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Water supply PE
Pipes with blue stripes, code W, EN 12201
Pipes PE100 (MRS 10,0MPa)
FERSIL piping systems in polyethylene (PE) water supply for human consumption are an excellent alternative to
the traditional systems as PVC and steel, because of their high strength, low density greater flexibility, longevity
and high chemical resistance, absence of corrosion and UV protection. These pipes fulfill the requirements from
the European standards EN 12201-1, -2 and -5, and the equivalent ISO Standards ISO 4427-1, -2, and -5.

This document is applicable to PE pipes, their joints and to joints with components of PE and other materials
intended to be used under the following conditions:

 with a maximum operating pressure, MOP, up to 6 bar (0,6 MPa), up to 8 bar (0,8 MPa), up to 10 bar (1,0 MPa), up
to 12,5 bar (1,25 MPa), up to 16 bar (1,6 MPa) and up to 20 bar (2,0MPa);
 an operating temperature of 20 °C as a reference temperature;
 For applications operating at constant temperatures greater than 20 °C and up to 40 °C, we can apply a pressure
reduction coefficient, see next table.

Pressure reduction coefficient

PFA Allowable operating pressure (PFA):

Water Pressure
(bar) PFA = fT x fA x PN
temperature reduction
where:
(°C) coefficient PN6 PN8 PN10 PN12,5 PN16 PN20
fT is the pressure reduction coefficient;

20 1,00 6,0 8,0 10,0 12,5 16,0 20,0 fA is the derating factor (or uprating
factor) related to the application (for the
30 0,87 5,2 7,0 8,7 10,9 13,9 17,4 conveyance of water, fA = 1);

40 0,74 4,4 5,9 7,4 9,3 11,8 14,8 PN is the nominal pressure taken as a
value, in bar.

* For other temperatures between each step, interpolation is permitted (see also ISO 13761).

MATERIAL

The base material shall be polyethylene (PE) to which are added those additives that are needed to facilitate the
manufacture of pipes. PE100 compounds used by FERSIL are certified by AENOR

Characteristics of PE100 compound

Characteristic Value Test method

Classification and designation of the PE compound LCL 10,0 to 11,19 MPa ISO/TR 9080
MRS 10,0 MPa EN ISO 12162
3
Density (23 °C) ≥ 950 kg/m EN ISO 1183
Carbon black content 2 % to 2,5 % in mass ISO 6964
Carbon black dispersion ≤ grade3 ISO 18553
Water content ≤ 300 mg/kg EN 12118
Oxidation induction time (OIT) ≥ 20 min ISO 11357-6
(200 °C)

Melt mass flow rate (MFR) 0,2 a 1,5 g/10min EN ISO 1133, condition D
(190 °C, 5 kg, 10 min)

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GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

Appearance

When viewed without magnification the internal and external surfaces of pipes shall be smooth, clean and free
from scoring, cavities, and other surface defects to an extent that would prevent conformity of the pipe to this
specification. The pipe ends shall be cut cleanly and square to the axis of the pipe.

Colour

The pipes shall be blue or black with blue stripes (LA with RAL 5000 or equivalent).

Marking

All pipes shall be permanently and legibly marked in such a way that the marking does not initiate cracks or
other types of failure and that normal storage, weathering, handling, installation and use shall not affect the
legibility of the marking.

The minimum required marking shall be with the frequency of marking being not less than once per meter.

AENOR 001/000533 N FERSIL PE100 dnxen SDRxx PNxx EN 12201 W DATE HOUR OP 10-…

GEOMETRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The dimensions of the pipe shall be measured in accordance with EN ISO 3126.

