ASTM F1281-00
(Specification)Standard Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene/Aluminum/Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) Pressure Pipe
Standard Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene/Aluminum/Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) Pressure Pipe
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers a coextruded crosslinked polyethylene composite pressure pipe with a welded aluminum tube reinforcement between the inner and outer layers. The inner and outer crosslinked polyethylene layers are bonded to the aluminum tube by a melt adhesive. Included is a system of nomenclature for the crosslinked polyethylene-aluminum-crosslinked polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) pipes, the requirements and test methods for materials, the dimensions of the component layers and finished pipe, adhesion tests, and the burst and sustained pressure performance. Also given are the requirements and methods of marking.
1.2 This specification covers only composite pipes incorporating a welded aluminum tube. Pipes consisting of metallic layers not welded together are outside the scope of this specification.
1.3 Specifications for connectors for use with pipe meeting the requirements of this specification are given in Annex A1.
1.4 This specification excludes polyethylene-aluminum-polyethylene pipes (see Specification F 1282).
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.6 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section , 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Standards Content (Sample)
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Designation: F 1281 – 00 An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Crosslinked Polyethylene/Aluminum/Crosslinked
Polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) Pressure Pipe
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1281; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Under Constant Internal Pressure
D 1599 Test Method for Short-Time Hydraulic Failure Pres-
1.1 This specification covers a coextruded crosslinked poly-
sure of Plastic Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings
ethylene composite pressure pipe with a welded aluminum tube
D 1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to
reinforcement between the inner and outer layers. The inner
Plastics
and outer crosslinked polyethylene layers are bonded to the
D 1898 Practice for Sampling of Plastics
aluminum tube by a melt adhesive. Included is a system of
D 2122 Test Method for Determining Dimensions of Ther-
nomenclature for the crosslinked polyethylene-aluminum-
moplastic Pipe and Fittings
crosslinked polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) pipes, the require-
D 2765 Test Methods for Determination of Gel Content and
ments and test methods for materials, the dimensions of the
Swell Ratio of Crosslinked Ethylene Plastics
component layers and finished pipe, adhesion tests, and the
D 3350 Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Pipe and
burst and sustained pressure performance. Also given are the
Fittings Materials
requirements and methods of marking.
E 8 Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
1.2 This specification covers only composite pipes incorpo-
F 412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
rating a welded aluminum tube. Pipes consisting of metallic
F 1282 Specification for Polyethylene/Aluminum/
layers not welded together are outside the scope of this
Polyethylene (PE-AL-PE) Composite Pressure Pipe
specification.
2.2 National Sanitation Foundation Standard:
1.3 Specifications for connectors for use with pipe meeting
Standard No. 61 Drinking Water System Components—
the requirements of this specification are given in Annex A1.
Health Effects
1.4 This specification excludes polyethylene-aluminum-
2.3 Federal Standard:
polyethylene pipes (see Specification F 1282).
Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipments (Civil Agencies)
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
2.4 Military Standard:
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage
only.
2.5 Uniform Classification Committee Standard:
1.6 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
Uniform Freight Classification
test methods portion, Section 9, of this specification: This
2.6 National Motor Freight Traffıc Association Standard:
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
National Motor Freight Classification
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health
3. Terminology
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita-
3.1 Definitions—Definitions are in accordance with Termi-
tions prior to use.
nology F 412, and abbreviations are in accordance with Ter-
2. Referenced Documents minology D 1600, unless otherwise specified.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics and Electrical
Insulating Materials for Testing
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.04.
D 883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.02.
D 1598 Test Method for Time-to-Failure of Plastic Pipe
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.01.
Available from the National Sanitation Foundation, P.O. Box 1468, Ann Arbor,
MI 48106.
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, 700
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F-17 on Plastic Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.
Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.11 on Available from the Uniform Classification Committee, Suite 1106, 222 South
Composite. Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606.
