Overview
ISO 1167-1:2006 defines a general, international test method for determining the resistance of thermoplastics pipes, fittings and assemblies to internal hydrostatic pressure at a specified temperature. The method supports three test environments - water-in-water, water-in-air and water-in-liquid - and provides the procedural and apparatus requirements needed to produce repeatable, comparable results for short- and long-term pressure performance.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and principle: Test pieces are conditioned, pressurised to a specified internal pressure and maintained at a constant temperature until failure or end of test. Results support assessment of material and system durability.
- Test parameters to be specified: end cap type, test temperature, SDR or size, number of test pieces, test pressure or induced hoop (circumferential) stress, test duration and failure criteria.
- Apparatus:
- End caps of Type A (transmit hydrostatic end thrust) or Type B (do not transmit end thrust) - choice affects results; Type A is required when following ISO 9080 for material long-term strength.
- Temperature-controlled tank or oven (water tank ±1 °C; oven +2/−1 °C tolerances) with forced circulation recommended.
- Pressurizing system capable of holding pressure within +2% / −1% of the set value and pressure-measuring devices with appropriate calibrated range.
- Supports/hangers, dimension and temperature measuring equipment (conforming to ISO 3126), and a timer with 0.5% accuracy.
- Test pieces and sampling: Preparation follows ISO 1167‑2/3/4 as applicable; minimum three test pieces unless otherwise specified.
- Pressure calculation methods: Test pressure is derived from a given hoop stress and may be calculated using:
- measured dimensions of the test piece,
- nominal dimensions,
- or the pipe’s SDR (Standard Dimension Ratio) - as specified in Clauses 7.2–7.4.
- Reporting & calibration: Requirements for calibration, conditioning and detailed test report content to ensure traceability and reproducibility.
Applications and users
ISO 1167-1:2006 is used for:
- Product qualification and type testing of thermoplastic piping systems (PE, PP, PVC and others).
- R&D and material comparison under hydrostatic loading.
- Regulatory compliance, procurement specifications and quality control in manufacturing.
Typical users include manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, certification bodies, designers, specifiers and regulators involved in fluid conveyance systems.
Related standards
- ISO 1167-2:2006 - Preparation of pipe test pieces
- ISO 1167-3 - Preparation of components
- ISO 1167-4 - Preparation of assemblies
- ISO 3126 - Dimensional measurement of plastics components
- ISO 9080 - Long-term hydrostatic strength of thermoplastics pipe materials
Keywords: ISO 1167-1:2006, thermoplastics pipes, hydrostatic pressure test, internal pressure resistance, hoop stress, SDR, end caps, test method, pipe testing.