ASTM F3506-21e1

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.
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Designation: F3506 −21 An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Polyethylene of Raised Temperature/Aluminum/Polyethylene
of Raised Temperature (PE-RT/AL/PE-RT) Composite
Pressure Pipe based on Inner Diameter (ID) for use in Air
Conditioning and Refrigeration Line Set Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3506; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—Table A2.1 was editorially corrected in April 2021.
1. Scope 1.7 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
1.1 This specification covers a coextruded polyethylene
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
composite pressure pipe with a butt welded aluminum tube
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
reinforcement between the inner and outer layers. The inner
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
and outer polyethylene layers are bonded to the aluminum tube
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
by a melt adhesive. Included is a system of nomenclature for
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
thepolyethylene-aluminum-polyethyleneofraisedtemperature
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
(PE-RT/AL/PE-RT) pipes, the requirements and test methods
1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-
for materials, the dimensions and strengths of the component
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
tubes and finished pipe, adhesion tests, and the burst and
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
sustained pressure performance. Also given are the require-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
ments and methods of marking. The pipe covered by this
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
specification is intended for use in air conditioning and
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
refrigeration (ACR) line set systems.
1.2 This specification relates only to composite pipes incor-
2. Referenced Documents
porating a butt welded aluminum tube having both internal and
2.1 ASTM Standards:
external polyethylene layers. The welded aluminum tube is
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
capable of sustaining internal pressures. Pipes consisting of
D1598 Test Method for Time-to-Failure of Plastic Pipe
metalliclayersnotbuttweldedtogetherandplasticlayersother
Under Constant Internal Pressure
than polyethylene are outside the scope of this specification.
D1599 Test Method for Resistance to Short-Time Hydraulic
1.3 The dimensions in this specification are ID controlled to
Pressure of Plastic Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings
match that of ACR Copper Tube so that the flowrate and
D1600 Terminology forAbbreviatedTerms Relating to Plas-
volume remains the same on a size-for-size basis.
tics
1.4 Specifications for fittings for use with pipe meeting the D2122 Test Method for Determining Dimensions of Ther-
requirements of this specification are given in Annex A1.
moplastic Pipe and Fittings
D2837 Test Method for Obtaining Hydrostatic Design Basis
1.5 This specification excludes crosslinked polyethylene-
forThermoplasticPipeMaterialsorPressureDesignBasis
aluminum-crosslinked polyethylene pipes (see Specification
for Thermoplastic Pipe Products
F1281).
D3350 Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Pipe and Fit-
1.6 This specification tests the pipe for service at 60 °C 6
tings Materials
2 °C (140 °F 6 3 °F) or 82 °C 6 2 °C (180 °F 6 3 °F).
D3895 Test Method for Oxidative-Induction Time of Poly-
olefins by Differential Scanning Calorimetry
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic
Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.11 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Composite. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved April 1, 2021. Published April 2021. DOI: 10.1520/ Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
F3506–21E01 the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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F3506 − 21
E8/E8M Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Ma- 3. Terminology
terials
3.1 Definitions—Definitions are in accordance with Termi-
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
nology F412, and abbreviations are in accordance with Termi-
F1281 Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene/
nology D1600, unless otherwise specified.
Aluminum/Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX)
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Pressure Pipe
3.2.1 assembly, n—a system made up of pipe, fittings,
2.2 ASHRAE Standard:
flanges, valves, or other piping components.
ASHRAE Standard 15 Safety Standard for Refrigeration
Systems
4. Pipe Classification
2.3 Uniform Classification Committee:
4.1 Pipe Diameter—ThePE-RT/AL/PE-RTcompositepipes
Uniform Freight Classification
are classified by inside diameter.
2.4 National Motor Freight Association Standard:
NOTE 1—Pipe Dimension Ratio—The concept of dimension ratio is not
National Motor Freight Classification
relevant to PE-RT/AL/PE-RT laminated pipes, and cannot be used to
2.5 Federal Standard:
relate pressure rating with total wall thickness.
Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipments (Civil Agencies)
5. Materials
2.6 Underwriters Laboratory Standards:
UL 207 Refrigerant-Containing Components and Accesso-
5.1 General—The PE-RT/AL/PE-RT pipe is composed of
ries
one metallic layer, two layers of the same polyethylene melt
UL 1963 Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling Equipment
adhesive and two layers of the same polyethylene. For pipe
2.7 Military Standard: made to this specification the constituent materials must meet
the following requirements:
MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage
2.8 PPI Standards:
5.2 Aluminum—The aluminum shall have a thickness as
PPI TR-3 Policies and Procedures for Developing Hydro-
specified in Table 1. The material shall have minimum elon-
static Design Basis (HDB), Hydrostatic Design Stresses
gations and ultimate tensile strengths of 11 % and 124 MPa
(HDS), Pressure Design Basis (PDB), Strength Design
(18000 psi), respectively when tested in accordance with 9.5.
