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The publication of EN 14125 at the end of 2004 introduces a new Europe-wide standard entitled “Thermoplastic and flexible metal pipework for underground installation at petrol stations”. Plastic and flexible metal pipework was introduced during the 1990s to replace rigid steel and fibreglass and has been adopted widely. The advantages include lighter weight for transport, ability to coil, speed of installation, and the ability of pipes and joint to flex in response to ground movement with a much reduced risk of leakage. |
In 1996 the Institute of Petroleum issued a performance standard for these new pipes which was accepted by the relevant legislative and approvals authorities throughout the UK and much of the world. It was updated in 2001 to include, among other things, a surveillance scheme to ensure consistency of manufacturing quality.
EN14125, developed and written by the ERA led working group CEN TC221/SC2/WG6, presents a unified European standard. Those familiar with the Institute of Petroleum specification will find numerous changes. The permeability limit for the pipes has been reduced to zero with a tolerance band of +0.2 grams per square metre of pipe surface per day.
Pressure testing is now required at the maximum service temperature of 50 ºC, and a special temperature class has been introduced for which the low temperature brittleness tests, normally performed at -20 ºC, may now be performed at -40 ºC where the pipes are to be used in the coldest regions. Long-term pressure testing has been introduced, as has a weathering test. MTBE has been added to one of the test fuels, reflecting current concerns with this additive. Two classes of secondary containment are defined, one simply as a leakage containment and the other capable of resisting the full pressure or vacuum of the delivery pipe which it surrounds. On the other hand, some testing has been simplified such as the requirement to perform impact and bending tests at the lowest temperature alone.
EN 14125 covers the quality of the pipes and connectors themselves and not the method of installation. Although not directly subject to European law (“mandated”), it should be adopted across Europe and beyond. With North America adhering to the parallel Underwriters’ Laboratories standard UL971, however, it may take some years before we have a single specification acceptable worldwide.
ERA provides consultancy and testing of pipes and connections to this specification and can issue certificates of compliance. For further information, please contact Dr John Greenwood on +44 (0) 1372 367005 or john.greenwood@era.co.uk
Testing Underground Petrol Pipework - PDF >>>
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