ASTM F1563-23

Standard Specification for Tools to Squeeze-off Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pipe or Tubing

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the physical requirements for tools used to squeeze-off polyethylene gas pipe and tubing. The squeeze bars shall be of a size and configuration that compresses the pipe walls to reduce the gas flow, but does not damage the pipe and may be configured as round (circular), flat with rounded edges, two round bars side by side, or any other configuration. The tool shall have the following requirements: mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic force mechanisms; resistance to damage or deformation; release protection; release rate; flow control; and grounding. It shall also have sufficient squeeze bar length and spacing to allow the maximum diameter pipe to be centered between the guides and mechanical stops to provide protection for over squeezing.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the physical requirements for tools used to squeeze-off polyethylene (PE) pipe and tubing. It is limited to squeeze-off procedures set forth by the pipe manufacturer as referred to in Specification D2513 for gas pressure pipe systems.  
1.2 Nothing in this specification shall be construed as recommending practices or systems at variances with governing codes and project specifications.  
1.3 Where applicable in this specification, “pipe” shall mean “pipe and tubing,” and “tool” shall mean “squeeze-off tool.”  
1.4 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.  
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods portions, Section 5 and Appendix X1 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.  
1.6 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: 31-Oct-2023
• ICS: 23.040.20 - Plastics pipes
• Technical Committee: F17 - Plastic Piping Systems
• Drafting Committee: F17.60 - Gas

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F1563-01(2019) - Standard Specification for Tools to Squeeze-off Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pipe or Tubing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D1600-18 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Referred By: ASTM F2830-11(2017) - Standard Specification for Manufacture and Joining of Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pressure Pipe With a Peelable Polypropylene (PP) Outer Layer
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM F2968/F2968M-21 - Standard Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe for Gas Distribution Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM F1734-19 - Standard Practice for Qualification of a Combination of Squeeze Tool, Pipe, and Squeeze-Off Procedures to Avoid Long-Term Damage in Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pipe
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM F2818-10(2023) - Standard Specification for Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Material Gas Pressure Pipe and Tubing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM F2945-18(2023) - Standard Specification for Polyamide 11 Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D2513-20 - Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023

Overview

ASTM F1563-23: Standard Specification for Tools to Squeeze-off Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pipe or Tubing provides comprehensive requirements for the physical properties, safety, and usability of tools designed to squeeze-off polyethylene (PE) pipe and tubing in gas distribution systems. This standard is critical for ensuring that squeeze-off tools are capable of safely compressing PE gas pipes to control or stop gas flow without causing structural damage to the pipe. Developed under the guidance of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems, this specification supports the consistent production and quality assurance necessary for safe pipeline operations.

Key Topics

Primary features and requirements addressed by ASTM F1563-23 include:

• Force Mechanism: The standard specifies the need for mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic tools capable of delivering at least 1.25 times the force required to squeeze-off the most rigid pipe size within specified parameters.
• Tool Strength: Tools must withstand prescribed mechanical stresses and cycling without structural damage or functional impairment.
• Release Protection: Each tool must have safety designs to prevent accidental or premature release while maintaining pressure.
• Release Rate: For pipes greater than 1 inch IPS, it is recommended to limit release rate to 0.5 inches per minute for controlled operation.
• Flow Control: Squeeze-off must deliver predictable gas flow reduction, with procedures for evaluating and verifying flow control.
• Grounding: Tools must provide electrical grounding features or recommend effective methods to control static electricity during squeeze-off and release.
• Physical Design: Squeeze bars can be round, flat with rounded edges, or dual bars, with specific configuration requirements to avoid pipe damage. There are detailed recommendations on the minimum bar radii, length, and spacing to accommodate pipe sizes and ensure safe operation.
• Over-Squeeze Protection: Tools must include mechanical stops to prevent excessive compression that could endanger the pipe’s integrity.

Applications

ASTM F1563-23 is essential for:

• Gas Utility Companies: Ensuring safe and effective flow control in underground PE gas distribution systems during maintenance, repair, or emergency interventions.
• Pipeline Contractors and Maintenance Crews: Providing clear physical and safety requirements for selection and use of squeeze-off tools compatible with specific pipe sizes and materials as referenced in ASTM D2513.
• Tool Manufacturers: Supplying specifications for design, manufacturing, and quality control to ensure equipment meets regulatory and operational demands.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supporting adherence to codes, standards, and project specifications for gas pipeline operations, and safeguarding against unintentional system releases or damage.
• Quality Assurance: Mandating clear inspection, sampling, marking, and packaging requirements for field and factory acceptance.

Related Standards

Several ASTM standards are referenced for further guidance and consistency:

• ASTM D2513: Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings – foundation for PE pipe requirements.
• ASTM F1041: Guide for Squeeze-Off of Polyolefin Gas Pressure Pipe and Tubing – offers procedural recommendations complementary to F1563.
• ASTM D638 and D1598: Test methods for tensile properties and time-to-failure of plastics and plastic pipe.
• ASTM D1600 and F412: Terminology standards for plastics and plastic piping systems.

