ASTM F2620-06

Standard Practice for Heat Fusion Joining of Polyethylene Pipe and Fittings

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The procedures described in Sections 7-9 are primarily intended for (but not limited to) field joining of polyethylene (PE) pipe and fittings, using suitable equipment and appropriate environmental control procedures. When properly implemented, strong pressure/leak-tight joints are produced. When these joints are destructively tested, the failure occurs outside the fusion joined area.
Melt characteristics, average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution are influential factors in establishing suitable fusion parameters; therefore, consider the manufacturer’instructions in the use or development of a specific fusion procedure. See Annex A1.
The socket fusion, butt fusion, and saddle fusion procedures in this practice are suitable for joining PE gas pipe and fittings, PE water pipe and fittings, and PE general purpose pipes and fittings made to PE product specifications from organizations such as ASTM, AWWA, API, and ISO that are used in pressure, low pressure and non-pressure applications. For gas applications, qualification of the procedure by testing joints made using the procedure in accordance with regulations from the authority having jurisdiction are required.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes procedures for making joints with polyethylene (PE) pipe and fittings by means of heat fusion joining in, but not limited to, a field environment. Other suitable heat fusion joining procedures are available from various sources including pipe and fitting manufacturers. This standard does not purport to address all possible heat fusion joining procedures, or to preclude the use of qualified procedures developed by other parties that have been proved to produce reliable heat fusion joints.
1.2 The parameters and procedures are applicable only to joining polyethylene pipe and fittings of related polymer chemistry. They are intended for PE fuel gas pipe per Specification D 2513 and PE potable water, sewer and industrial pipe manufactured per Specification F 714, Specification D 3035, and AWWA C901 and C906. Consult with the pipe manufacturers to make sure they approve this procedure for the pipe to be joined (see Appendix X1).Note 1
Information about polyethylene pipe and fittings that have related polymer chemistry is presented in Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) TR-33 and TR-41.
1.3 Parts that are within the dimensional tolerances given in present ASTM specifications are required to produce sound joints between polyethylene pipe and fittings when using the joining techniques described in this practice.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 The text of this practice references notes, footnotes, and appendixes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the practice.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2006
• ICS: 23.040.20 - Plastics pipes
• ICS: 23.040.45 - Plastics fittings
• Technical Committee: F17 - Plastic Piping Systems
• Drafting Committee: F17.20 - Joining

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM F2620-09 - Standard Practice for Heat Fusion Joining of Polyethylene Pipe and Fittings
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2009
• Referred By: ASTM F2928-18(2023) - Standard Practice for Specimens and Testing Conditions for Testing Polyethylene (PE) Pipe Butt Fusions Using Tensile and Hydrostatic Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Referred By: ASTM F1412-22 - Standard Specification for Polyolefin Pipe and Fittings for Corrosive Waste Drainage Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Referred By: ASTM E3044/E3044M-22 - Standard Practice for Ultrasonic Testing of Polyethylene Butt Fusion Joints
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Referred By: ASTM F2896-23 - Standard Specification for Reinforced Polyethylene Composite Pipe For The Transport Of Oil And Gas And Hazardous Liquids
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Referred By: ASTM D2513-20 - Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Referred By: ASTM F3507-21 - Standard Practice for Butt-Fusion Joining of Crosslinkable Polyethylene (CX-PE) Pipe and Tubing
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Referred By: ASTM F2769-23a - Standard Specification for Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT) Plastic Hot and Cold-Water Tubing and Distribution Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Referred By: ASTM F3371-22 - Standard Specification for Polyolefin Pipe and Fittings for Drainage, Waste, and Vent Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Referred By: ASTM F3124-23 - Standard Practice for Data Recording the Procedure used to Produce Heat Butt Fusion Joints in Plastic Piping Systems or Fittings
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Referred By: ASTM D2657-07(2023) - Standard Practice for Heat Fusion Joining of Polyolefin Pipe and Fittings
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Referred By: ASTM F585-16(2021) - Standard Guide for Insertion of Flexible Polyethylene Pipe Into Existing Sewers
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Referred By: ASTM F1901-22 - Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Pipe and Fittings for Roof Drain Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Referred By: ASTM F894-19 - Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Large Diameter Profile Wall Sewer and Drain Pipe
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Referred By: ASTM F3123-22 - Standard Specification for Metric Outside Diameter Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe (DR-PN)
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006

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.
