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ISO 14692
1. Introduction
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide network of

national standard institutes. The ISO 14692 standard is an international standard dealing

with the qualification, manufacturing, design and installation of GRE piping systems.

This document gives a brief summary of the ISO 14692 standard only and is not intended
to replace the ISO 14692 standard.

To ensure a trouble free GRE pipe system, three major

important conditions must be met:
1. Use qualified products.

Qualification System design

2. Perform system design.

Trouble-
3. Install according to manufacturers standards and

free pipe
guidelines.

The above mentioned three points are addressed in the system

ISO 14692 Standard in Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 respectively.

Installation
Figure 1. The key to success

Content
1. Introduction 1
2. What is ISO 14692? 2
3. Part 1: Vocabulary, symbols, applications and materials 3
4. Part 2: Qualification of components 3
5. Part 3: System design 5
6. Part 4: Fabrication, installation and operation 7
7. Conclusion 9
8. ISO in brief 9
9. References 9
10. Deviations list to the ISO quality program 10

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2. What is ISO 14692?
ISO 14692, is an international standard dealing with the
qualification of fittings, joints and pipes for certain applications.
It describes how to qualify and manufacture GRP/GRE (Glass
Reinforced Epoxy) pipe and fittings, how to conduct system
design and finally it gives guidelines for fabrication, installation
and operation.
The ISO 14692 consists of 4 parts:
Part 1: Vocabulary, symbols, applications and materials.
Part 2: Qualification and manufacture.
Part 3: System design.
Part 4: Fabrication, installation and operation.
ISO 14692-2, ISO 14692-3, ISO 14692-4, follow each
individual phase in the life cycle of a GRP/GRE piping system,
i.e. from design through manufacture to operation. Each part is
therefore aimed at the relevant parties involved in that
particular case. It is primarily intended for offshore applications
on both fixed and floating topsides facilities, but may also be
used as guidance for the specification, manufacture, testing
and installation of GRP/GRE piping systems in other similar
applications found onshore.
Photo 1. Platform under construction
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Ameron has obtained a Design Examination Statement from
DNV. This examination statement consists out of a combination
of two specifications namely: ISO 14692 and AWWA M45.
ISO 14692 covers the design of suspended pipe systems and
the qualification of GRP/GRE products, AWWA M45 covers the
design and installation of buried pipe systems. Together these
specifications cover all design and installation aspects. In
cases the specifications conflict the ISO 14692 supersedes
the AWWA. Therefore, on basis of this design examination
statement the scope can include also application of GRP/GRE
piping systems onshore (buried and suspended).
Main users of the ISO 14692 document are: governments,
end users, engineering companies, inspection companies,
manufacturers, installers.
The advantages of the ISO 14692 standard are:
- Standardizing principles, norms, working methods.
- Allows everybody to have the same understanding.
- Main engineering and installation of GRP/GRE issues are
handled.
- Accepted by all engineering companies, third party inspec-
tion companies and governments.
- Accepted in Europe by convention of Vienna and equal to
CEN-standards.
- Everybody speaks the same language.
The disadvantages of the ISO 14692 standard are:
- Needs thorough studying, the standard is certainly difficult.
- For qualification, expensive tests are required.
- Expensive quality control requirements.
3. Part 1: Vocabulary, symbols, applications and materials
First part of the ISO 14692 gives the terms, definitions and
symbols used.
Main objective of this chapter is to achieve that every body
speaks the same language.
A few examples of common used abbreviations are given:
Composite pipe = pipe manufactured using fibre reinforced
thermo set plastics
GRP = Glass Reinforced Plastics
GRE = Glass Reinforced Epoxy
Lower confidence limit, LCL = 97,5% confidence limit of the
long-term hydrostatic pressure or stress based on a 20-year
lifetime.
Jet fire = turbulent diffusion flame resulting from the
combustion of a fuel continuously released with significant
momentum in a particular range of directions.
Impregnate = saturate the reinforcement with a resin.
Part factor f1 = ratio of the 97,5% confidence limit of the
LTHP to the mean value of LTHP
LTHP = extrapolated long-term mean static failure pressure
of a component with free ends based on a 20-year lifetime.
Part factor f2 = derating factor related to confidence in the
pipe work system, the nature of the application and the
consequence of failure.
Part factor f3 = part factor that takes account of
non-pressure-related axial loads, e.g. bending
Furthermore, some general applications for GRP/GRE piping
are given.

