mm ) max
er’s specification (see 3.1.9).
3 in. (76 mm) NPS and under 400 psig (2.76 N/mm ) max
5.7 Threaded pipe joints above 2 in. (50 mm) NPS shall not
4.4 Corrosion shall be considered in the design as set forth
be used in systems that require radiographic examination (see
in UG-25 of the ASME Code, Section VIII, Division 1.
8.2.2).
4.5 Seals and packing material shall be suitable for the
service intended. This includes being adequate for the pressure
6. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
and temperature rating and having sufficient resistance to
attack by the fluid media and atmosphere specified in Section 6.1 Cleaning—The internal and external surfaces of the ball
3. joint shall be cleaned of dirt and other foreign material using a
suitable cleaner.
4.6 Welding procedure qualification, welder performance
qualification, and welding materials shall be in accordance 6.2 Surface Preservation—Unless otherwise specified by
with ANSI B 31.1 and Section IX of the ASME Code. Brazing the purchaser, the ball joint shall be coated in accordance with
or soldering shall not be used. the manufacturer’s standard p
...