An American National Standard
Designation:F2620–06
Standard Practice for
Heat Fusion Joining of Polyethylene Pipe and Fittings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2620; 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 practice describes procedures for making joints 2.1 ASTM Standards:
with polyethylene (PE) pipe and fittings by means of heat D2513 Specification for Thermoplastic Gas Pressure Pipe,
fusion joining in, but not limited to, a field environment. Other Tubing, and Fittings
suitable heat fusion joining procedures are available from D2737 Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Tubing
various sources including pipe and fitting manufacturers. This D3035 Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe
standard does not purport to address all possible heat fusion (DR-PR) Based on Controlled Outside Diameter
joining procedures, or to preclude the use of qualified proce- D3261 Specification for Butt Heat Fusion Polyethylene
dures developed by other parties that have been proved to (PE)PlasticFittingsforPolyethylene(PE)PlasticPipeand
produce reliable heat fusion joints. Tubing
1.2 The parameters and procedures are applicable only to F714 Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe
joining polyethylene pipe and fittings of related polymer (SDR-PR) Based on Outside Diameter
chemistry. They are intended for PE fuel gas pipe per Speci- F905 Practice for Qualification of Polyethylene Saddle-
fication D2513 and PE potable water, sewer and industrial pipe Fused Joints
manufactured per Specification F714, Specification D3035, F1056 Specification for Socket Fusion Tools for Use in
and AWWA C901 and C906. Consult with the pipe manufac- Socket Fusion Joining Polyethylene Pipe or Tubing and
turers to make sure they approve this procedure for the pipe to Fittings
be joined (see Appendix X1). 2.2 PPI Documents:
TR-33 Generic Butt Fusion Joining Procedure for Field
NOTE 1—Information about polyethylene pipe and fittings that have
Joining of Polyethylene
related polymer chemistry is presented in Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI)
TR-41 Generic Saddle Fusion Joining Procedure for Poly-
TR-33 and TR-41.
ethylene Gas Piping
1.3 Parts that are within the dimensional tolerances given in
2.3 AWWA Documents:
present ASTM specifications are required to produce sound
AWWAC901 Standard for Polyethylene (PE) Pressure Pipe
joints between polyethylene pipe and fittings when using the
and Tubing, ⁄2 in. (13 mm) through 3 in. (76 mm), for
joining techniques described in this practice.
Water Service
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
AWWAC906 Standard for Polyethylene (PE) Pressure Pipe
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
andFittings,4in.(100mm)through63in.(1575mm),for
information only.
Water Distribution and Transmission
1.5 The text of this practice references notes, footnotes, and
appendixes which provide explanatory material. These notes
3. Summary of Practice
and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not
3.1 The principle of heat fusion joining of polyethylene
be considered as requirements of the practice.
(PE) pipe is to heat two prepared surfaces to a designated
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
temperature, then fuse them together by application of a
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
1 3
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic Available from Plastic Pipe Institute Inc., 1825 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite
Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.20 on Joining. 680 Washington, DC 20009.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2006. Published December 2006. DOI: Available fromAmerican Water WorksAssociation (AWWA), 6666 W. Quincy
10.1520/F2620-06. Ave., Denver, CO 80235, http://www.awwa.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F2620–06
sufficient force. This force causes the melted materials to flow 3.2.3.1 An appropriately sized saddle fusion machine is
and mix, thereby resulting in fusion. used to clamp the pipe main and the fitting, align the parts and
apply the specified fusion force.
3.2 The heat-fusion procedures covered in this practice are
socket fusion, butt fusion, and saddle fusion.
