ISO 8308:2015 - Overview
ISO 8308:2015 specifies laboratory methods to determine the transmission of liquids through rubber and plastics hoses and tubing. The standard defines two complementary test procedures - Method A (practical comparative test simulating working conditions) and Method B (for hoses/tubing up to 16 mm inside diameter) - to quantify liquid loss through hose/tubing walls due to permeation and evaporation. Results are reported as steady-state evaporation or mass loss rates useful for quality control, product specification and compatibility assessment.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Applies to rubber and plastics hoses and tubing; covers determination of liquid transmission (permeation + evaporation).
- Two test methods:
- Method A: Suitable for all hose/tubing sizes. Uses a pressurized assembly with a measuring cylinder and nitrogen source. Test pressure is 50 kPa ± 5 kPa gauge; temperature is one of the ISO 23529 standard temperatures ((23 ± 2) °C or (27 ± 2) °C). Measure volume change at 24 h intervals until a steady-state evaporation rate is reached. Report as millilitres per square metre per hour (mL·m⁻²·h⁻¹). Three test pieces are required.
- Method B: For hose/tubing up to 16 mm inside diameter. Uses a pressureless 0.5 L reservoir and a weighed assembly filled with 300 mL test liquid. Test pieces are 300 mm long; weigh every 24 h for eight days (or until stabilization). Report the maximum 24 h mass loss per internal surface area (g·m⁻²·24 h⁻¹).
- Test liquids: As specified in the relevant product standard.
- Apparatus & measurements: References normative standards ISO 4671 (dimensions), ISO 4788 (measuring cylinders) and ISO 23529 (conditioning and temperatures).
- Safety: Method A warns about hazardous vapours - tests must be performed in well‑ventilated areas with safety valves and shields.
Practical applications and users
ISO 8308:2015 is intended for:
- Hose and tubing manufacturers for design validation, material selection and production quality control.
- Independent test laboratories carrying out permeation/evaporation testing and certification.
- OEMs and spec writers who need quantified transmission rates to select hoses for fuels, solvents or volatile liquids.
- Regulatory and procurement teams requiring standardized test data to compare products or verify compliance.
Typical uses include fuel line compatibility assessment, lifetime/performance comparison between materials, and establishing product specifications for automotive, industrial and chemical transfer applications.
Related standards
- ISO 4671 - measurement of hose dimensions and lengths
- ISO 4788 - graduated measuring cylinders (laboratory glassware)
- ISO 23529 - conditioning and preparation of rubber test pieces
Keywords: ISO 8308:2015, rubber and plastics hoses and tubing, transmission of liquids, permeation, evaporation rate, method A, method B, hose testing, test procedure.