Current edition approved April 10, 2000. Published June 2000. Originally Available from the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc., National
published as F 1281 – 90. Last previous edition F 1281 – 99. Motor Freight Classification, American Tracking Associations, Inc., Traffic Dept.,
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01. 1616 P St., NW, Washington, DC 20036.
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F 1281
NOTE 1—Pipe that is intended for use in the transport of potable water
3.2.1 assembly—the joint between a fitting and a length of
should be evaluated, and certified safe for this purpose, by a testing agency
pipe.
acceptable to the local health authority. The evaluation should be in
3.2.2 PEX-AL-PEX pipe—composite pipe produced by co-
accordance with requirements that are no less restrictive than those in
extrusion or extrusion of layers of polyethylene/aluminum/
National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Standard 61. The seal or mark of
polyethylene bonded together with a melt adhesive and
the laboratory making the evaluation and the standard tested against
crosslinked by irradiation or chemical means in combination
should be included in the marking on the pipe.
heat and moisture.
5.3.3 Class B compounds shall have sufficient ultraviolet
3.2.3 pipe hoop stress—for simplicity the value of the hoop
(UV) stabilizers to protect the pipe from deleterious effects due
stress quoted assumes a homogeneous wall. Local values of
to continuous outdoor exposure during storage and shipping.
stress will vary with the different layers (see 3.2.3.1).
Pipe produced from Class B compounds are not suitable for
3.2.3.1 Discussion—Thick walled plastic pipes produced
exposed outdoor application. Class A, B, and C compounds
from one material have hoop stresses that vary through the
shall have sufficient antioxidants to meet the requirements in
wall, and are usually described by the Lame Theory. The
Specification D 3350.
composite nature of the PEX-AL-PEX pipe, composed of
5.4 Melt Adhesive—The material shall have a density cell of
materials with very different Young’s Modulus values, will, on
1, 2, or 3; a melt index cell of 1, 2, or 3; and a color code of
pressurization, not have a uniform stress distribution through
A or B, in accordance with Specification D 3350.
the thickness of the wall of the pipe. The PEX-AL-PEX pipes
5.5 Rework Material—The use of reclaimed, recycled, or
have a hoop stress distribution that differs substantially from
rework plastics is not permitted.
both the thick and thin walled pipe cases.
6. Requirements
4. Pipe Classification
6.1 General—The requirements and test methods in this
4.1 Pipe Diameter—The PEX-AL-PEX pipes are classified
specification cover PEX-AL-PEX pipes. Tests on the indi-
by the outside diameter.
vidual layers that comprise this composite pipe are outside the
4.2 Pipe Dimension Ratio—The concept of dimension ratio
scope of this specification. The raw materials used, however,
is not relevant to PEX-AL-PEX composite pipes, and cannot
must conform to the requirements as set out in Section 5.
be used to relate pressure rating with total wall thickness.
6.2 Dimensions and Tolerances of Pipe:
6.2.1 Pipe Diameter—The minimum outside diameter and
5. Materials
tolerances of the pipe shall meet the requirements given in
5.1 General—The PEX-AL-PEX pipe is composed of one Table 1, when measured in accordance with 9.1 and 9.1.2.
metallic layer, two layers of the same polymeric adhesive, and Maximum and minimum (out-of-roundness) tolerances apply
two layers of the same crosslinked polyethylene. For pipe only to measurements made on pipe prior to coiling.
made to this specification the constituent materials must meet
6.2.2 Pipe Wall Thickness—The total pipe wall thickness
the following requirements: shall meet the requirements given in Table 2, when measured
5.2 Aluminum—The aluminum shall have a thickness as
in accordance with 9.1 and 9.1.3. The minimum wall thickness
specified in Table 1. The material shall have minimum elon- at any point of measurement of the pipe shall not be less than
gations and ultimate tensile strengths of 20 % and 100 MPa the value specified in Table 2.