4. Part 2: Qualification of components

Part 2 of the standard gives requirements for the qualification
and manufacture of GRP/GRE piping and fittings.
4.1 Materials of construction and wall thickness
limitations
The GRP/GRE components shall be manufactured using a
thermosetting resin such as epoxy, polyester, vinylester
and phenolic.
The reinforcement shall be glassfiber, e.g. continuous and/or
woven rovings.
according ASTM D-2992 must be determined (witnessed by
third party for example: DNV, Bureau Veritas). The test consists
out of at least 18 samples. The test pieces are plain end pipes.
The test setup is a closed end pressure vessel. Pipe samples
are subject to different pressures. The test medium is water at
65 degrees C. The required failure mode is weeping.
The failures shall be in different decades. Figure 2 gives an
example of a regression line.

The minimum wall thickness shall be 3 mm for sizes 4 inch

and above. The minimum wall thickness for sizes below 4 inch
is defined as: WT / ID 0,025.

4.2 Qualification program

An extensive qualification program is required to determine
the performance of the GRP/GRE components with respect to
pressure, temperature, chemical resistance, fire performance,
electrostatic performance, impact etc.

What has to be done to qualify a GRP/GRE piping system?

For each product family (component type), a full regression line

Figure 2. Regression curve

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Each product family (pipe, elbow, reducer, tee, flange) is
divided into product sectors. Two representative samples,
usually the biggest diameter and highest pressure class, from
each product sector are taken and fully tested according
ASTM 1598 (1000 hrs at 65 C). The test medium is water. The
representative samples are called the product sector represen-
tatives.
For calculation of the test pressure, the regression line of the
pipe or the fitting is used. In absence of a regression line, a
default value can be obtained from a table given in the ISO.
For details on the calculation see the ISO document. In general
the 1000 hr test is performed at about 2.5 to 3 times the
design pressure. So a 20 bar system is tested around 50 to 60
bar.

A product sector contains all the items within its diameter and
Table 1. Overview of product sectors pressure range, the so called component variants. Component
variants are qualified by either two 1000 hr tests or through the
Diameter (mm) Pressure range (bar) scaling method.
0 - 50 50 - 100 100 -150 >
_ 150
25 - 250 A H N S For quality control, short term tests could be performed, if
250 - 400 B I O T required and agreed with the principal. These are done to
400 - 600 C J P establish a baseline value for quality control.
600 - 800 D K Q Other aspects to be considered are: the glass transition tem-
800 - 1200 E L R perature, the glass resin ratio and component dimensions.
These have to be determined from the replicate samples and
used by quality control during production as base line values.

4.3 Fire performance

If required, fire testing shall be conducted on each piping
material system. The performance of the piping system shall
be qualified in accordance with the ISO procedure and a
classification code shall be assigned.

4.4 Electrical conductivity

If required, testing shall be carried out on each piping material
system. The performance of the piping system shall be quali-
fied in accordance with the ISO procedure and a classification
code shall be assigned.

4.5 Quality program for manufacture

Photo 2. Spool for 1000 hrs testing
The piping manufacturer shall have a suitable and accredited
quality assurance and quality control system.
Pipe and fittings furnished to ISO 14692 shall be tested
according to the ISO standard.
See chapter 10 for the list of deviations to the quality program.

