BS EN 1447:2009+A1:2010

What is BS EN 1447- Long-term resistance to internal pressure in GRP pipes about?  

BS EN 1447 is a European Standard that covers long-term resistance to internal pressure in GRP pipes, ensuring performance, stability and durability in piping systems. 

BS EN 1447 specifies a method for determining the time to failure of glass-reinforced thermosetting plastics (GRP) pipes under internal hydrostatic pressure at a specified temperature.  

Who is BS EN 1447 - Long-term resistance to internal pressure in GRP pipes for?  

BS EN 1447 on Long-term resistance to internal pressure in GRP pipes is relevant to:  

• Manufacturers of GRP pipes 
• Dealers and importers of GRP pipes 
• Testing houses and labs for GRP pipes 
• Product designers 
• Architects
• Quality control and testing personnel 
• Maintenance teams 

Why should you use BS EN 1447- Long-term resistance to internal pressure in GRP pipes? 

Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) is a composite material that consists of a polymer matrix and glass fibers. The polymer matrix is usually an epoxy, vinyl ester, or polyester thermosetting resin. 

GRP pipes are used where extra stiffness and strength are required. Typical applications are:  

• Fire fighting mains pipes 
• Cooling water lines 
• Effluent lines 
• Sewerage and drainage lines 
• Process water pipes
• Water purification pipes 
• Ballast water  

The extra stiffness and strength is imparted by the E-glass fibres in the GRP pipe. Thus, pressure imbalances can be a crucial factor in the improper functioning or damaging of these piping systems. 

In this regard, BS EN 1447 describes a method for determining the long-term resistance to the internal pressure of glass-reinforced thermosetting plastics (GRP) pipes. The method uses the following conditions:  

• Water as the reference liquid inside the test piece
• Water or air as the environment outside the test piece 

BS EN 1447 methods can be used for tests at different temperatures. For a given temperature, the results obtained can differ depending on the end loading conditions and whether the external environment is water or air. 

BS EN 1447 also walks you through detection and rectification procedures of the possible failures. These can be: 

• Drop of pressure 
• Loss of test liquid
• Drop of electric resistance 

Thus, if you are a manufacturer, inspection personnel or installer of a GRP piping system that is intended to be used in buildings, then by using BS EN 1447 guidelines you can determine the features and requirements of the GRP pipes required for an efficient end product application. 

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN 1447:2009+A1:2010 supersedes BS EN 1447:2009 which is now withdrawn. 

Change in BS EN 1447:2009+A1:2010 includes: 

• Correction of the valid failure zone limits and the use and reporting of data outside the valid zone.