FprEN 18213-2
(Main)District heating and district cooling pipes - Bonded single and twin pipe systems for directly buried hot and cold water networks - Part 2: Qualification testing of PE-Welder
General Information
- Abstract
This document specifies the methods of examining the knowledge and skill set of the PE-welder required to carry out on-site weldable joint casing connections on thermally insulated rigid single and twin pipe systems for directly buried hot and cold water networks according to EN 13941-1 [7] and EN 13941-2 [8] also as for flexible pipe systems according to EN 15632-1 [10], EN 15632-2 [11], EN 15632-3 [12], EN 15632-4 [13], EN 17414-1 [17], EN 17414-2 [18], EN 17414-3 [19], EN 17878-1 [23], EN 17878-2 [24], EN 17878-3 [25] and CEN/TS 17889 [26].
The application of these specifications ensures that the examination is carried out according to a standardised examining procedure.
This document applies to the following processes:
- preparatory works for joint casing assembly;
- assembling and testing the elements for surveillance systems;
- assembling weldable joint casing system;
- executing hot gas welding and hot gas extrusion welding
- verifying joint tightness (leak-tightness testing);
- thermally insulating the joint casing (PUR foaming or half-shell);
- sealing fill & vent openings (weldable plugs);
- assessing overall installation quality of the completed welded joint casing assembly and on-site welded component (non-destructive);
Requirements for test institutes and supervisors are also specified.
NOTE Due to differences of the specific application methods and equipment from joint casing system suppliers, it might be advisable for the PE-welder to be certified for the particular weldable joint casing system.
- Status
- Not Published
- Publication Date
- 02-Dec-2026
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 107 - Pre-fabricated district heating pipe systems
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 107/WG 4 - Joints
- Current Stage
- 5020 - Submission to Vote - Formal Approval
- Start Date
- 13-Aug-2026
- Due Date
- 03-Aug-2026
- Completion Date
- 13-Aug-2026
Overview
FprEN 18213-2 is a European draft standard developed by CEN's Technical Committee for district heating and cooling systems. Titled District heating and district cooling pipes – Bonded single and twin pipe systems for directly buried hot and cold water networks – Part 2: Qualification testing of PE-Welder, this standard establishes uniform procedures for qualifying polyethylene (PE) welders. The document focuses on welders performing on-site joint casing connections for thermally insulated single and twin pipe systems used in directly buried hot and cold water distribution networks.
By specifying methods for theoretical and practical examination, FprEN 18213-2 helps guarantee safe, durable, and high-quality installations, supporting the reliability and longevity of district heating and cooling networks across Europe.
Key Topics
FprEN 18213-2 covers several critical areas to ensure proper installation and qualification of PE-welders:
- Qualification process: Standardized examination of PE-welder knowledge and skills, including both theoretical (written) and practical (hands-on) assessments.
- Preparatory work: Requirements for the preparatory steps before joint casing assembly, including handling of materials and setup.
- Joint casing assembly: Proper techniques for assembling weldable joint casing systems suitable for directly buried pipelines.
- Welding procedures: Execution of hot gas welding and hot gas extrusion welding for polyethylene casing joints.
- Testing and inspection:
- Tightness verification (leakage testing) of joints
- Visual checks and mechanical testing to confirm weld integrity
- Surveillance systems: Installation and testing of elements for monitoring and detection, requiring additional knowledge for specialized systems.
- Thermal insulation: Methods for applying polyurethane (PUR) foam or half-shell insulation to completed joints.
- Sealing procedures: Technically sound sealing of fill and vent openings using weldable plugs.
- Quality assessment: Non-destructive evaluation of finished joint connections to ensure compliance with installation standards.
Applications
FprEN 18213-2 is essential for:
- Construction and maintenance companies working on district heating and cooling infrastructure, where high-quality, reliable joint installations are critical for preventing thermal loss, water ingress, and corrosion.
- Training organizations and test institutes responsible for certifying PE-welders, ensuring consistent skills and adherence to safety guidelines.
- Manufacturers and suppliers of thermally insulated piping systems, ensuring that prescribed installation methods and inspection criteria are met on-site.