Photo 3. Overview of elbows needed for qualification up to 8 inch

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Table 2. Overview of qualification tests needed

Product sector A Test standard Pipes Elbows Tees Flanges

Component variant 2 inch ASTM D-1598 2 or scaling 2 or scaling 2 or scaling 2 or scaling
Component variant 3 inch ASTM D-1598 2 or scaling 2 or scaling 2 or scaling 2 or scaling
Component variant 4 inch ASTM D-1598 2 or scaling 2 or scaling 2 or scaling 2 or scaling
Component variant 6 inch ASTM D-1598 2 or scaling 2 or scaling 2 or scaling 2 or scaling
Product sector
representative 8 inch ASTM D-2992 2 2 2 2
Family representative ASTM D-2992 18 18 18 18
QC baseline ASTM D-1598 5 5 5 5

5. Part 3: System design

5.1 Introduction/abstract
The design guidelines are handled in part 3 of the ISO 14692.
The designer shall evaluate system layout requirements such
as:
Space requirement (fitting dimensions).
Piping system support.
Vulnerability.
The effect of fire (incl. blast) on the layout requirements
should be considered.
Control of electrostatic discharge (depending on service
and location).
5.2 Layout requirements
In general the same types of fittings available in steel are also
available in GRP. Note that the building dimensions of some
GRP/GRE fittings can be larger compared to steel fittings.
5.3 Support distance
Recommendations for system support:
Supports spaced to limit sag (< 12.5 mm).
Valves and heavy equipment to be supported
independently.
In general, connections to metallic piping systems shall be
anchored.
Do not use GRP/GRE piping to support other piping.
Use the flexibility of the material to accommodate axial
expansion, provided the system is well anchored and
guided.
5.4 Hydraulic design
The aim of hydraulic design is to ensure that GRP/GRE piping
systems are capable of transporting the specified fluid at the
specified rate, pressure and temperature throughout their
intended service life.
Factors that limit the velocity are:
Unacceptable pressure losses.
Prevention of water hammer.
Prevent cavitation.
Reduction of erosion.
Reduction of noise.
Pipe diameter and geometry (inertia loading).
Fluid velocity, fluid density, interior surface roughness of pipes
and fittings, pipe length, inside diameter as well as resistance
from valves and fittings shall be taken into account when esti-
mating pressure losses. The smooth surface of the GRP/GRE
pipe may result in lower pressure losses compared to metal
pipe.
A full hydraulic surge analysis shall be carried out, if pressure
transients are expected. The analysis shall cover all anticipated
operating conditions including priming, actuated valves, pump
testing, wash-down hoses, etc.

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5.5 Structural design 5.6 Stress analysis
Aim of structural design is to ensure that GRP/GRE piping Manual or computer methods can be used for structural
systems shall sustain all stresses and deformations during analysis of piping systems.
construction/installation and throughout the service life.
Caesar II (by Coade) is commonly used to perform stress and
Piping system design shall represent the most severe flexibility analysis. The piping system can be evaluated for
conditions experienced during installation and service life. several load-cases. Load-cases can be setup from
Designers shall consider loads given in table 1 in the combinations of pressure, temperature, weight, wind load,
ISO document. displacement, earthquake etc. With the calculation output,
Sustained loads: the stresses in the piping system, the displacement, the loads
Pressure (internal, external, vacuum, hydro-test). on the support, the load on equipment nozzles etc., can be
Mass (self-mass, medium, insulation, etc). checked.
Thermal induced loads.
Soil loads and soil subsidence.
Occasional loads:
Earthquake.
Wind.
Water hammer.

The sum of all hoop stresses and the sum of all axial stresses
in any component in the piping system shall lie within the long-
term design envelope.

5.5.1 Determination of the failure envelope and

the long-term design envelope
In the ISO14692 document an algorithm is given how to
determine the failure envelope and how the long term
design envelope is developed.

Determine the short term failure envelope (1 or 2).