Basis (SDB), Minimum Required Strength (MRS)
5.3 PE-RT:
Ratings, and Categorized Required Strength (CRS) for
5.3.1 PE-RT resin used to make pipe meeting the require-
Thermoplastic Piping Materials or Pipe
ments of this specification shall be virgin resin, reworked
PPI TR-4 PPI Listing of Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB),
plastic, or both, and shall have a Plastic Pipe Institute (PPI)
Hydrostatic Design Stress (HDS), Strength Design Basis
HDB established at 23 °C (73 °F) and 82 °C (180 °F).
(SDB), Pressure Design Basis (PDB) and Minimum Re-
5.3.1.1 Only PE-RT plastics having an HDB at 82 °C
quired Strength (MRS) Ratings For Thermoplastic Piping
(180 °F) shall be used to manufacture pipe rated at 82 °C
Materials or Pipe
(180 °F).
5.3.1.2 The inner PE-RTcompound shall meet the color and
UV stabilizer code of A, B, C, D, or E in accordance with
Specification D3350. The outer layer PE-RT compound shall
Available from American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air- meet the color and UV stabilizer code C or E in accordance
Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE), 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA
with Specification D3350. Black Code C compound shall
30329, http://www.ashrae.org.
contain a minimum of 2 % well-dispersed carbon black. Color
Available from National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA),
Code E compound shall contain sufficient UV stabilization to
1001 N. Fairfax St., Suite 600, Alexandria, VA 22314-1798, http://www.nmfta.org.
Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave.,
provide extended long-term resistance to UV degradation or
Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
color fade from direct sunlight exposure.
Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), UL Headquarters, 333 Pfing-
sten Road, Northbrook, IL, 60062, http://www.ul.com.
NOTE 2—HVAC equipment in locations such as outdoor rooftop
Available from Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI), 105 Decker Court, Suite 825,
Irving, TX 75062, http://www.plasticpipe.org.
TABLE 1 Inside Diameters, Aluminum Thickness, and Tolerances for PE-RT/AL/PE-RT
Minimum Inside Tolerance on Minimum, Maximum Out-of Minimum Aluminum Tolerance on Aluminum
A
Nominal Pipe Size Diameter, Roundness, Thickness, Thickness,
mm (in.) mm (in.) mm (in.) mm (in.) mm (in.)
⁄4 4.83 (0.190) +0.30 (0.012) 0.40 (0.016) 0.36 (0.014) +0.09 (+0.004)
⁄8 7.90 (0.311) +0.30 (0.012) 0.40 (0.016) 0.36 (0.014) +0.09 (+0.004)
⁄2 11.07 (0.436) +0.30 (0.012) 0.50 (0.020) 0.51 (0.020) +0.09 (+0.004)
⁄8 14.10 (0.555) +0.30 (0.012) 0.50 (0.020) 0.70 (0.028) +0.09 (+0.004)
⁄4 17.27 (0.680) +0.30 (0.012) 0.50 (0.020) 0.85 (0.033) +0.09 (+0.004)
⁄8 19.94 (0.785) +0.30 (0.012) 0.50 (0.020) 0.95 (0.037) +0.09 (+0.004)
1 ⁄8 26.04 (1.025) +0.30 (0.012) 0.50 (0.020) 1.20 (0.047) +0.09 (+0.004)
A
The out-of-roundness specification applies only to pipe prior to coiling.
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F3506 − 21
installations can expose uncovered refrigerant lines to direct UV radiation
6.6 Sustained Pressure:
from sunlight. Code E color outer layer refrigerant lines are susceptible to
6.6.1 The PE-RT/AL/PE-RT pipe rated at 60 °C (140 °F)
UVdegradationifsubjecttolongtermUVexposure.Installationpractices
shallnotfail,balloon,burst,orweep,asdefinedinTestMethod
suchasinsulationandshieldingoverrefrigerantlinesarerecommendedto
D1598, when tested for 10 h at the test pressure given in Table
provide protection against UV degradation.
4 at a temperature of 60 °C (140 °F) in accordance with 9.7.
