scope:

INTRODUCTION

This Model Specification for PA-12 Plastic Pipe, Tubing and Fittings for Fuel Gas Distribution Systems has been developed by the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) to assist the utility user in developing their own specifications which will help to ensure that the products purchased will perform satisfactorily in the intended end use.

It is incumbent upon the utility user to have a working familiarity with the following regulations, standard specifications, and recommendations:

• US Department of Transportation Pipeline Safety Regulations, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 49, Part 192, Transportation of Natural or Other Gases by Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards.

• ASTM D6779 Standard Classification System for Polyamide Molding and Extrusion Materials (PA).

• ASTM F1733 Standard Specification for Butt Heat Fusion Polyamide (PA) Plastic Fitting for Polyamide (PA) Plastic Pipe and Tubing.

• ASTM F1973 Standard Specification for Factory Assembled Anodeless Risers and Transition Fittings in Polyethylene (PE) and Polyamide 11 (PA11) and Polyamide 12 (PA12) Fuel Gas Distribution Systems.

• ASTM F2145 Standard Specification for Polyamide 11 (PA 11) and Polyamide 12 (PA 12) Mechanical Fittings for Use on Outside Diameter Controlled Polyamide 11 and Polyamide 12 Pipe and Tubing.

• ASTM F2767 Standard Specification for Electrofusion Type Polyamide-12 Fittings for Outside Diameter Controlled Polyamide-12 Pipe and Tubing for Gas Distribution.

• ASTM F2785 Standard Specification for Polyamide 12 Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings.

• ASTM F2897 Standard Specification for Tracking and Traceability Encoding System of Natural Gas Distribution Components (Pipe, Tubing, Fittings, Valves, and Appurtenances).

• ASTM F3372 Standard Practice for Butt Fusion Joining of PA12 Pipe and Fittings

• ASTM F3190 Standard Practice for Heat Fusion Equipment (HFE) Operator Qualification on Polyethylene (PE) and Polyamide (PA) Pipe and Fittings

• PPI TR-3 - Policies and Procedures for Developing Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB), Strength Design Basis (SDB), Pressure Design Basis (PDB) and Minimum Required Strength (MRS) Ratings for Thermoplastic Piping Materials or Pipe.

• PPI TR-4 - PPI Listing of Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB), Strength Design Basis (SDB), Pressure Design Basis (PDB) and Minimum Required Strength (MRS) Ratings for Thermoplastic Piping Materials or Pipe.

• PPI TR-50 - Generic Butt Fusion Joining Procedure for Field Joining of Polyamide-12 (PA12) Pipe.

Note: The use of ASTM standard specification references without a year designation implies the most current applicable specification.

Although it is difficult to incorporate in a specification, one of the most important considerations in purchasing quality materials for a PA-12 fuel gas distribution system is the selection of a quality vendor. Such a vendor will have an understanding of the necessary quality control tests and the capabilities to perform them and will also be able to provide records showing that a quality control/quality assurance program is in effect that utilize these testing facilities.

Using both the appropriate Annex for In-Plant Quality Control of ASTM F2785 and this document as guides the user or purchaser should evaluate an intended supplier through an on-site visit and inspection. Adequate records should be available for the user's review to demonstrate that the supplier's production of gas piping products meets the requirements of the specification.

In qualifying a supplier, the user should consider:

• A demonstrated commitment to the market as evidenced by facilities investment and products offered.

• A good reputation for product quality and service based on another user comments.

• Adequate in-plant inspection and quality control/quality assurance testing, either in the supplier's own facilities or in a qualified independent laboratory. Registration under a recognized quality assurance program such as ISO 9000 is a means to ensure proper/quality control/quality assurance procedures are in place.

• Evidence that the supplier has a qualified joining procedure in accordance with the requirements of the US Department of Transportation Pipeline Safety Regulations (CFR) Title 49, Part 192, Transportation of Natural or Other Gases by Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards OR has demonstrated their product is capable of being joined by ASTM F3372.

• The ability to provide sound technical support for its products.

The user should ensure that, in addition to clearly defined material purchase specifications, the manufacturer has also established procedures for qualification testing and acceptance testing of PA-12 pipe, tubing and fittings, and certification requirements for the materials purchased for use in their systems.

The following model specification is furnished to assist the user of PA-12 gas pipe in the procurement of materials meeting the minimum federal standards as well as some additional recommended requirements, such as those contained in ASTM D2513 and ASTM F2785. In the event local standards are more stringent, appropriate modifications should be made to this model specification.