The idealized long term failure envelope (3) is geometrically
similar to the short term envelope with all data points
being scaled. This scaling factor (fscale) is derived using
the long term regression line.
The non factored long term design envelope (4) is based
on the idealized long term envelope multiplied by the part
factor f2.
The factored long term design envelope (5) is derived
by multiplication with A1, A2 and A3, where A1 is the
de-rating factor for temperature, A2 is the de-rating factor
for chemical resistance and A3 is the de-rating factor for
cyclic service.
Figure 3. Allowable stress curve
Photo 4. Installation of 54 km 18 inch pipe, pressure rating 20 bar
5.7 Fire performance
The fire performance requirements of the piping system shall
be determined.
Fire performance is characterized in two properties:
Fire endurance (ability to continue to perform during fire).
Fire reaction (ignition time, flame spread, smoke and heat
release, toxicity).
If piping cannot satisfy the required fire properties, the
following shall be considered:
Rerouting of piping.
Use alternative materials.
Apply suitable fire-protective coating.

5.8 Static electricity

The use of a conductive piping system might be considered in
case the GRP/GRE piping system is running in a hazardous
area or if the pipe is carrying fluids capable of generating
electrostatic charges.

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6. Part 4: Fabrication, installation and operation
6.1 Introduction
Part 4 of the ISO 14692 gives requirements and recommen-
dations for fabrication, installation and operation of
GRP/GRE pipe systems.
Past experience with GRP/GRE installations is that a great deal
of the problems that occur are associated with bad fabrication
and installation.
One of the tools to detect fabrication and installation mistakes
is to hydro test the GRP/GRE pipe system. In other words: to
guarantee that a GRP/GRE pipe system is fit for purpose, it is
common practice that a GRP/GRE pipe system is hydro tested
as part of the commissioning procedure.
This means that any possible problems are detected in a late
phase in the project. Repairs in this late phase of the project
can be costly and difficult due to limited access.
Photo 5. Hydro-test of spool
6.2 Fabrication and installation
What can be done to prevent/reduce the above problem?
6.2.1 Inspection
It starts with checking the incoming goods
Check supplied quantity.
Check nominal dimensions of supplied material
Check supplied pressures class
Perform a visual control of supplied material (transport
damage, impact)
Check if storage is correct
Check availability of documentation (packing lists,
certification)
Handling and storage of the incoming goods
Use the Ameron lifting, loading and unloading procedure.
Storage. Pay attention to the stacking of the pipe;
support width and stacking height, end protection of pipe
and fittings.
Preferably, pipes should be transported in containers or
crates.
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Pipe spools. Take care that impact damage is prevented
by proper packaging and use of protection material. In all
cases pipe spools should not be stacked.
Adhesives. Check recommended storage temperatures.
O-rings, gaskets etc. shall be stored in a cool place, free
from UV radiation, chemicals etc.
6.2.2 Installer requirements
All GRP/GRE components shall be installed by qualified
GRP/GRE pipe fitters and thereafter approved by a qualified
GRP/GRE piping inspector.
Definitions:
Pipe fitter
Person working for a contractor who is responsible for the
construction of the GRE pipe system. He must be able to
make the relevant joint types according Ameron procedures.
This certificate can be compared to a welders certificate.
Supervisor
Person who is responsible for the quality of the installation and
is able to check the quality of the work done by the pipe fitters.
This person is normally employed by the responsible
contractor for example as a foreman. This certificate is a
personal certificate.
QA/QC Inspector
Person who is able: to check and judge the work of contractor
and is able to globally verify the soundness of the installation.
This includes lay-out related matters such as support construc-
tion and location, flange connections etc. Can be employed by
client, contractor, third party (BV, DNV, Lloyds). This certificate
is a personal certificate.
Photo 6. Typical work of a GRE pipe fitter
Training of pipe fitter
The quality of the joints is mainly dependent on craftsman-
ship of the pipe fitter. Therefore, the ISO 14692 demands
that the qualification organization is independent of the
organization that carries out the training. In the case of
Ameron the independent organization is DNV. The training
consists of a theoretical and a practical part.
The theoretical part will end with a written exam for which
a 70% pass mark is required. The practical part will end
with making a joint that will be hydro-tested according the
requirements of the ISO 14692. These tests are witnessed
 by a third party. When passing both exams the pipe fitter E.g.:
will receive a pipe fitter certificate issued by DNV. Impact > replace (major defect) or repair (minor defect)
The purpose of the entire training is to teach the pipe fitter Misaligned joints > replace components (major defect)
those things he or she can have influence on. remake joint (minor defect)

