ASTM F2023-15
Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Oxidative Resistance of Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe, Tubing and Systems to Hot Chlorinated Water

Standard No.

ASTM F2023-15

Release Date

2015

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM F2023-21

Latest

ASTM F2023-21

Scope

5.1 Environment or oxidative time-to-fail data derived from this test method, analyzed in accordance with Section 13, are suitable for extrapolation to typical end-use temperatures and hoop stresses. The extrapolated value(s) provides a relative indication of the resistance of the tested PEX pipe or tubing or system to the oxidative effects of hot, chlorinated water for conditions equivalent to those conditions under which the test data were obtained. The performance of a material or piping product under actual conditions of installation and use is dependent upon a number of factors including installation methods, use patterns, water quality, nature and magnitude of localized stresses, and other variables of an actual, operating hot-and-cold water distribution system that are not addressed in this test method. As such, the extrapolated values do not constitute a representation that a PEX tube or system with a given extrapolated time-to-failure value will perform for that period of time under actual use conditions.

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. Free-chlorine 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), ......

ASTM F2023-15 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