Dimensions for PE100 pipes EN12201 W

MRS 10,0 MPa

Design coefficient C=1,25
PN6 PN8 PN10 PN12,5 PN16 PN20 Length in Coil Lengths in
Out-of- SDR26 SDR21 SDR17 SDR13,6 SDR11 SDR9 coils diameter bars
Øext round.( en en en en en en L Øint L
(mm) mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (m) (mm) (m)

20 +0.3 ≤ 1.2 * - - - - 2.0 +0.3 2.3 +0.4 100 +0.5 -0.2 ≥ 900 -
25 +0.3 ≤ 1.2 * - - - 2.0 +0.3 2.3 +0.4 3.0 +0.4 100 +0.5 -0.2 ≥ 900 -
32 +0.3 ≤ 1.3 * - - 2.0 +0.3 2.3 +0.4 3.0 +0.4 3.6 +0.5 100 +0.5 -0.2 ≥ 900 -
40 +0.4 ≤ 1.4 * - 2.0 +0.3 2.4 +0.4 3.0 +0.4 3.7 +0.5 4.5 +0.6 100 +0.5 -0.2 ≥ 900 -
50 +0.4 ≤ 1.4 * 2.0 +0.3 2.4 +0.4 3.0 +0.4 3.7 +0.5 4.6 +0.6 5.6 +0.7 100 +0.5 -0.2 ≥ 900 -
63 +0.4 ≤ 1.5 * 2.5 +0.4 3.0 +0.4 3.8 +0.5 4.7 +0.6 5.8 +0.7 7.1 +0.9 100 +0.5 -0.2 ≥ 1134 -
75 +0.4 ≤ 1.6 * 2.9 +0.4 3.6 +0.5 4.5 +0.6 5.6 +0.7 6.8 +0.8- 8.4 +1.0 100 +0.5 -0.2 ≥ 1350 -
90 +0.6 ≤ 1.8 * 3.5 +0.5 4.3 +0.6 5.4 +0.7 6.7 +0.8 8.2 +1.0 10.1 +1.2 50 +0.25 -0.2 ≥ 1620 12 +0.12 -0.06
110 +0.7 ≤ 2.2 * 4.2 +0.6 5.3 +0.7 6.6 +0.8 8.1 +1.0 10.0 +1.1 12.3 +1.4 50 +0.25 -0.2 ≥ 1980 12 +0.12 -0.06
125 +0.8 ≤ 2.5 4.8 +0.6 6.0 +0.7 7.4 +0.8 9.2 +1.1 11.4 +1.3 14.0 +1.6 - - 12 +0.12 -0.06
140 +0.9 ≤ 2.8 5.4 +0.7 6.7 +0.8 8.3 +1.0 10.3 +1.2 12.7 +1.4 15.7 +1.7 - - 12 +0.12 -0.06

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Dimensions for PE100 pipes EN12201 W (continue)

MRS 10,0 MPa

Design coefficient C=1,25
PN6 PN8 PN10 PN12,5 PN16 PN20 Length in Coil Lengths in
Out-of- SDR26 SDR21 SDR17 SDR13,6 SDR11 SDR9 coils diameter bars
Øext round.( en en en en en en L Øint L
(mm) mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (m) (mm) (m)

