Overview
ISO/TS 23818-1:2020 - Assessment of conformity of plastics piping systems for the rehabilitation of existing pipelines - Part 1: Polyethylene (PE) material provides a conformity-assessment scheme for PE products, joints and assemblies used to rehabilitate existing underground pipelines. The Technical Specification is intended to be included in the manufacturer’s quality plan and used to establish certification procedures in line with applicable system standards (ISO 11296, ISO 11297, ISO 11298, ISO 11299 and ISO 21225).
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and intent: A conformity-assessment scheme tailored for PE materials used in pipeline rehabilitation (lining, close-fit pipes, spirally wound pipes, trenchless replacement techniques).
- Testing and inspection framework: Defines the organization and purpose of different test types:
- Type testing (TT) for design/qualification,
- Batch release tests (BRT) for production control,
- Process verification tests (PVT) to verify site processing and manufacturing processes,
- Audit tests (AT) and indirect tests for ongoing verification.
- Grouping and sampling: Rules for size groups, fitting groups and how products are grouped for testing and certification.
- Documentation and records: Requirements for test records, traceability and inclusion in the manufacturer’s quality management system.
- Normative annexes: Detailed, normative test procedures are provided for non-pressure and pressure applications (Annex A and B), plus annexes on new systems/changes (C), fabricated fittings testing (D) and summary scheme tables (E).
- Conformity roles: Definitions and expectations for manufacturers, testing laboratories, inspection bodies and certification bodies, referencing relevant accreditation guidance (ISO/IEC 17020/17021/17065).
Applications and users
ISO/TS 23818-1 is applicable to projects and organisations involved in:
- Pipeline rehabilitation (drainage, sewerage, water and gas networks) using PE materials and trenchless techniques.
- Manufacturers of PE pipes, fittings, joints and rehabilitation assemblies who need to embed conformity assessment in their quality plan.
- Certification bodies establishing third-party certification schemes for rehabilitation products.
- Testing laboratories and inspection bodies performing TT, BRT, PVT and AT testing.
- Utilities, contractors and engineering consultants specifying compliance and assessing product acceptance for renovation projects.
Related standards
The Technical Specification is designed to work with system and material standards, notably:
This document is essential for anyone specifying or certifying PE piping systems for pipeline rehabilitation, ensuring repeatable testing, documented quality control and conformity with international rehabilitation system standards.