(14 600 psi), respectively. The tests shall be conducted accord- 6.2.3 Outer Crosslinked Polyethylene Layer Thickness—
ing to Test Methods E 8. The thickness of the outer layer of crosslinked polyethylene in
5.3 Crosslinked Polyethylene: the PEX-AL-PEX pipe shall have a minimum value and
5.3.1 The polyethylene shall be, in the final finished state in tolerance as specified in Table 2, except for the polyethylene
the pipe, crosslinked as defined in Terminology D 883. material overlaying the weld, which shall have a minimum
5.3.2 Polyethylene plastics used to make pipe meeting the thickness of half that specified in Table 2. The polyethylene
requirements of this specification shall be virgin resin meeting thickness shall be measured in accordance with 9.2.
the requirements of either Grade PE20A, B, or C; Grade 6.2.4 Pipe Length—The pipe shall be supplied coiled or in
PE23A, B, or C; Grade PE30A, B, or C; or Grade PE33A, B, straight lengths as agreed upon with the purchaser and with an
or C in accordance with Specification D 3350. allowable tolerance of −0 mm (−0 in.).
TABLE 1 Outside Diameters, Aluminum Thickness, and Tolerances for PEX-AL-PEX
Nominal Pipe Size, Minimum Outside Tolerance on Minimum, Maximum Out-of- Minimum Aluminum Tolerance on Thickness,
A
mm (in.) Diameter, mm (in.) mm (in.) Roundness, mm (in.) Thickness, mm (in.) mm (in.)
0912 ( ⁄8) 12.00 (0.472) +0.30 (0.012) 0.3 (0.012) 0.18 (0.007) +0.09 (+0.0035)
1216 ( ⁄2) 16.00 (0.630) +0.30 (0.012) 0.4 (0.016) 0.18 (0.007) +0.09 (+0.0035)
1620 ( ⁄8) 20.00 (0.787) +0.30 (0.012) 0.5 (0.020) 0.23 (0.009) +0.09 (+0.0035)
2025 ( ⁄4) 25.00 (0.984) +0.30 (0.012) 0.5 (0.020) 0.23 (0.009) +0.09 (+0.0035)
2532 (1) 32.00 (1.260) +0.30 (0.012) 0.5 (0.020) 0.28 (0.011) +0.09 (+0.0035)
3240 (1 ⁄4) 40.10 (1.579) +0.30 (0.012) 0.5 (0.020) 0.33 (0.013)
4150 (1 ⁄2) 50.10 (1.972) +0.30 (0.012) 0.5 (0.020) 0.47 (0.018)
5163 (2) 63.10 (2.484) +0.40 (0.016) 0.5 (0.020) 0.57 (0.022)
6075 (2 ⁄2) 75.10 (2.957) +0.60 (0.024) 1.0 (0.039) 0.67 (0.026)
A
The out-of-roundness specification applies only to tubing prior to coiling.
F 1281
TABLE 2 Wall Thickness for PEX-AL-PEX Composite Pipe
TABLE 3 Minimum Adhesive Force for PEX-Al-PEX Composite
Pipe
Total Wall Outer PE Inner PE
Nominal Pipe Size,
Thickness, min, Layer Thickness, Layer Thickness,
Minimum Adhesive Force per 10-mm
mm (in.)
Nominal Pipe Size, mm (in.)
mm (in.) min, mm (in.) min, mm (in.)