160 +1.0 ≤ 3.2 6.2 +0.8 7.7 +0.9 9.5 +1.1 11.8 +1.3 14.6 +1.6 17.9 +1.9 - - 12 +0.12 -0.06
180 +1.1 ≤ 3.6 6.9 +0.8 8.6 +1.0 10.7 +1.2 13.3 +1.5 16.4 +1.8 20.1 +2.2 - - 12 +0.12 -0.06
200 +1.2 ≤ 4.0 7.7 +0.9 9.6 +1.1 11.9 +1.3 14.7 +1.6 18.2 +2.0 22.4 +2.4 - - 12 +0.12 -0.06
225 +1.4 ≤ 4.5 8.6 +1.0 10.8 +1.2 13.4 +1.5 16.6 +1.8 20.5 +2.2 25.2 +2.7 - - 12 +0.12 -0.06
250 +1.5 ≤ 5.0 9.6 +1.1 11.9 +1.3 14.8 +1.6 18.4 +2.0 22.7 +2.4 27.9 +2.9 - - 12 +0.12 -0.06
280 +1.7 ≤ 9.8 10.7 +1.2 13.4 +1.5 16.6 +1.8 20.6 +2.3 25.4 +2.7 31.3 +3.3 - - 12 +0.12 -0.06
315 +1.9 ≤ 11.1 12.1 +1.4 15.0 +1.6 18.7 +2.0 23.2 +2.5 28.6 +3.0 35.2 +3.7 - - 12 +0.12 -0.06
355 +2.2 ≤ 12.5 13.6 +1.5 16.9 +1.8 21.1 +2.3 26.1 +2.8 32.2 +3.4 39.7 +4.1 - - 12 +0.12 -0.06
400 +2.4 ≤ 14.0 15.3 +1.7 19.1 +2.1 23.7 +2.5 29.4 +3.1 36.3 +3.8 44.7 +4.6 - - 12 +0.12 -0.06
450 +2.7 ≤ 15.6 17.2 +1.9 21.5 +2.3 26.7 +2.8 33.1 +3.5 40.9 +4.2 50.3 +5.2 - - 12 +0.12 -0.06
500 +3.0 ≤ 17.5 19.1 +2.1 23.9 +2.5 29.7 +3.1 36.8 +3.8 45.4 +4.7 55.8 +5.7 - - 12 +0.12 -0.06
560 +3.4 ≤ 19.6 21.4 +2.3 26.7 +2.8 33.2 +3.5 41.2 +4.3 50.8-+5.2 62.5 +6.4 - - 12 +0.12 -0.06
630 +3.8 ≤ 22.1 * 24.1 +2.6 30.0 +3.1 37.4 +3.9 46.3 +4.8 57.2-+5.9 70.3 +7.2 - - 12 +0.12 -0.06
710 +6.4 ≤ 24.9 * 27.2 +2.9 33.9 +3.5 42.1 +4.4 52.2-+5.4 64.5-+6.6 79.3 +8.1 - - 12 +0.12 -0.06
800 +7.2 ≤ 28.0 * 30.6 +3.8 38.1 +4.0 47.4 +4.9 58.8-+6.0 72.6-+7.4 89.3 +9.1 - - 12 +0.12 -0.06
900 +8.1 -* 34.4 +3.9 42.9 +4.4 53.3 +5.5 66.1-+6.8 81.7-+8.3 - - - 12 +0.12 -0.06
1.000 +9.0 -* 38.2 +4.0 47.7 +4.9 59.3 +6.1 73.5-+7.4 90.8-+9.2 - - - 12 +0.12 -0.06
1.200 +10.8 -* 45.9 +4.7 57.2 +4.9 71.1 +7.3 88.2-+9.0 - - - - 12 +0.12 -0.06

* For pipes in coils and in bars Øext > 630 mm, the maximum value for out-of-roundness (ovality) shall be agreed between the manufacturer and
the purchaser. Due to the flexibility of the pipe, it can promote changes during the transp.ort and storage.

MECHANICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

FERSIL PE100 pipes have excellent resistance to hydrostatic short and long term.

Mechanical characteristics for PE100 pipes EN12201 W

Characteristic Value Test method

Hydrostatic strength at 20°C ≥ 100 h no failure EN ISO 1167-1 and

(water in water, σ 12,0 MPa) EN ISO 1167-2

Hydrostatic strength at 80°C ≥ 165 h no failure EN ISO 1167-1 and

(water in water, σ 5,4 MPa) EN ISO 1167-2

Hydrostatic strength at 80°C ≥ 1000 h no failure EN ISO 1167-1 and

(water in water, σ 5,0 MPa) EN ISO 1167-2

Also they have excellent physical properties as a good flexibility for handling and installation, for use on the
water supply under pressure (with good resistance to the absorption of shock waves from water interruptions)
and a long exposure to the weathering.

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Physical characteristics for PE100 pipes EN12201 W

Characteristic Value Test method

Melt flow rate (MFR) Change in MFR ± 20 % EN ISO 1133, condition D

(190 °C, 5 kg, 10 min) from compound

Tensile test (elongation at break) * ≥ 350 % EN ISO 6259-1 and

(e ≤ 5 mm, Type 2, 100 mm/min) EN ISO 6259-3

(5 mm < e ≤ 12 mm, Type 1, 50 mm/min)

(e > 12 mm, Type 1, 25 mm/min or Type 3, 10 mm/min)

Oxidation induction time (OIT) ≥ 20 min ISO 11357-6

(200 °C)

CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS

FERSIL PE100 pipes have a good behavior when exposed to most chemicals used in water treatment plant, in
wastewater treatment plant, as well as those which exist in most types of soil in which the pipes are installed.
The strength and behavior always depends on the conditions of use of piping system (temperature, pressure
and external loads). For more detail, FERSIL has a chemical resistance guide based on ISO / TR 10358.