5.4 Polyethylene Melt Adhesive—The polyethylene melt
6.6.2 PE-RT/AL/PE-RT pipe rated at 82 °C ( 180 °F) shall
adhesiveshallhaveadensitycellof1,2,or3;ameltindexcell
not fail, balloon, burst, or weep as defined in Test Method
of 1, 2, or 3; and a color code of A or B, in accordance with
D1598 when tested in accordance with 9.7 for 10 h at the test
Specification D3350.
pressure given in Table 4 at a temperature of 82 °C (180 °F).
6. Requirements
6.7 Pressure design basis (PDB)—All pipe meeting the
requirements of this specification shall have a PDB of 400 psi
6.1 General—The requirements and test methods in this
at 23 °C (73 °F) and 200 psi at 82 °C (180 °F) obtained by
specification cover PE-RT/AL/PE-RT pipes. Tests on the indi-
categorizing the long-term hydrostatic pressure strength deter-
vidual layers that comprise this composite pipe are outside the
mined in accordance with Test Method D2837 and PPI TR-3.
scope of this specification. The raw materials used, however,
PDB is specific to the particular wall construction and pipe
must conform to the requirements in Section 5.
diameter.
6.2 Dimensions and Tolerances of Pipe:
6.8 Refrigerant Exposure—All pipe designed to be used
6.2.1 Pipe Diameter—The minimum inside diameter and
with refrigerant shall be tested in accordance with 9.8 for
tolerances of the pipe shall meet the requirements given in
compatibility with each refrigerant as specified by the manu-
Table 1, when measured in accordance with 9.1 and 9.1.2.
facturer.
Maximum and minimum (out-of-roundness) tolerances apply
only to measurements made on pipe prior to coiling.
7. Workmanship
6.2.2 Pipe Wall Thickness—The total pipe wall thickness
shall meet the requirements given in Table 2, when measured
7.1 The pipe shall be free of visible cracks, holes, foreign
in accordance with 9.1 and 9.1.3. The minimum wall thickness
inclusions, blisters, and other known injurious defects. The
at any point of measurement of the pipe shall not be less than
pipe shall be as uniform as commercially practicable in color,
the minimum wall thickness specified in Table 2.
opacity, and regularity of the distribution of the polyethylene
6.2.3 Polyethylene Layer Thickness—The thickness of the
inside and outside
inner and outer layers of polyethylene in the PE-RT/AL/PE-RT
pipe shall have a minimum value and tolerance as specified in
8. Sampling and Conditioning
Table 2.The polyethylene thickness is measured in accordance
8.1 Sampling—Take a sample of the PE-RT/AL/PE-RT pipe
with 9.2.
sufficient to determine conformance with this specification.
6.2.4 Pipe Length—The pipe shall be supplied coiled or in
The number of specimens designated for each test shall be
straight lengths as agreed upon with the purchaser with an
taken from pipe selected at random.
allowable tolerance of –0 mm.
NOTE 3—Sample size and testing frequency of lots for quality control
6.3 Adhesion Test:
must be established by the manufacturer to ensure conformance to the
6.3.1 There shall be no delamination of the PE-RT andAL,
specification. Sampling and frequency will vary with the specific circum-
either on the bore side or the outside (see Fig. 1).The test shall
stances.
be conducted in accordance with 9.3.1.
8.2 Test Specimens—Not less than 50 % of the test speci-
6.4 Apparent Tensile Strength of Pipe—The pipe rings, mens required for any pressure test shall have at least part of
when tested in accordance with 9.4, shall meet the minimum
the marking in their central sections. The central section is that
strength as specified in Table 3. portion of the pipe that is at least one pipe diameter away from
an end closure.
6.5 Minimum Burst Pressure—The minimum burst pressure
for PE-RT/AL/PE-RT pipe shall be as given in Table 3, when 8.3 Conditioning—Condition the specimens at 23 °C 6
determined in accordance with 9.6.
2 °C(73 °F 63 °F)and50 % 610 %relativehumidityfornot
less than 40 h prior to test in accordance with Procedure A of
Practice D618, for those tests where conditioning is required.
TABLE 2 Wall Thickness for PE-RT/AL/PE-RT Composite Pipe
In cases of disagreement, the tolerances shall be 61°C
Outer PE-RT Inner PE-RT
(61.8 °F) and 62 % relative humidity.
Total Wall Wall
Layer Layer
Nominal Thickness, Tolerance
Thickness, Thickness,
8.4 Test Conditions—Conduct the test in the standard labo-
Pipe Size min, (+)
min, min,
ratory atmosphere of 23 °C 6 2 °C (73 °F 6 3 °F) and 50 % 6
mm (in.) mm (in.) mm (in.) mm (in.)