(0.394-in.) Pipe Strip, N (lbf)
0912 ( ⁄8) 1.60 (0.063) 0.40 (0.016) 0.70 (0.028) 11
3240 ( ⁄4) 40 (9.0)
1216 ( ⁄2) 1.65 (0.065) 0.40 (0.016) 0.90 (0.035)
4150 ( ⁄2) 50 (11.2)
1620 ( ⁄8) 1.90 (0.075) 0.40 (0.016) 1.00 (0.039)
5163 (2) 60 (13.5)
2025 ( ⁄4) 2.25 (0.089) 0.40 (0.016) 1.10 (0.043)
6075 ( ⁄2) 70 (15.7)
2532 (1) 2.90 (0.114) 0.40 (0.016) 1.20 (0.047)
3240 ( ⁄4) 3.85 (0.152) 0.40 (0.016) 1.70 (0.067)
4150 ( ⁄2) 4.35 (0.171) 0.40 (0.016) 1.70 (0.067)
TABLE 4 Minimum Pipe Ring Strengths and 23°C (73.4°F) Burst
5163 (2) 5.80 (0.228) 0.40 (0.016) 2.05 (0.081)
6075 ( ⁄2) 7.25 (0.285) 0.40 (0.016) 2.80 (0.110) Pressure of PEX-AL-PEX Composite Pipe
Minimum Pipe
Minimum Pipe Minimum 23°C
Ring Strength,
Nominal Pipe Ring Strength, (73.4°F) Burst
Size, mm (in.) Type III PE, Pressure, kPa
6.3 Adhesion Test:
Type II PE,
N(lb) (psi)
N(lb)
6.3.1 For Sizes 0912 (3/8) to 2532 (1) there shall be no
delamination of the PEX and AL, either on the bore side or the 3
0912 ( ⁄8) 2000 (448) 2100 (470) 7000 (1020)
1216 ( ⁄2) 2100 (470) 2300 (515) 6000 (880)
outside (see Fig. 1). The test shall be conducted in accordance
1620 ( ⁄8) 2400 (538) 2500 (560) 5000 (730)
with 9.3.1.
2025 ( ⁄4) 2400 (538) 2500 (560) 4000 (580)
6.3.2 The adhesion test of the PEX-layer to the aluminum
2532 (1) 2650 (598) 2500 (560) 4000 (580)
3240 ( ⁄4) 3200 (719) 3500 (789) 4000 (580)
for Sizes 3240 (11/4) to 6075 (21/2) is carried out by a
4150 ( ⁄2) 3500 (789) 3700 (832) 3800 (554)
separation test. The minimum adhesive force is specified in
5163 (2) 5200 (1169) 5500 (1236) 3800 (554)
Table 3. The adhesive force shall not fall below these levels.
6075 ( ⁄2) 6000 (1349) 6000 (1349) 3800 (554)
The test shall be conducted in accordance with 9.3.2.
6.4 Apparent Tensile Strength of Pipe— The pipe rings,
when tested in accordance with 9.4, shall meet the minimum AL-PEX pipe shall be as given in Table 4, when determined in
strength specifications defined in Table 4. accordance with 9.5.
6.5 Burst Pressure—The minimum burst pressure for PEX- 6.6 Sustained Pressure—The PEX-AL-PEX pipe shall not
NOTE 1—(a) Good pipe showing no delamination, (b) Delamination between the inner layer and the aluminum, and (c) Delamination between the outer
layer and the aluminum.
FIG. 1 Detection of Delamination
F 1281
fail, balloon, burst, or weep, as defined in Test Method D 1598, 9. Test Methods
when tested for 10 h at the test pressure given in Table 5 at a
9.1 Dimensions and Tolerances:
temperature of 82°C (180°F) in accordance with 9.6.
9.1.1 Pipe—Any length of the PEX-AL-PEX composite
6.7 Gel Content—When tested in accordance with 9.7, the
pipe may be used to determine dimensions.
gel content of the inner and outer tubes of crosslinked
9.1.2 Outside Diameter—Measure the outside diameter of
polyethylene shall have minimum values of either 65 % for the
the PEX-AL-PEX pipe in accordance with Test Method
fully crosslinked silane material or 60 % for radiation
D 2122.
crosslinked polyethylene. Test Methods D 2765 defines gel
9.1.3 Wall Thickness—Make micrometre measurements of
content (see Note 3).
the wall thickness in accordance with Test Method D 2122 to
determine the maximum and minimum values. Measure the
NOTE 2—The gel test is one of several methods capable of indicating
the degree of crosslinking. The different methods for assessing degree of wall thickness at both ends of the pipe to the nearest 0.01 mm
crosslinking do not necessarily agree, so conformity to this specification
(0.0004 in.).
requires degree of crosslinking to be determined in accordance with 9.7
9.2 Outer Crosslinked Polyethylene Layer Thickness:
only.
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