EFECT ON WATER QUALITY

FERSIL PE100 pipes are suitable for use in water supply for human consumption. To prove that, our pipes are
tested periodically in a recognized independent test institute, to perform tests for migration in water, according
to standards
EN 12873-1, EN 1420-1 and EN 13052-1 and they compare values of organoleptic properties, inorganic
chemicals and organic chemicals, with national regulations (DL 306/2007 and RD 140/2003) related to the
absence of potential adverse effects on the quality of water intended for human consumption

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

The connection between PE100 pipes, fittings and other components should be made according to the
instructions of our technical manual and must comply with the requirements indicated in the standard EN
12201-5.The connection types can be:

 Thermal joint with butt fusion;

 Thermal joint with electrofusion fittings;
 Mechanical joints with plastic fittings
 Mechanical joints with flange adaptors (stub end) and loose backing flanges

The range of available fittings can be found in the price list.

Thermal joint with butt fusion

Connexion between pipes or fittings spigots, by heating the faced surfaces, previously rectified and
pressed against a flat heated plate, until it reached the melting point of PE material. After that the
heated plate is removed and the faced surfaces from spigots are compressed against each other at a
controlled cooling timing pressure.

All procedure and parameters (temperature, time and pressure for each step) is given by the
equipment manufacture in their Instruction Manual.

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Thermal joint with electrofusion fittings

Connexion between a PE pipe and/or fitting with socket electrofusion fittings. The electrofusion
fittings is heated by Joule effect (a low voltage (≈45 volt) charge is made on the spiral cooper wire
embedded in the surfaces of the joint area), causing the melting of material from both surfaces in
contact (pipe and fitting socket).

All procedure and parameters (temperature, time for each step) is given by the equipment
manufacture in their Instruction Manual.

The electrofusion equipment is only prepared for a specific brand and range of fittings specified in
their Catalogue.

Important aspect: the surfaces to be joined must be completely clean and dry and the pipe must be well scraped.

Mechanical joint with compression fittings

This type of connection is made with compression fittings (quick-tightening) which can be metallic or
plastic (eg. PP) and must comply with the tests defined in the following standards:

 EN ISO 3501 “Plastics piping systems; Mechanical joints between fittings and pressure pipes; Test
method for resistance to pull-out under constant longitudinal force (ISO 3501:2015)” (Replaces EN 712)
 EN ISO 3503 “Plastics piping systems; Mechanical joints between fittings and pressure pipes; Test
method for leak tightness under internal pressure of assemblies subjected to bending (ISO 3503:2015)”
(Replaces EN 713)
 EN ISO 3458 “Plastics piping systems; Mechanical joints between fittings and pressure pipes; Test
method for leak tightness under internal pressure (ISO 3458:2015)” (Replaces EN 715)
 EN ISO 3459 ”Plastic piping systems; Mechanical joints between fittings and pressure pipes; Test
method for leak tightness under negative pressure (ISO 3459:2015)” (Replaces EN 911)

They are applicable to all types of PE100 pipes with small diameters (≤ 110mm) and pressure classes
up to 10 bar (PN6, PN8 and PN10). This kind of fittings usually comply a plastic body and for each
connection, a split ring, an insert, an elastomeric oring and a plastic nut to push the pipe into the
fitting body. The elastomeric oring ensures the tightness of the joint.

Mechanical joint with flange adaptors (stub end) and loose backing flanges

These joints are made with steel loose backing flanges (galvanized /epoxy coating/PP coating), applied
with PE100 flange adaptor (stub end) welded to pipe or fitting spigot, and closed by tightening
hexagon bolts and nuts. The tightness is guaranteed by the elastomeric gasket applied between the
pipe or fittings ends.

The PE100 flange adaptors (stub end) are available in the whole range of diameters and there are two
types, short version to be used for butt fusion connections or long version to be used for electrofusion
couplers.