Training of Supervisor - QA/QC inspector

Ameron and DNV are developing an individual certification
for Supervisor - QA/QC inspector based on ISO 14692
requirements. Objective is to train Supervisor - QA/QC
inspector on aspects like storage, inspection of pipes and
fittings, supporting, jointing, hydro testing etc. etc. in such
a way, that they can act as Supervisor - QA/QC inspector
on a GRE pre-fabrication and installation job. An important
factor is that they also learn what can go wrong. The
educating company will be Ameron as they have in con-
trast to most institutes a large knowledge, obtained over
decades, in this particular area. Examination committee
will be DNV. The certificate that can be obtained will be a
personal certificate.

6.2.3 Installation methods

Installation method shall be according manufacturers approved
installation manual.

Supporting
Follow the installation guides from the Manufacturer.
Other guidelines not different from the Ameron procedures
are given in the ISO 14692.

Installation
General requirements are given in the ISO 14692 for the
installation of GRP/GRE components such as bending,
bolt-torquing, tolerances, earthing of conductive piping, joint
selection, quality control, etc.
Most important point is that all piping shall be installed so that
they are stress-free.

Quality program for installation Photo 7. Spool fabrication shop

The contractor shall maintain a high level of inspection to
ensure compliance with all requirements. The contractor shall
designate one individual to be responsible for quality control 6.3 Maintenance and repair
throughout the installation.
Record of following items shall be made: GRP/GRE pipes are generally maintenance free, but the follow-
starting and end time of the curing process; pipe fitter nr.; ing points shall be given attention during inspection and are
batch number of the adhesive and heating blanket; measured addressed in the ISO document:
temperature of the heating blanket; ambient temperature, date, - Removal of scale and blockages.
joint number, relative humidity. - Electrical conductivity.
- Surface and mechanical damage.
6.2.4 System testing - Chalking, ageing and erosion.
All GRP/GRE piping systems shall be hydrostatically pressure - Flange cracks and leaks.
tested after installation. Water shall be used as a test medium.
Repair shall be in accordance with manufacturers procedures.
6.2.5 Visual inspection
Visual inspection shall be carried out of all joints and surfaces.
Possible defect along with acceptance criteria and corrective
actions are given in the ISO document.

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7. Conclusion
ISO 14692 is a worldwide accepted standard for the
manufacturing, qualification, design and installation of
Glassfiber Reinforced Epoxy piping systems.
When the guidelines laid down in the ISO 14692 standard are
followed, it will result in a trouble-free GRE pipe system.

8. ISO in brief
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is a global ISO a non-governmental organization, is a federation of
network that identifies what International Standards are national standards, bodies of over 149 countries, one per
required by business, government and society, develops them country, from all regions of the world, including developed,
in partnership with the sectors, that will put them in use, developing and transitional economies.
adopts them by transparent procedures based on national
input and delivers them to be implemented worldwide.

ISO standards distil an international consensus from the

broadest possible base of stake holder groups. Expert input
comes from those closest to the needs for the standards and
also the results of implementing them. In this way, although
voluntary, ISO standards are widely respected and accepted by
public and private sectors internationally.

9. References
ISO 14692-1 Petroleum and natural gas industries
Glass-reinforced plastics (GRP) piping Part 1:
Vocabulary, symbols, applications and materials;
ISO 14692-2 Petroleum and natural gas industries
Glass-reinforced plastics (GRP) piping Part 2:
Qualification and manufacture;
ISO 14692-3 Petroleum and natural gas industries
Glass-reinforced plastics (GRP) piping Part 3:
System design;
ISO 14692-4 Petroleum and natural gas industries
Glass-reinforced plastics (GRP) piping Part 4:
Fabrication, installation and operation.