4. Significance and Use
3.2.1 Procedure 1, Socket Fusion—The socket-fusion pro-
cedure involves simultaneously heating the outside surface of
4.1 The procedures described in Sections 7-9 are primarily
a pipe end and the inside of a fitting socket, which is sized to intended for (but not limited to) field joining of polyethylene
be smaller than the smallest outside diameter of the pipe.After
(PE) pipe and fittings, using suitable equipment and appropri-
the proper melt has been generated at each face to be mated, ate environmental control procedures. When properly imple-
thetwocomponentsarejoinedbyinsertingonecomponentinto
mented, strong pressure/leak-tight joints are produced. When
the other. See Fig. 1.The fusion bond is formed at the interface these joints are destructively tested, the failure occurs outside
resulting from the interference fit. The melts from the two
the fusion joined area.
components flow together and fuse as the joint cools. Optional 4.2 Melt characteristics, average molecular weight and mo-
alignment devices are used to hold the pipe and socket fitting
lecularweightdistributionareinfluentialfactorsinestablishing
inlongitudinalalignmentduringthejoiningprocess;especially suitable fusion parameters; therefore, consider the manufactur-
with pipe sizes IPS 3 in. (89 mm) and larger.Automated socket
er’s instructions in the use or development of a specific fusion
fusion is not addressed in this procedure. procedure. See Annex A1.
4.3 The socket fusion, butt fusion, and saddle fusion proce-
3.2.2 Procedure 2, Butt Fusion—The butt-fusion procedure
in its simplest form consists of heating the squared ends of two dures in this practice are suitable for joining PE gas pipe and
fittings, PE water pipe and fittings, and PE general purpose
pipes, a pipe and a fitting, or two fittings, by holding them
against a heated plate, removing the heater plate when the pipes and fittings made to PE product specifications from
organizations such as ASTM, AWWA, API, and ISO that are
proper melt is obtained, promptly bringing the ends together,
and allowing the joint to cool while maintaining the appropri- used in pressure, low pressure and non-pressure applications.
For gas applications, qualification of the procedure by testing
ate applied force.
joints made using the procedure in accordance with regulations
3.2.2.1 An appropriately sized butt fusion machine is used
from the authority having jurisdiction are required.
toclamp,alignandfacethepipeorfittingendsandtoapplythe
specified fusion force. See Fig. 2.
5. Operator Experience
3.2.3 Procedure 3, Saddle Fusion—The saddle-fusion pro-
cedure involves melting the concave surface of the base of a 5.1 Skill and knowledge on the part of the operator are
saddle fitting, while simultaneously melting a matching pattern required to obtain a good quality joint. This skill and knowl-
on the surface of the pipe, bringing the two melted surfaces edge is obtained by making joints in accordance with proven
together and allowing the joint to cool while maintaining the procedures under the guidance of skilled operators. Evaluate
appropriate applied force. See Fig. 3. operator proficiency by testing sample joints.
FIG. 1 Socket Fusion
F2620–06
FIG. 2 Butt Fusion
FIG. 3 Saddle Fusion
5.2 The party responsible for the joining of polyethylene 6. Apparatus—General Recommendations
pipe and fittings shall ensure that detailed procedures devel-
6.1 Heating Tool—Electric heating tools come in a variety
oped in conjunction with applicable codes and regulations and
of sizes that match the fusion machines capabilities. They are
the manufacturers of the pipe, fittings, and joining equipment
designed with enough wattage and electronic control to main-
involved, including the safety precautions to be followed, are
tain the specified heater face temperature required in this
issued before actual joining operations begin.
F2620–06
procedure. The range of the heater control shall be larger than tolerances as to cause an interference fit. Heating tool faces are
the heating temperature specification (the typical control range produced to Specification F1056 dimensions, and are coated
is 50°F (30°C) above and below the maximum and minimum with a non-stick material to keep melted pipe and fitting
required heating tool surface temperatures. Electric heating material from sticking to the face.
plates maintain consistent fusion temperatures when provided
7.1.4 Alignment Jig—The alignment jig is an optional tool
with an adequate power source.
which consists of two sets of devices holding the components
6.2 Heating Tool Faces—Heating tools may be made from
in alignment to each other. One set of holding devices is fixed,
materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, copper, or copper
and the other allows longitudinal movement for making the
alloys. Polyethylene material may stick to hot metal heating
joint.
surfaces. This sticking may be minimized by applying a
7.1.5 Rounding Clamps, (cold ring) to maintain roundness
non-stick coating to the heating surfaces or by fitting a
of the pipe and control the depth of pipe insertion into the
high-temperature, non-stick fabric over the heating surfaces.
socket during the joining operation.