The loose flanges (ISO 9624 and EN 1092-1) are the most common used, which allows turning the
flange on its axis, facilitating the assembly and installation of the pipe or fitting.

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Key

dn nominal (outside) diameter of connecting pipe

D outside diameter of loose backing flange
D1 bolt hole diameter
D2 inside diameter of loose backing flange
D3 pitch circle diameter
D4 outside diameter of flange adapter head
D5 outside diameter of flange adapter shank
rf radius of shoulder of flange adapter

In order to connect PE100 pipes with flanges, the inside diameter off loose baking flange, pitch circle
diameter (between holes), the number of bolt holes and the type and length of bolts must be taken
into account in addition to nominal pressure.
The mounting sequence and the tightening force of the bolts must be respected according to the
supplier's instructions and the reference standards.

PACKAGING

Pipes in coils

The requirements concerning particular lengths of coiled or straight pipe

and tolerances should be agreed between purchaser and FERSIL.

The pipe shall be coiled such that localized deformation, e.g. buckling and
kinking, is prevented. The minimum internal diameter of the coil shall be
not less than 18 x Ø.

Due this type of packing, the out-of-roundness can be higher than the
specified in dimensions table, on page 2. Is usual practice to use on site job,
redounding clamps and tools to correct the ovality before the jointing
procedure.

Straight pipes in bars

Pipes in straight length of 12 m, for Ø 90 a 1200 mm. Other lengths

available by request (eg. 6 m, 11,8 m,13 m).

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Packagins for PE100 pipes EN12201 W in straight length

Total lenght/pallet Total lenght/pallet
Øext Pipes/pallet (12m pipes) Øext Pipes/pallet (12m pipes)
(mm) - (m) (mm) - (m)
90 115 1380 355 5 60
110 38 456 400 5 60
125 34 408 450 2 24
140 38 456 500 2 24
160 22 224 560 2 24
180 17 204 630 2 24
200 14 168 710 2 24
225 14 168 800 1 12
250 11 132 900 1 12
280 7 84 1000 1 12
315 5 60 1200 1 12

* Other types of packaging, on request.

TRANSPORT, HANDLING AND STORAGE

PE100 pipes W series supplied in coils or straight lengths, although being a material of great robustness and
indicated for the majority of the installations of water and sewerage with pressure, above or buried in the
ground, some care is needed in its handling, transport and storage.

Note: Attention is drawn to the need for consideration of personnel safety during the transport, handling and storage,
especially in wet and cold weather conditions.

Storage

Do not place pipes or fittings in close proximity to fuels, solvents, oils, greases, paints or heat sources (above
50 °C);

Although thermoplastics pipes are light, durable and resilient, take reasonable precautions during storage.

When it is intended to store pipes on site in stacks, the manufacturer's advice regarding correct practice should
be sought. Stack the pipes up to 1,5 m on reasonably flat surfaces free from sharp objects, stones or projections
in order to avoid localised deformation or damage to the pipes.

When storing pipes in coils, check that the last layer of pipe is within the outer edge of the rim or crown of the
coil;

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Storage in direct sunlight for long periods and/or high temperatures could cause deformations affecting the
buckling or ovality. To avoid this risk, the following precautions are recommended:
a) limit the height of the stacks of pipes up to 1,5 m;
b) shield the stacks of pipes from continuous and direct sunlight and arrange to allow the free passage of air around
the pipes;
c) store the fittings in boxes or sacks manufactured so as to permit the free passage of air.

Handling

When handling the pipes or fittings, care shall be taken to prevent damage, avoid shocks, scratches and other
operations that could damage pipes and fittings;

When pipes are to be handled individually, they should be lifted, lowered and carried in a controlled fashion and
should never be thrown, dropped or dragged. Do not rotate the pipe coils over granular or sharp materials

It is preferable to use fabric slings or rope to lift the pipe or pipe bundle. Metal bars, slings, hooks or chains will
damage the pipe if they are used incorrectly.

When loading or unloading pipes, pipe bundles with fork lift equipment, only fork lift trucks with smooth or
suitably protected forks should be used. Care should be taken to ensure that forks do not strike the pipe when
lifting.