Keywords: squeeze-off tools, polyethylene pipe, PE gas tubing, flow control, gas distribution, pipeline maintenance, ASTM F1563, safety requirements, squeeze bar configuration, over-squeeze protection

By applying ASTM F1563-23, organizations can confidently specify and use squeeze-off tools that comply with recognized safety and performance benchmarks, optimizing both operational safety and system reliability in gas pipeline networks.

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: F1563 − 23 An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Tools to Squeeze-off Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pipe or Tubing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1563; 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 D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plas-
tics
1.1 This specification covers the physical requirements for
D2513 Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pressure
tools used to squeeze-off polyethylene (PE) pipe and tubing. It
Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings
is limited to squeeze-off procedures set forth by the pipe
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
manufacturer as referred to in Specification D2513 for gas
F1041 Guide for Squeeze-Off of Polyolefin Gas Pressure
pressure pipe systems.
Pipe and Tubing
1.2 Nothing in this specification shall be construed as
3. Terminology
recommending practices or systems at variances with govern-
ing codes and project specifications.
3.1 General—Definitions are in accordance with Terminol-
ogy F412, unless otherwise specified. Abbreviations are in
1.3 Where applicable in this specification, “pipe” shall
accordance with Terminology D1600, unless otherwise speci-
mean “pipe and tubing,” and “tool” shall mean “squeeze-off
fied.
tool.”
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.2.1 squeeze-off—a technique used to control the flow of
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
gas through a pipe by the compressing action of a mechanical,
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
hydraulic or pneumatic device. Squeeze-off may be used, as
and are not considered standard.
recommended by the tool or pipe manufacturer, to reduce the
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
flow of gas to an acceptable rate. Under certain conditions
test methods portions, Section 5 and Appendix X1 of this
complete stoppage of flow may be obtained.
specification: This standard does not purport to address all of
the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Materials and Manufacture
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 Tools shall be manufactured from materials that have
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
the structural properties to meet the requirements of this
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
specification.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5. Other Requirements
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.1 Force Mechanism—The force mechanism (mechanical,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
hydraulic or pneumatic) shall provide a force of at least 1.25
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
times the force required to squeeze-off the most rigid pipe size
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
within the squeeze parameters recommended by the manufac-
turer of the tool. The most rigid pipe is a function of pipe
2. Referenced Documents
diameter, wall thickness, pipe material and temperature. The
2.1 ASTM Standards:
tool manufacturer determines which pipe products his tool is
D1598 Test Method for Time-to-Failure of Plastic Pipe
suitable for. Power tools such as impact wrenches or pneumatic
Under Constant Internal Pressure
motored torque multipliers shall not be used.
5.2 Tool Strength—A tool shall not be structurally damaged
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic
or functionally affected when tested as follows:
Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.60 on Gas.
5.2.1 Measure the load (P) required to squeeze-off the most
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally
rigid pipe (largest size, thickest wall, highest density, lowest
approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as F1563-01(2019). DOI:
10.1520/F1563-23.
temperature) within the range of the tool.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
5.2.2 Prepare a pipe specimen from this pipe. The specimen
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
length shall be no less than five times the nominal outside
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. diameter of the pipe, but in no case less than 12 in. (305 mm).
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1563 − 23
5.2.3 Insert the pipe specimen into the tool. Center the
specimen in the tool.
5.2.4 Apply the largest load attainable by the force mecha-
nism (without additional mechanical advantage) onto the
mechanical stops and then inspect. Any permanent damage or
deformation to the mechanical or hydraulic components is
cause for rejection of the tool.
5.2.5 Apply a load of 1.25 × P (see 5.2.1) on the pipe for
twenty cycles. A cycle is: apply load, hold load for one minute,
remove load. For each cycle, use a new unsqueezed area of
pipe, at least three pipe diameters from a previous squeeze.
5.3 Release Protection—Each tool shall be built to prevent
unintentional release in the squeeze mode. A screw-feed
NOTE 1— Other bar shapes may also be acceptable (see 6.1).
mechanism used to apply force in some tools qualifies as
FIG. 1 Squeeze Bar Configurations
premature release protection if the force can only be removed
A
by unscrewing the mechanism at the 1.25 × P test load.
TABLE 1 Minimum Squeeze Bar Radii
Round Bar Minimum
5.4 Release Rate—For pipe sizes greater than 1 in. (25 mm) B
Flat Bar Minimum Radius
Nominal Pipe Size in. Radius (R in Fig. 1) in.
(R in Fig. 1) in. (mm)
IPS, it is recommended the tool design provide a release rate
(mm)
of 0.5 in./min (12.7 mm/min) or less, as suggested in Guide
# ⁄4 0.50 (12) 0.25 (6.4)
F1041.
> ⁄4 to 2 0.62 (16) 0.31 (7.9)
>2 to 4 0.75 (19) 0.38 (9.7)
5.5 Flow Control—Squeeze-off results in the reduction of
>4 to 12 1.00 (25) 0.50 (13)
gas flow and in some cases the complete stoppage of gas flow. >12 to 16 1.25 (32) 0.62 (16)
A
This specification does not specify to what degree of gas flow The suggested radii do not necessarily provide the strength required to comply
with Section 5. Squeeze bar materials and tool applications may require radii
control is required for any set of squeeze-off conditions.
greater than the minimums listed.
Appendix X1 provides a procedure for evaluating flow control. B
Minimum length of flat area is two times R.
Other procedures for flow control evaluation may also be used.
5.6 Grounding—Squeezing and releasing the squeeze of
plastic pipe conta
...

