May 15, 2020
Changes to ASTM F2620
Changes to ASTM F2620
Changes to ASTM F2620, titled Standard Practice for Heat Fusion Joining of Polyethylene Pipe and Fittings, have been under discussion within the ASTM F17.20 subcommittee on plastic pipe joining for several years. Recently these efforts resulted in the publication of a revised 2620. The question in the mind of many people involved in heat fusion joining by this new publication is "should I purchase the new version of the standard". Or if you prefer "are the changes to F2620 important". This post discusses the changes so that the reader can make an informed decision in purchasing.
The newest version of ASTM F2620-19 is available for purchase at the ASTM website. The changes provided in this edition are few in number but of potential interest due to their importance to the user of the standard practice.
Notes provided following section 1.2 of the scope have been expanded and revised to clarify the relationship between the publications of the Plastic Pipe Institute report TR-33 and TR-41 and this document. While helpful, the expansion of these notes has no practical effect on the joining procedures.
A new section 6.4 has been added consolidating and expanding on industry guidance for the cutting of pipe for use in butt fusion joining. This section emphasizes both the importance of avoiding the introduction of contaminants and referring to cleaning procedures in the instance that contamination does occur. These are important, practical additions and are valuable to users of the standard practice.
Section X1.7.1 has been modified and clarifies procedures relating to the cleaning of pipe ends. The changes to the language of this section are small but important. The recommendation to use water for rinsing of pipe ends after cleaning with isopropyl alcohol has been removed in the latest version.
A new section X4.2 has been added which is noteworthy. This section clarifies the width of straps for bend back testing on some weld types when smaller diameter pipe is being joined. This section specifically refers to the section of the Federal Gas Code relating to the Qualification of personal for joining and therefore has some impact beyond the body of this standard.
On balance, the changes found in ASTM F2620-19 are sufficiently important that fusion joining training professionals and avid users of the standard practice will probably purchase the revised standard. It is important to note that the federal code of regulations for natural gas pipeline construction still references F2620-13 so its importance to that industry is unchanged. The work of the ASTM F17.20 subcommittee continues and larger revisions to this important standard are already underway. For the value conscious buyer, it may we appropriate to wait six months to see if a 2020 version of the standard will soon be published which will include all new changes as well as those found in ASTM F2620-19.
The newest version of ASTM F2620-19 is available for purchase at the ASTM website. The changes provided in this edition are few in number but of potential interest due to their importance to the user of the standard practice.
Notes provided following section 1.2 of the scope have been expanded and revised to clarify the relationship between the publications of the Plastic Pipe Institute report TR-33 and TR-41 and this document. While helpful, the expansion of these notes has no practical effect on the joining procedures.
A new section 6.4 has been added consolidating and expanding on industry guidance for the cutting of pipe for use in butt fusion joining. This section emphasizes both the importance of avoiding the introduction of contaminants and referring to cleaning procedures in the instance that contamination does occur. These are important, practical additions and are valuable to users of the standard practice.
Section X1.7.1 has been modified and clarifies procedures relating to the cleaning of pipe ends. The changes to the language of this section are small but important. The recommendation to use water for rinsing of pipe ends after cleaning with isopropyl alcohol has been removed in the latest version.
A new section X4.2 has been added which is noteworthy. This section clarifies the width of straps for bend back testing on some weld types when smaller diameter pipe is being joined. This section specifically refers to the section of the Federal Gas Code relating to the Qualification of personal for joining and therefore has some impact beyond the body of this standard.
On balance, the changes found in ASTM F2620-19 are sufficiently important that fusion joining training professionals and avid users of the standard practice will probably purchase the revised standard. It is important to note that the federal code of regulations for natural gas pipeline construction still references F2620-13 so its importance to that industry is unchanged. The work of the ASTM F17.20 subcommittee continues and larger revisions to this important standard are already underway. For the value conscious buyer, it may we appropriate to wait six months to see if a 2020 version of the standard will soon be published which will include all new changes as well as those found in ASTM F2620-19.
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