The heating plate surfaces, coated or uncoated, shall be kept
7.1.6 Depth Gage, for proper positioning of the rounding
clean and free of contaminants such as dirt, grease and plastic
clamp on the pipe.
build-up, which may cause excessive sticking and create
7.1.7 Chamfering Tool, to bevel the end of the pipe.
unsatisfactory joints. Most of these contaminants are removed
from the hot tool surfaces using a clean, dry, oil-free lint-free
NOTE 3—The depth gage and chamfering tool may be combined into a
cloth. Do not use synthetic fabrics which may char and stick to single tool.
the fusion surface. Some pigments, such as carbon black, may
7.1.8 Tubing Cutter, to obtain a square end cut on the pipe.
stain a heating surface and probably cannot be removed; such
7.1.9 FittingPuller, an optional tool to assist in the removal
stains will not contaminate the joint interface.
ofthefittingfromtheheatingtoolandtoholdthefittingduring
6.2.1 After a period of time in service, non-stick coatings or
assembly.
fabrics will deteriorate and become less effective. Deteriorated
7.2 Procedure:
fabrics shall be replaced, and worn, scratched, or gouged
7.2.1 Attach the proper size heater faces to the heating tool,
non-stick coatings shall be re-coated when they lose effective-
and bring the surface temperature of the tool faces to 490 to
ness. Heat fusion quality may be adversely affected by dete-
510°F (254 to 266°C). Use a pyrometer, or other temperature
riorated non-stick surfaces. Spray-on chemicals, such as non-
measuring device, on the first joint of the day and periodically
stick lubricants or oils shall not be applied to heating iron
during the day to verify the temperature of the tool face
surfaces as they will contaminate the joint.
surfaces within the pipe or fitting contact area. Select multiple
6.3 TemperatureIndicator—Heatingtoolsshallbeequipped
checkpoints to ensure uniform surface temperature. Heating
with a thermometer or other built-in temperature indicating
tool thermometers measure the internal temperature of the
device. This device indicates the internal temperature of the
heating tool, which is typically higher than the surface tem-
heating iron, which is usually higher than temperature of the
perature of the heating tool faces.
heating tool surfaces. Use a pyrometer, or other temperature
measuring device, on the first joint of the day and periodically 7.2.2 Cut the pipe end squarely, and clean the pipe end and
during the day to verify the temperature of the tool face fitting, both inside and outside, by wiping with a clean, dry,
surfaces within the pipe or fitting contact area. Select multiple oil-free, lint-free cloth.
checkpointstoensureuniformsurfacetemperature.Aninfrared
7.2.3 Chamfer the outside edge of the pipe end slightly and
pyrometer is calibrated by comparison to a calibrated surface
fix the rounding clamp about the pipe as determined from the
pyrometer and adjusted to agree on each heating tool.
depth gage. (See Note 4.)
7.2.4 Push the socket fitting onto the preheated fitting tool
NOTE 2—Asignificant temperature variation, that is, cold spots, on the
heating tool surfaces may indicate a faulty heating iron which may need face first, and then push the pipe into the pipe-side tool face
to be serviced before it can be used.
until the rounding clamps make contact with the heating faces.
7.2.5 Heat the pipe end and the fitting socket for the time
7. Procedure 1—Socket Fusion
required to obtain a proper melt. Proper melt is a function of
7.1 Apparatus: material, time, tool temperature, and the size of the parts. Pipe
7.1.1 Socket Fusion Tools—Socket fusion tools consist of a and fittings of larger diameters require more time to reach the
proper melt consistency than those of smaller diameters.
heating tool, heating tool faces, rounding clamps (cold rings),
depth gage/chamfer tools, and pipe/fittings made to ASTM Under-heated or overheated materials will not form a good
bond. Contact the fitting manufacturer for the recommended
specifications.
heating times.
7.1.2 Heating Tool—In order to obtain a proper melt, it is
necessary for a uniform temperature to be maintained across
7.2.6 At the end of the heating time, simultaneously remove
the heating tool faces. An electrical tool shall have sufficient
the pipe and fitting straight out from the tool, using a snap
wattage and control to maintain the specified surface tempera-
action. Immediately insert the pipe straight into the
...