ASTM_F_2657_-_07_2018.pdf

Designation:F265707(Reapproved 2018)Standard Test Method forOutdoor Weathering Exposure of Crosslinked Polyethylene(PEX)Tubing1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2657;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method describes the procedure for exposingcrosslinked polyethylene(PEX)tubing produced in accordancewith Specification F876 to natural(sunlight)ultraviolet(UV)radiation and evaluating the effects of the exposure.This testmethod outlines the requirements for specimen size andpreparation,exposure orientation,minimum UV exposureenergy,post exposure testing and reporting.NOTE1While other laboratory UV exposure systems are available,this test method relies on natural sunlight as the UV radiation source.Laboratory methods may be added in the future if testing confirms acorrelation between natural sunlight and laboratory exposure.1.2 PEX tubing is not designed for outdoor use.Data fromshort-term exposure testing per this test method can be used tojudge the relative performance of PEX tubing stored outdoorsfor short periods of time prior to installation completelyshielded from sunlight.1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded asstandard.No other units of measurement are included in thisstandard.1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to thetest method and post exposure testing portions,Sections 8 and9 of this test method.This standard does not purport to addressall of the safety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It isthe responsibility of the user of this standard to establishappropriate safety,health,and environmental practices anddetermine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior touse.1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-ization established in the Decision on Principles for theDevelopment of International Standards,Guides and Recom-mendations issued by the World Trade Organization TechnicalBarriers to Trade(TBT)Committee.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D1435 Practice for Outdoor Weathering of PlasticsD1598 Test Method for Time-to-Failure of Plastic PipeUnder Constant Internal PressureD1600 Terminology forAbbreviated Terms Relating to Plas-ticsF412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping SystemsF876 Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene(PEX)Tub-ingF2023 Test Method for Evaluating the Oxidative Resistanceof Crosslinked Polyethylene(PEX)Pipe,Tubing andSystems to Hot Chlorinated WaterG147 Practice for Conditioning and Handling of Nonmetal-lic Materials for Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests3.Terminology3.1 DefinitionsDefinitions are in accordance with Termi-nology F412 and abbreviations are in accordance with Termi-nology D1600,unless otherwise indicated.3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.2.1 nominal exposure time period,nthe number ofmonths corresponding to the measured TUV as defined inTable 1.3.2.2 polar orientation,nthe longitudinal direction of thespecimens with respect to the Equator.3.2.3 solar UV radiation,nthe portion of the light spec-trum falling within the range of 295nm to 385nm.3.2.4 total solar UV radiation(TUV),nthe sum of mea-sured UV Energy for the time period specimens are exposed,expressed in MJ/m2.The historical average monthly TUVvalues for CentralArizona,5 off horizontal exposure are listedin Table 1.3.2.5 tubing bow,nthe resultant curvature of a tubingsample taken from a coil.1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on PlasticPiping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.40 on TestMethods.Current edition approved Aug.1,2018.Published August 2018.Originallyapproved in 2007.Last previous edition approved in 2012 as F265707(2012).DOI:10.1520/F2657-07R18.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United StatesThis international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for theDevelopment of International Standards,Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade(TBT)Committee.1 3.2.6 UV energy,nthe amount of solar UV radiation perunit time based on a 5 off horizontal specimen placement forCentral Arizona expressed as MJ/m2.3.2.6.1 DiscussionUV Energy for Central Arizona wasselected as it represents the worst case North Americanlocation based on a 4-year average of 1998 through 2001.Thi