- Municipal utility operators overseeing installation and maintenance to secure long-term operation and performance of urban heating and cooling networks.
By following this standard, organizations and technicians help safeguard public investment in energy infrastructure, minimize repair costs, and avoid network downtime caused by improper installation or insufficient quality checks.
Related Standards
FprEN 18213-2 is part of a broader framework of European standards that address district heating and cooling pipes, joint construction, and system surveillance, including:
- EN 253: Bonded single pipe systems for directly buried hot water networks
- EN 448: Bonded fitting assemblies of steel service pipes
- EN 489-1: Joint casing assemblies and thermal insulation for hot water networks
- EN 14419: Surveillance systems for monitoring directly buried pipework
- EN 13941-1/2: Design and installation rules for pre-insulated bonded pipe systems
- EN 17248: Definitions for district heating and cooling pipe systems
- prEN 18213-1: Qualification testing for sealable joint casing systems
By adhering to these integrated standards, district energy sector stakeholders achieve higher quality, safety, and interoperability across projects involving directly buried heating and cooling networks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
FprEN 18213-2 is a draft published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "District heating and district cooling pipes - Bonded single and twin pipe systems for directly buried hot and cold water networks - Part 2: Qualification testing of PE-Welder". This standard covers: This document specifies the methods of examining the knowledge and skill set of the PE-welder required to carry out on-site weldable joint casing connections on thermally insulated rigid single and twin pipe systems for directly buried hot and cold water networks according to EN 13941-1 [7] and EN 13941-2 [8] also as for flexible pipe systems according to EN 15632-1 [10], EN 15632-2 [11], EN 15632-3 [12], EN 15632-4 [13], EN 17414-1 [17], EN 17414-2 [18], EN 17414-3 [19], EN 17878-1 [23], EN 17878-2 [24], EN 17878-3 [25] and CEN/TS 17889 [26]. The application of these specifications ensures that the examination is carried out according to a standardised examining procedure. This document applies to the following processes: - preparatory works for joint casing assembly; - assembling and testing the elements for surveillance systems; - assembling weldable joint casing system; - executing hot gas welding and hot gas extrusion welding - verifying joint tightness (leak-tightness testing); - thermally insulating the joint casing (PUR foaming or half-shell); - sealing fill & vent openings (weldable plugs); - assessing overall installation quality of the completed welded joint casing assembly and on-site welded component (non-destructive); Requirements for test institutes and supervisors are also specified. NOTE Due to differences of the specific application methods and equipment from joint casing system suppliers, it might be advisable for the PE-welder to be certified for the particular weldable joint casing system.
This document specifies the methods of examining the knowledge and skill set of the PE-welder required to carry out on-site weldable joint casing connections on thermally insulated rigid single and twin pipe systems for directly buried hot and cold water networks according to EN 13941-1 [7] and EN 13941-2 [8] also as for flexible pipe systems according to EN 15632-1 [10], EN 15632-2 [11], EN 15632-3 [12], EN 15632-4 [13], EN 17414-1 [17], EN 17414-2 [18], EN 17414-3 [19], EN 17878-1 [23], EN 17878-2 [24], EN 17878-3 [25] and CEN/TS 17889 [26]. The application of these specifications ensures that the examination is carried out according to a standardised examining procedure. This document applies to the following processes: - preparatory works for joint casing assembly; - assembling and testing the elements for surveillance systems; - assembling weldable joint casing system; - executing hot gas welding and hot gas extrusion welding - verifying joint tightness (leak-tightness testing); - thermally insulating the joint casing (PUR foaming or half-shell); - sealing fill & vent openings (weldable plugs); - assessing overall installation quality of the completed welded joint casing assembly and on-site welded component (non-destructive); Requirements for test institutes and supervisors are also specified. NOTE Due to differences of the specific application methods and equipment from joint casing system suppliers, it might be advisable for the PE-welder to be certified for the particular weldable joint casing system.
FprEN 18213-2 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 23.040.07 - Pipeline and its parts for district heat; 23.040.99 - Other pipeline components. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
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