The flexibility of PE pipes is reduced at low temperatures: under these conditions, take more care during
handling. Where cold conditions are expected, the advice of the manufacturer should be sought.

Transport

Transport shall be carried out on vehicles with a smooth platform, free of sharp edges or other objects likely to
damage the pipe or fittings.

When practicable, pipes should rest uniformly on the vehicle. The largest diameter pipes and or the heaviest
ones should be placed on the bottom. Secure the pipes or pipe package effectively before transporting.

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When pipes are transported in bundles or coils, they should be secured effectively and unloaded as
described hereunder:

 Care should be taken to avoid positioning the pipes

near to any exhaust systems or any other potential
hazards such as diesel oil.
 The pipe coils should be placed horizontally. If
diameters allow, coils of smaller diameter can be
placed inside coils of upper diameter;
 Weights should not be placed on the vertically
transported coils as they may cause deformations
on pipe.
 When unloading at the destination, the pipes should be inspected by the buyer or his representative regarding
compliance with the order and any damage must be recorded and if applicable photographed.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PIPE INSTALLATION

The installation of the PE100 pipes EN 12201 W, must comply with the local regulations like “Regulamento Geral
dos Sistemas Públicos e Prediais de Distribuição de Água”, to avoid the risk of failing which it may lead to
anomalies in the functioning of the piping system.

The assembly of pipes and fittings of PE100, requires adequate equipment and specialized worker with skills in
welding polyethylene. For further details and advice, please contact our Technical Department.

Angular deviations

The flexibility of PE100 pipes EN 12201 W allows horizontal and vertical bending to be drawn on the stroke,
without use of elbows or other fittings and reducing the number of joints. However, the allowed bend radius
must be taken into account.

The criterion for determining the minimum bend radius allowed in a pipe is the ability to bend without the risk
of collapse when the ratio of the wall thickness to the diameter is reduced, ie a large SDR; and is the
enlargement of the surface fibers when the nominal pressure reaches high values.

Minimum bend radius at 20 °C are given by:

 Against curvature:

rm2
RKd  mm
0,28  e

where: rm : pipe médium radius mm

e: Wall thickness mm

 Against enlargement

ra  100
RKa  mm


where: ra : pipe external radius mm

 : enlargement of superficial fibers < 25%

The flexibility of PE100 pipes EN 12201 W is reduced at low temperatures so that when installed at a
temperature < 0 ° C, the resulting bending radius should be increased by a factor of 2.5.

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Contraction and dilation

The PE100 pipes EN 12201 W, when installed with exposure to the weathering, have a coefficient of linear
thermal expansion of 0.2 mm per meter of length and ° C of temperature variation.

In straight and continuous pipes where expansion is expected, it is necessary to install elements to absorb them.
We can use expansion arms according to the following scheme:

Figures of expansion arms (as example)

In many installations the steering changes themselves provide a suitable means to compensate the expansion.
Thermal expansion and contraction can be determined using the graph and formulas in the following figure:

+ ΔL = Toperating (°C) > Tinitial (°C)

- ΔL = Toperating (°C) < Tinitial (°C)
ΔL (mm) – L (m) = ΔT (°C) x δ (mm/m.°C)

Schematic for determining thermal expansion and contraction

Example

T (ºC) L (mm)

Graph to determine contraction/dilatation L as a function of temperature T and pipe length L

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Distance to fix points to compensate expansions

The distance to the fix points to compensate for the expansion caused by the temperature variations of the
water in the PE100 Pipes EN 12201 W can be determined using the scheme and the graph of the following
figure.

Length expansion (PE100 pipe) Outside diameter (PE100 pipe)

ΔL (mm) de (mm)

Flexible arm (PE100 pipe) a (mm)

Determination of arm length "a" for PE100 pipes

Installation underground

The internal surfaces of the pipe must be kept as clean as possible during installation.

The behavior of a pipe subjected to loads depends on whether it is flexible, semi-rigid or rigid (see EN 476). The
PE100 Pipes EN 12201 W are considered flexible, so when subjected to vertical loads on the ground, the pipe
will undergo deflection without rupture, pressing the material surrounding the pipe. This will cause the reaction
of the surrounding material to control the deflection.

