ASTM F3346-24
Standard Specification for Polyethylene of Raised Temperature/Aluminum/Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT/AL/PE-RT) Composite Pressure Pipe

Standard No.

ASTM F3346-24

Release Date

2024

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)  US  /  ASTM

Latest

ASTM F3346-24

Introduction

Analysis of the Standard's Core Content

PE-RT/AL/PE-RT composite pressure pipes utilize a three-layer co-extrusion process, combining polyethylene and aluminum layers via melt-bonding. The standard specifies seven pipe diameters ranging from 12 to 32 mm, with a minimum aluminum layer thickness range of 0.16 to 0.46 mm and a tensile strength requirement of 100 MPa or higher.

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Comparison of Key Performance Indicators

Test Items	23°C Requirements	82°C Requirements	Test Methods
Burst Pressure	4000-6000kPa	2000kPa	ASTM D1599
Sustained Pressure	400psi	200psi	ASTM D1598
Ring Strength	2100-3200N	-	E8/E8M

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Material Technical Requirements

Polyethylene Layer

Inner and outer layer PE-RT materials must comply with D3350 standard:

• Density grade 1-3
• Melt index 1-3
• Outer layer must contain UV stabilizer (Class E)

Aluminum Layer

Butt-welded aluminum tubes must meet the following requirements:

• Elongation ≥ 20%
• Tensile strength ≥ 100MPa

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Engineering Application Suggestions

1. During the construction of the floor heating system, the pipe bending radius must be maintained at ≥5 times the pipe diameter
2. Clause 9.8 refrigerant compatibility test must be carried out before the ACR refrigeration pipe is installed
3. It is recommended to retain expansion compensation bends every 1.5 meters

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Standard Evolution Analysis

Compared with the 2019 version, F3346-24 has the following major changes:

• Revised the PE layer thickness requirements in Table 2
• Added a continuous pressure test clause at 82°C
• Strengthened the refrigerant exposure test conditions

ASTM F3346-24 Referenced Document

• ASTM D1598 Standard Test Method for Time-to-Failure of Plastic Pipe Under Constant Internal Pressure
• ASTM D1599 Standard Test Method for Resistance to Short-Time Hydraulic Failure Pressure of Plastic Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings
• ASTM D1600 Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
• ASTM D2122 Standard Test Method for Determining Dimensions of Thermoplastic Pipe and Fittings
• ASTM D2837 Standard Test Method for Obtaining Hydrostatic Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Materials
• ASTM D3350 Standard Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Pipe and Fittings Materials*， 2025-12-01 Update
• ASTM D3895 Standard Test Method for Oxidative-Induction Time of Polyolefins by Differential Scanning Calorimetry
• ASTM D618 Standard Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
• ASTM E8/E8M Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials*， 2025-07-01 Update
• ASTM F1281 Standard Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene/Aluminum/Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) Pressure Pipe*， 2026-02-01 Update
• ASTM F412 Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems*， 2025-09-01 Update

ASTM F3346-24 history

• 2024 ASTM F3346-24 Standard Specification for Polyethylene of Raised Temperature/Aluminum/Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT/AL/PE-RT) Composite Pressure Pipe
• 2019 ASTM F3346-19 Standard Specification for Polyethylene of Raised Temperature/Aluminum/Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PERT/AL/PE-RT) Composite Pressure Pipe

Standard and Specification