Overview
ISO 13265:2024 specifies a laboratory test method to estimate the long-term sealing pressure of elastomeric seals in assembled joints for buried, non‑pressure thermoplastics piping systems used in underground drainage and sewerage. The standard defines how to measure the pressure required to lift the seal using three PTFE probe tubes, records pressure under controlled flow, and uses regression/extrapolation to predict sealing performance up to 100 years.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Purpose: Determine long‑term sealing performance of joints with elastomeric seals by estimating sealing pressure.
- Test principle: Force a constant flow (120 ml/min) of nitrogen (≥99.8%) or cleaned air through three PTFE tubes positioned under the seal; measure the pressure required to achieve this flow at scheduled time points and extrapolate results.
- Typical test conditions: Temperature-controlled environment at (23 ± 2) °C; measurement times include 24 h, 168 h, 336 h, 504 h, 600 h, 696 h, 862 h, 1 008 h, 1 392 h and 2 000 h.
- Apparatus requirements:
- Gas supply (N2 or oil‑free air), regulator/pressure controller (up to ≥10 bar), pressure gauge (EN 837-1 class 0.6 or better), flow meter (up to 200 ml/min, ±5 ml/min).
- PTFE probe tubes: able to sustain ≥10 bar; flattened thickness 0.12–0.24 mm; flattened width 6–10 mm.
- Assembly and procedure: Condition components 24 h before assembly; use silicone aerosol lubricant for installation; mount three PTFE tubes equally spaced; ensure leaktightness of the test system before starting.
- Data handling: Record pressures for each tube, calculate pressure at 24 h and extrapolated pressure at 100 years using regression lines, and report arithmetic mean values and correlation coefficients. The standard includes guidance on calculation and reporting.
Applications and who uses it
ISO 13265:2024 is intended for:
- Pipe and seal manufacturers - type testing and product development to validate long-term leak tightness of joint designs.
- Independent testing laboratories - standardized test method for certification and quality control.
- Specifying engineers and utilities - comparative performance data for procurement and asset management of buried non‑pressure drainage and sewerage systems.
- Regulatory authorities and conformity assessment bodies - objective test evidence for compliance with durability and safety requirements.
Practical uses include design verification, material selection, lifetime performance prediction, and quality assurance of elastomeric seals and thermoplastic joints.
Related standards
- ISO 9967 (Thermoplastics pipes - Determination of creep ratio)
- EN 681‑1 to EN 681‑4 (Elastomeric seals - materials requirements)
- EN 837‑1 (Pressure gauges)
Keywords: ISO 13265:2024, thermoplastics piping systems, non‑pressure underground drainage, sewerage joints, elastomeric seals, long‑term sealing performance, sealing pressure test.