Testing of PE 100-RC grades

PE 100-RC materials were introduced in ISO and CEN product standards for pressurized piping systems over the last years. For evaluation of this increased slow crack resistance four test methods were developed.

PE 100-RC materials were introduced in ISO and CEN product standards for pressurized piping systems over the last years. The particular thing about the PE 100-RC compounds is not so much a higher pressure class, but an increased resistance to slow crack growth (RC=Resistance to Crack). This is of importance in trenchless installations or in installations were the excavated soil is reused as the embedding material.

For evaluation of this increased slow crack resistance four test methods were developed for this particular application in the past few years, being:

  • ANPT Accelerated Notched Pipe Test according to EN ISO 13479
  • AFNCT Accelerated Full-Notch Creep Test according to ISO 16770
  • SHT Strain Hardening Test according to ISO 18488
  • CRB Cracked Round Bar Test according to ISO 18489

An overview of these test products was given in our member event of spring 2023.

Becetel is able to perform the ANPT, AFNCT and SHT test of which ANPT and SHT are within our ISO/IEC 17025 scope of accreditation.

These test methods will pop-up in the revision of products standards for polyethylene where the specific test conditions and requirements were introduced.

If you like to obtain more information about this RC development or a particular test feel free to contact us.