The value of the deflection is limited by the selection of the materials used in the bed of settlement and the bed
of support of the conduit and of the form of the execution of the installation.

The level of deflection achieved by a buried pipe depends largely on the properties of the casing material and
the rigidity of the pipe (ring stifness), but not on its hydrostatic resistance properties. Therefore, for flexible
pipes, the tests and measurements made with the compressive strength procedures applicable to rigid pipes
(concrete and steel).

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When a flexible pipe is installed and the ditch is filled, the pipe undergoes initial deflection, which should
continue to evolve slowly until it reaches a threshold value within a reasonable period of time.

Pipes made of different materials have different deflection limits, so the values recommended in the installation
guides must be considered for each specific case. For PE100 Pipe EN 12201 W, the value for initial deflection
limit must be less than 5 %, however according to CEN / TS 15223 and CEN / TR 1046 values of 8% to 10% are
admissible because we guarantee the tightness of the joints and there is no risk of pipe collapse.

For large overloads, it is important to use pipes of appropriate stifness class to ensure that the initial
deformation of the pipe is kept within the maximum limit.

The deformation will be affected by the operation of the system, systems subjected continuously to an internal
pressure will deform less than those left without pressure for long periods of time.

When required and in buried applications, the initial circumferential stiffness (Scalc) can be determined.

Ring stifness for PE100 Pipes EN 12201 P

SDR 26 SDR 21 SDR 17 SDR 13,6 SDR 11 SDR 9

PE100 S 12,5 S 10 S8 S 6,3 S5 S4

PN 6 PN 8 PN 10 PN 12,5 PN 16 PN 20

 Scalc 5,9 kN/m

2
11,5 kN/m
2
22,4 kN/m
2
45,8 kN/m
2
91,7 kN/m
2
179,0 kN/m2

1100 MPa SN SN 4 SN 8 SN 16 SN 32 SN 64 SN 128

The initial stiffness (Scalc) in PE100 Pipes EN 12201 P is calculated with following formula:

EI E
Scalc  
d n
 en
3
96  S 3
where: Scalc : initial stifness (kN/m2)
E : flexural elasticity modulus determined in accordance with the EN ISO 178 (kN/m2);
I : moment of inertia, 1  en for 1m pipe (mm3);
3

12
dn : nominal outsider diameter (mm);
en : nominal Wall thickness (mm);
S : pipe séries.

In practice, the initial stiffness is always higher than that calculated because the average wall thickness is
greater than the nominal wall thickness used in the calculation.

When pipes with an initial stifness Scalc < 4 kN/m2 are buried, care must be taken in the installation to avoid
excessive deflection.

The pipes must never be lined with cement because it transforms a flexible pipe into a rigid structure
susceptible to fractures in case of ground movements.

The recommended minimum depth for buried pipe installations of PE100 is 0.8 m.

The horizontal distance between piping and foundations or other underground installations shall not be less
than 0,40 m under normal circumstances. Where there is lateral proximity or when the piping system is
oriented parallel to other pipes or cables, the minimum distance between them shall not be less than 0,40 m.

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At congestion points, a distance of 0,2 m shall be maintained unless a step trench have been constructed to
avoid direct contact. The construction of these step trenches may have to be agreed with the competent
authorities.

The figure below (from CEN/TR 1046) shows the care of laying the pipes inside the trench.

Laying care inside trenches (CEN/TR 1046)

Key:

1. Prepare the trench lower-bedding with fine sand or gravel, free of stones. Normally backfill up to half pipe
diameter and compact laterally, trying to embedment surrounding the pipe as much as possible, up to 2α 180°.
Take care to compact the material under the haunches of the pipe.
2. Keep backfill laterally and compact.
3. Continue backfill with the same material until the crown pipe is covered up to 15 cm thick layer. From here the
filler can be placed and compacted mechanically, provided it is not over the pipe.
4. The filling above 15 cm over pipe crown may be from selected material of the excavation, in compacted layers of
10cm.
5. Mechanical compaction is advised when the filling layer on the pipe reaches at least 30cm.
6. The remaining filler will be placed and compacted in 30 cm thick layers depending on the desired proctor density.

