ASTM F2023-21
Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Oxidative Resistance of Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe, Tubing and Systems to Hot Chlorinated Water

Standard No.

ASTM F2023-21

Release Date

2021

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM F2023-21

Scope

1.1 This test method describes the general requirements for evaluating the long-term, chlorinated water, oxidative resistance of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipe or tubing produced in accordance with PEX specifications, such as Specification F876 or Specification F2788/F2788M by exposure to hot, chlorinated water. This test method outlines the requirements of a pressurized flow-through test system, typical test pressures, test-fluid characteristics, failure type, and data analysis. NOTE 1—Other known disinfecting systems (chlorine dioxide, ozone, and chloramines) are also used for protection of potable water. Freechlorine is the most common disinfectant in use today. A PPI research project examined the relative aggressiveness of free chlorine and chloramines on PEX pipes, both at the same 4.0 ppm concentration and the same test temperatures. The results of the testing showed pipe failure times approximately 40% longer when tested with chloramines compared to testing with free chlorine, at the tested conditions. Based on these results, the data suggests that chloramines are less aggressive than free chlorine to PEX pipes. 1.2 Guidelines and requirements for test temperatures, test hoop stresses, and other test criteria have been established by prior testing of PEX pipe or tubing produced by the three most common commercial methods of cross-linking: silane, peroxide, and electron-beam (see Note 2). Other related system components that typically appear in a PEX hot-and-cold water distribution system can be evaluated with the PEX pipe or tubing. When testing PEX pipe or tubing and fittings as a system, it is recommended that the anticipated end-use fitting type(s) and material(s) be included in the test circuit since it is known that some fitting types and materials can impact failure times. Specimens used shall be representative of the piping product(s) and material(s) under investigation. NOTE 2—The procedures described in this test method (with some modifications of test temperatures or stresses, or both) have been used to evaluate pipes manufactured from polybutylene (PB), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), multilayer (polymer-metal composite), copper, and stainless steel. 1.3 This test method is applicable to PEX pipe or tubing and systems used for transport of potable water containing freechlorine for disinfecting purposes. The oxidizing potential of the test-fluid specified in this test method exceeds that typically found in potable water systems across the United States. 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 precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 12, 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.

ASTM F2023-21 Referenced Document

• ASTM D1600 Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
• ASTM D2122 Standard Test Method for Determining Dimensions of Thermoplastic Pipe and Fittings
• ASTM F2788/F2788M Standard Specification for Metric and Inch-sized Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe
• ASTM F412 Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems*， 2023-07-20 Update
• ASTM F876 Standard Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing*， 2024-02-13 Update
• ISO 13760 Plastics pipes for the conveyance of fluids under pressure - Miner's rule - Calculation method for cumulative damage
• ISO 9080 Plastics piping and ducting systems - Determination of the long-term hydrostatic strength of thermoplastics materials in pipe form by extrapolation

ASTM F2023-21 history

• 2021 ASTM F2023-21 Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Oxidative Resistance of Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe, Tubing and Systems to Hot Chlorinated Water
• 2015 ASTM F2023-15 Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Oxidative Resistance of Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe, Tubing and Systems to Hot Chlorinated Water
• 2013 ASTM F2023-13 Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Oxidative Resistance of Crosslinked Polyethylene lpar;PEXrpar; Tubing and Systems to Hot Chlorinated Water
• 2010 ASTM F2023-10 Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Oxidative Resistance of Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and Systems to Hot Chlorinated Water
• 2009 ASTM F2023-09 Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Oxidative Resistance of Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and Systems to Hot Chlorinated Water
• 2008 ASTM F2023-08 Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Oxidative Resistance of Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and Systems to Hot Chlorinated Water
• 2005 ASTM F2023-05 Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Oxidative Resistance of Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and Systems to Hot Chlorinated Water
• 2004 ASTM F2023-04 Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Oxidative Resistance of Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and Systems to Hot Chlorinated Water
• 2003 ASTM F2023-03e1 Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Oxidative Resistance of Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and Systems to Hot Chlorinated Water
• 2003 ASTM F2023-03 Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Oxidative Resistance of Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and Systems to Hot Chlorinated Water
• 2000 ASTM F2023-00 Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Oxidative Resistance of Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and Systems to Hot Chlorinated Water