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10. Deviations list to the ISO quality program
ISO 14692-2:2002(E) Ameron
8.0 Quality programme for manufacture Standard
8.2 Calibration Quality Control equipment:
Pressure gauges:
Accurate +/- 0,5% Accurate +/- 0.8%
Calibration every two months

8.3.2.2 Mill hydrostatic test 5% of total production.

5% of continuous production (c.p.) 1,5x Design Pressure
=< 600mm 0,89 times qualified pressure
> 600mm 0,75 times qualified pressure
if pressure class > 32 bar = 100%

8.3.2.3 Spools frequency = 100% (if practicable) 5% (if practicable)

8.3.2.4 Retesting: by failures of one of both retested compo- Only the failed components will be rejected. In case of
nents, the whole lot to the latest successful hydrotest rejected components, 100% will be conducted until the
shall be rejected. infected range has been determined

8.3.3 Degree of cure: DSC according to ISO 11357-2 According to API 15LR.
Determination of a QC baseline on base-resin or
component. Min. acc. = 130 / 140 dgr.C
Frequency of 1% on c.p.
Once per shift

8.3.4 Short-term burst test: Agreed with principal Once per three months

8.3.5 Ongoing pressure tests: yearly 6x 1000hr. test from None

at least two product sectors

8.3.6 Glass content in accordance with ISO 1172 at a In accordance with ASTM-D-2584 at a frequency of
frequency of 1% of c.p. once a week random two types.
Acceptance: 70-82% for filament wound pipe Acceptance: 65-77% for filament wound pipe
65-75% filament wound fittings 55-65% for filament wound fittings
50-65% hand-lay-up fittings

8.3.7.2 Visual Inspection: Table 12 and Table A1 of annexure ASTM-D-2563 (visual)

A van ISO 14692-4:2002

8.3.7.3 The principal shall be notified of all repairs No notification

8.3.8.2 The following dimensions shall be determined in Ameron conducts 100% inspection on outside diameter
& accordance with ASTM D-3567 for 1% of pipe and of pipe. Reinforced wall thickness is automatically
8.3.8.3 each fitting: determined by using fixed inside diameter. All dimensions
a) Internal diameter and tolerances are in accordance with Ameron product
b) Outside diameter drawings.
c) Mass
d) Minimum total wall thickness
e) Reinforced wall thickness
f) Laying length

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8.3.8.4 The following dimensions shall be determined in Ameron conducts only 100% inspection on laying
accordance with ASTM D3567 for 1% of pipe and lengths and directions/ positions
each fitting:
a) Internal diameter
b) Maximum outside diameter
c) Reinforced wall thickness
d) Relevant dimensions as described figure 1
e) Mass

8.3.9 Thread dimensions N/A

8.3.10 Conductivity 105 (100V) Conductivity 106 (500V)

8.3.11 Retest: by failures of one of both retested compo- Only the failed components will be rejected.
nents, the whole batch to the latest successful test To avoid rejecting good products, Ameron will test all
shall be rejected. products to trace all infected products.

8.4.3 Records to be maintained by manufacturer: Documentation available in QC/Engineering file

Hydrotest reports
Dim.+Vis.+ cond. Reports
Tg
Glass content
Short term burst test report
Long term test report

9.1 Markings shall be applied on the pipe and fittings Pipes 3 locations,
within 1 m of the end. Fitting one location

9.2 All pipe and fittings shall be permanently marked with Pipes and fittings will be marked with:
details as in Para 9.2: a) Manufacturers name
a) Manufacturers name b) Not
b) Product line designation c) Qualified pressure
c) Qualified pressure d) Not
d) Temperature at which qualified pressure is e) System design pressure
determined (default is 65C). f) System design temperature
e) System design pressure g) Nominal diameter
f) System design temperature h) Manufacturers identification code
g) Nominal diameter i) Not
h) Manufacturers identification code
i) Limitations or referenced to installation requirements:
permissible bolt torque, portable water (yes/no), elec-
trical conductivity and fire performance classification.

11.4.2 Manufacturing procedure shall be provided if Not allowed by Ameron

requested by the principal

11.4.4 Production quality control reports in acc. 8.4 shall be Special Manufacturing Record Book
provided within five working days or other agreed
period

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