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: F1563 − 01 (Reapproved 2019) F1563 − 23 An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Tools to Squeeze-off Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pipe or Tubing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1563; 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 specification covers the physical requirements for tools used to squeeze-off polyethylene (PE) pipe and tubing. It is
limited to squeeze-off procedures set forth by the pipe manufacturer as referred to in Specification D2513 for gas pressure pipe
systems.
1.2 Nothing in this specification shall be construed as recommending practices or systems at variances with governing codes and
project specifications.
1.3 Where applicable in this specification, “pipe” shall mean “pipe and tubing,” and “tool” shall mean “squeeze-off tool.”
1.4 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.
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods portions, Section 5 and Appendix X1 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.
1.6 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:
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D1598 Test Method for Time-to-Failure of Plastic Pipe Under Constant Internal Pressure
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
D2513 Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
F1041 Guide for Squeeze-Off of Polyolefin Gas Pressure Pipe and Tubing
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.60 on Gas.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2019Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2019November 2023. Originally approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 20112019
as F1563-01(2011).F1563-01(2019). DOI: 10.1520/F1563-01R19.10.1520/F1563-23.
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
F1563 − 23
3. Terminology
3.1 General—Definitions are in accordance with Terminology F412, unless otherwise specified. Abbreviations are in accordance
with Terminology D1600, unless otherwise specified.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 squeeze-off—a technique used to control the flow of gas through a pipe by the compressing action of a mechanical, hydraulic
or pneumatic device. Squeeze-off may be used, as recommended by the tool or pipe manufacturer, to reduce the flow of gas to an
acceptable rate. Under certain conditions complete stoppage of flow may be obtained.
4. Materials and Manufacture
4.1 Tools shall be manufactured from materials that have the structural properties to meet the requirements of this specification.
5. Other Requirements
5.1 Force Mechanism—The force mechanism (mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic) shall provide a force of at least 1.25 times the
force required to squeeze-off the most rigid pipe size within the squeeze parameters recommended by the manufacturer of the tool.
The most rigid pipe is a function of pipe diameter, wall thickness, pipe material and temperature. The tool manufacturer determines
which pipe products his tool is suitable for. Power tools such as impact wrenches or pneumatic motored torque multipliers shall
not be used.
5.2 Tool Strength—A tool shall not be structurally damaged or functionally affected when tested as follows:
5.2.1 Measure the load (P) required to squeeze-off the most rigid pipe (largest size, thickest wall, highest density, lowest
temperature) within the range of the tool.
5.2.2 Prepare a pipe specimen from this pipe. The specimen length shall be no less than five times the nominal outside diameter
of the pipe, but in no case less than 12 in. (305 mm).
5.2.3 Insert the pipe specimen into the tool. Center the specimen in the tool.
5.2.4 Apply the largest load attainable by the force mechanism (without additional mechanical advantage) onto the mechanical
stops and then inspect. Any permanent damage or deformation to the mechanical or hydraulic components is cause for rejection
of the tool.
5.2.5 Apply a load of 1.25 × P (see 5.2.1) on the pipe for twenty cycles. A cycle is: apply load, hold load for one minute, remove
load. For each cycle, use a new unsqueezed area of pipe, at least three pipe diameters from a previous squeeze.
5.3 Release Protection—Each tool shall be built to prevent unintentional release in the squeeze mode. A screw-feed mechanism
used to apply force in some tools qualifies as premature release protection if the force can only be removed by unscrewing the
mechanism at the 1.25 × P test load.
5.4 Release Rate—For pipe sizes greater than 1 in. (25 mm) IPS, it is recommended the tool design provide a release rate of 0.5
in./min (12.7 mm/min) or less, as suggested in Guide F1041.
5.5 Flow Control—Squeeze-off results in the reduction of gas flow and in some cases the complete stoppage of gas flow. This
specification does not specify to what degree of gas flow control is required for any set of squeeze-off conditions. Appendix X1
provides a procedure for evaluating flow control. Other procedures for flow control evaluation may also be used.
5.6 Grounding—Squeezing and releasing the squeeze of plastic pipe containing flowing gas can increase the presence of static
electricity on the pipe surfaces. The tool shall include a suitable electrical grounding feature or recommendations for controlling
electrostatic discharges.
GRI-92/0147.2 Volume 2, Technical Reference on Squeeze-Off of Polyethylene Gas Pipes. Available from the Gas Technology Institute (GTI), 1510 Hubbard Dr., Batavia,
IL 60510.
F1563 − 23
NOTE 1—Static discharge through pipe wall may occur in some cases if electrostatic charges exceed the dielectric strength. Some tool manufacturers
recommend checking the squeeze area for pinhole leaks by soaping.
6. Dimensions Mass, and Permissible Variations
6.1 Squeeze Bar Configuratio
...