INSPECTION AND TESTING

Prior to a pressure test being carried out, make a check to ensure that the pipeline, and in particular the bends,
thrust blocks, and other fittings have been designed to resist the forces to be exerted by the test pressure.

Perform the pressure test in accordance with the EN 805 and its Annex for viscoelastic materials. The complete
pressure test procedure necessarily includes a preliminary stage, a purging test and the main test.

The site test pressure (STP) shall be chosen according to the type of installation and may be:
 STP = maximum design pressure considering the calculated water hammer (MDPC) + 100kPa;
 STP = 1,5x maximum design pressure (MDPa) intended for operation of the piping system at the test point;
 STP = 1,5x PN of the lowest nominal pressure component installed in the system.

FERSIL recommends using as a rule from EN 805, the test pressure equal to the maximum design pressure
considering the calculated water hammer (MDPC) + 100kPa.

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Preliminary phase
The purpose of the preliminary phase is to create initial conditions for volume variations dependent on
pressure, time and temperature.

Test procedure:
 After cleaning and purging all air inside the pipeline, de-pressurize to atmospheric pressure and allow a relaxation
period of at least 60 minutes to eliminate all stress resulting from pressure;
 Take measures to avoid any air intake;
 After the relaxation period, increase the pressure regularly and rapidly (by at least 10 min) to the test pressure.
Maintain this pressure for 30 min by pumping continuously or frequently. During this time, inspect the piping
connections for leaks that may appear;
 Wait without pumping an additional period of one hour, during which the piping can expand viscoelastically;
 Measure the pressure at the end of this period;
 If the preliminary phase is successfully completed, continue the test procedure. If the pressure drop exceeds 30%
of the test pressure, interrupt the preliminary stage and de-pressurize to atmospheric pressure;
 Examine test conditions (eg influence of temperature, leakage);
 Do not restart the test until the relaxation time of at least 60 minutes has elapsed.

Purge test

The results of the main phase cannot be interpreted without the volume of air remaining in the section being
sufficiently low. The following steps are indispensable:
 Rapidly reduce the remaining absolute pressure, measured at the end of the preliminary test, by drawing water
from the system to produce a drop pressure of 10 to 15% of the test pressure;
 Accurately measure the volume of extracted water V;
 Calculate the permissible water loss Vmax with the aid of the following formula and verify that the volume
withdrawn does not exceed Vmax :

 1 D 
Vmáx  1,2V .p  
 w
E e.ER 
where: Vmax permissible water loss, in l;
V water volume under test, in l;
p pressure drop, in kPa;
Ew water elasticity modulus, in kPa;
D pipe inside diameter, in m;
e pipe Wall thickness, in m;
ER flexural elasticity modulus at transverse pipe wall, in kPa;
1,2 correction factor which considers the amount of remaining air admissible during the main test.

For the interpretation of the result, it is important to use the exact value of ER corresponding to the
5
temperature and duration of the test. The most usual value for ER is 9,00 x 10 kPa.
It is convenient to measure the p and V as accurately as possible, especially for small diameters and small
test sections.

Main test
The viscoelastic flow due to the stress produced by the test pressure is interrupted for the purge test. Rapid
drop pressure leads to shrinkage of the piping:
 Observe and record for 30 min (main test) the increase in pressure due to shrinkage;
 The main test is considered satisfactory if the pressure curve shows an increasing trend, and never decreasing
during that time interval of 30 min, which is usually sufficient to give a good indication;

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 A pressure curve showing a downward trend during this time interval means that there is a leak in the piping;
 If in doubt, extend the main test to a total period of 90 min. In this case the drop pressure is limited to 25 kPa from
the reached value in the contraction phase;
 If the drop pressure is more than 25 kPa, the test is not satisfactory;
 It is advisable to check all mechanical fittings and visual inspection of welded joints;
 Correct the installation defects detected during the test and repeat it.

The main test repetition can only be performed following the complete procedure, including the 60 min of
relaxation period in the preliminary phase.

Note: Rapid decompression of any air that has entered into the piping system may cause transient
overpressure conditions (water hammer) which are potentially hazardous to the installation and to operators.

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