BS ISO 10146:2019

What is BS ISO 10146 about? 

BS ISO 10146 specifies the minimum values for expected strength as a function of time and temperature in the form of reference lines, for use in calculations on crosslinked polyethylene (PE-X) pipes and crosslinked medium density polyethylene (PE-MDX) pipes.  

Who is BS ISO 10146  for? 

BS ISO 10146 on the strength of PE-X and PE-MDX is useful for: 

• Manufacturers of crosslinked PE-X and PE-MDX 
• Suppliers of the raw material towards applications such as residential water piping systems, heating and cooling systems, insulation of high-voltage cables, and automotive ducts, amongst others 
• Companies involved in plastic piping and tubing systems 
• Oil and gas companies 
• Chemical transporters 

Why should you use BS ISO 10146? 

Cross-linked polyethylene, is a form of polyethylene with cross-links, that is widely used across domestic and commercial applications, as an alternative to polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) and copper tubing. 

Crosslinking of PE-X and PE-MDX as suggested under BS ISO 10146 aids in the manufacturing of thermal and abrasion-resistant pipes. Moreover, the calculation of hoop strength values, denoted as MPa, helps manufacturer and testing authorities determine the expected strength at different temperatures (ranging from 20°c to 95°c) across different time periods (1 to 100 years). This provides clarity over the durability of the end-product across different uses.  

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS ISO 10146:2019 replaces the first edition ISO 10146:1997. The main changes that took place are as follows: 

• The second type of material termed crosslinked medium density polyethylene (PE-MDX) has been added in accordance with DIN 16894:2011 
• The minimum degree of crosslinking applicable for pipe conforming to this document is specified