The data obtained by this test method are useful for establishing pressure, or hoop stress where applicable, versus failure-time relationships, under independently controlled internal and external environments that simulate actual anticipated product end-use conditions, from which the design basis (DB) for piping products or materials, or both, can be determined. (Refer to Test Method D 2837 and Practice D 2992, and Appendix X1 of this test method.)

Note 3-Reference to design basis (DB) in this test method refers to the hydrostatic design basis (HDB) for material in straight hollow cylindrical shapes where hoop stress can be easily calculated, or is based on applied pressure design basis (PDB) for complex-shaped products or systems where complex stress fields seriously prohibit the use of hoop stress.

In order to characterize plastics as piping products, it is necessary to establish the stress-to-rupture-time, or pressure-to-rupture-time relationships over two or more logarithmic decades of time (hours) within controlled environmental parameters. Because of the nature of the test and specimens employed, no single line can adequately represent the data. Therefore, the confidence limits should be established.

Results obtained at one set of environmental conditions should not be used for other conditions, except that higher temperature data can be used for a design basis assignment for lower application temperatures, provided that it can be demonstrated that the application conditions present a less stringent environment. The design basis should be determined for each specific plastic material and each different set of environmental constraints. Design and processing can significantly affect the long-term performance of piping products, and therefore should be taken into consideration during any evaluation (see Appendix X2).

Specimens used must be representative of the piping product or material under evaluation (see Appendix X2).