1 10 % relative humidity, unless otherwise specified in the test
⁄4 1.92 (0.076) 0.40 (0.016) 0.40 (0.016) 1.00 (0.039)
⁄8 1.92 (0.076) 0.40 (0.016) 0.40 (0.016) 1.00 (0.039)
methods or in this specification. In cases of disagreement, the
⁄2 2.27 (0.089) 0.40 (0.016) 0.40 (0.016) 1.20 (0.047)
tolerances shall be 61 °C (2 °F) and 62 % relative humidity.
⁄8 2.56 (0.101) 0.40 (0.016) 0.40 (0.016) 1.30 (0.051)
⁄4 2.81 (0.111) 0.50 (0.020) 0.40 (0.016) 1.40 (0.055)
⁄8 2.91 (0.115) 0.50 (0.020) 0.40 (0.016) 1.40 (0.055)
9. Test Methods
1 ⁄8 3.36 (0.132) 0.60 (0.024) 0.40 (0.016) 1.60 (0.063)
9.1 Dimensions and Tolerances:
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F3506 − 21
FIG. 1 Detection of Delamination
TABLE 3 Minimum Pipe Ring Strengths and 23 °C (73 °F) Burst
gauge, or with optical measurement equipment. Measure the
Pressure of PE-RT/AL/PE-RT Composite Pipe
inside diameter at both ends of the pipe to the nearest 0.01 mm
Minimum Pipe Ring Minimum 23 °C (73.4 °F)
(0.0004 in.). Cut the ends of the pipe square and remove burrs
Nominal Pipe Size Strength Burst Pressure, kPa (psi)
before making a measurement.
N (lb)
9.1.3 Wall Thickness—Make micrometer measurements of
⁄4 2100 (470) 11032 (1600)
⁄8 2200 (495) 11032 (1600)
the wall thickness in accordance with Test Method D2122 to
⁄2 2400 (540) 11032 (1600)
determine the maximum and minimum values. Measure the
⁄8 2400 (540) 11032 (1600)
3 wall thickness at both ends of the pipe to the nearest 0.01 mm
⁄4 2400 (540) 11032 (1600)
⁄8 2650 (595) 11032 (1600)
(0.0004 in.).
1 ⁄8 3200 (720) 11032 (1600)
9.2 Polyethylene Layer Thickness:
9.2.1 Sample Preparation—Select the sample of pipe at
TABLE 4 Minimum Sustained Pressure for PE-RT/AL/PE-RT
random.Cutthepipewithasharpknifeorothersuitablecutter,
Composite Pipe
ensuring that the pipe after cutting is not more than 10 %
Minimum Sustained Minimum Sustained
out-of-round.
Pressure PE-RT/AL/ Pressure PE-RT/AL/
9.2.2 Thickness Determination—Use a hand held magnify-
Nominal Pipe Size PERT, PERT,
kPa (psi) at 60 °C kPa (psi) at 82 °C ing glass equipped with graduated reticule, or a laboratory
(140 °F) (180 °F)
microscope with graduated reticule. The reticule should mea-
⁄4 8274 (1200) 6895 (1000)
sure to the nearest 0.1 mm (0.004 in.). Determine the thickness
⁄8 8274 (1200) 6895 (1000)
1 of the outer coating of polyethylene at six points around the
⁄2 8274 (1200) 6895 (1000)
⁄8 8274 (1200) 6895 (1000) circumference. Only one of the points should be at the
⁄4 8274 (1200) 6895 (1000)
aluminum weld.
⁄8 8274 (1200) 6895 (1000)
1 ⁄8 8274 (1200) 6895 (1000)
9.3 Adhesion Test:
9.3.1 Visual Test:
9.3.1.1 Cutting the Spiral—Mount a Stanley 1991 or simi-
9.1.1 Pipe—Any length of the PE-RT/AL/PE-RT composite larly sharp but rigid razor-like blade within a protective
pipe may be used to determine dimensions. housing and angle to cut a 45° 6 5° spiral in the pipe (Fig. 2).
9.1.2 Inside Diameter—Measure the inside diameter of the Choose a PE-RT/AL/PE-RT pipe at random and insert into the
PE-RT/AL/PE-RT pipe with internal calipers, telescopic bore housing and rotate to form the spiral cut. The cut goes through
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F3506 − 21
FIG. 2 Spiral Cutter for the Delamination Test
the complete wall on one side of the pipe only. Run the spiral (1) Tension Testing Device, with suitable pull-off device
along the pipe for a minimum distance along the pipe axis (see Fig. 3).
equal to five times the outside diameter.
(2) D = 95 % of the required pipe inner diameter.
roller
9.3.1.2 Examining for Delamination—Firmly hold the pipe
(3) d =
...