BRITISH STANDARD BS EN

253:1995

Preinsulated bonded
pipe systems for
underground hot water
networks —
Pipe assembly of steel
service pipes,
polyurethane thermal
insulation and outer
casing of polyethylene

The European Standard EN 253:1994 has the status of a

British Standard
BS EN 253:1995

Cooperating organizations

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN), under whose supervision

this European Standard was prepared, comprises the national standards
organizations of the following countries:

Austria Oesterreichisches Normungsinstitut

Belgium Institut belge de normalisation
Denmark Dansk Standard
Finland Suomen Standardisoimisliito, r.y.
France Association française de normalisation
Germany Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V.
Greece Hellenic Organization for Standardization
Iceland Technological Institute of Iceland
Ireland National Standards Authority of Ireland
Italy Ente Nazionale Italiano di Unificazione
Luxembourg Inspection du Travail et des Mines
Netherlands Nederlands Normalisatie-instituut
Norway Norges Standardiseringsforbund
Portugal Instituto Portuguès da Qualidade
Spain Asociación Española de Normalización y Certificación
Sweden Standardiseringskommissionen i Sverige
Switzerland Association suisse de normalisation
United Kingdom British Standards Institution

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Refrigeration,
Heating and Air Conditioning
Standards Policy Committee,
was published under the
authority of the Standards
Board and comes
into effect on Amendments issued since publication
15 March 1995
Amd. No. Date Comments
© BSI 09-1999

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference RHE/9
Draft for comment 93/709555 DC

ISBN 0 580 23367 7

 BS EN 253:1995

Contents

Page
Cooperating organizations Inside front cover
National foreword ii
Foreword 2
Text of EN 253 5
National annex NA (informative) Committees responsible 22
National annex NB (informative) Cross-references Inside back cover

© BSI 09-1999 i
BS EN 253:1995

National foreword

This British Standard has been prepared under the direction of the Refrigeration,
Heating and Air Conditioning Standards Policy Committee and is the English
language version of EN 253:1994 Preinsulated bonded pipe systems for
underground hot water networks — Pipe assembly of steel service pipes,
polyurethane thermal insulation and outer casing of polyethylene, published by
the European Committee for Standardization (CEN).
This standard supersedes BS EN 253:1991, which is withdrawn.
EN 253 was produced as a result of international discussion in which the UK took
an active part.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
the EN title page, pages 2 to 22, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on the
inside front cover.

ii © BSI 09-1999
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 253
NORME EUROPÉENNE
October 1994
EUROPÄISCHE NORM

ICS 23.040.90 Supersedes EN 253:1990

Descriptors: Water pipelines, buried pipes, hot water, steel tubes, thermal insulation, polyurethane, polyethylene, specifications, tests,
marking

English version

Preinsulated bonded pipe systems for underground hot

water networks —
Pipe assembly of steel service pipes, polyurethane
thermal insulation and outer casing of polyethylene

Systèmes bloqués de tuyaux préisolés pour Werkmäßig gedämmte

les réseaux enterrés d’eau chaude — Tuyau Verbundmantelrohrsysteme für erdverlegte
préisolé — Tube de service en acier — Fernwärmenetze — Verbund-Rohrsystem
Isolation thermique en polyuréthane et bestehend aus Stahl-Mediumrohr,
protection en polyéthylène Polyurethan-Wärmedämmung und
Außenmantel aus Polyethylen

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1994-10-14. CEN members

are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which
stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a
national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any
CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French,
German). A version in any other language made by translation under the
responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the
Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and
United Kingdom.

CEN
European Committee for Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation
Europäisches Komitee für Normung
Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 36, B-1050 Brussels

© 1994 Copyright reserved to CEN members

Ref. No. EN 253:1994 E
EN 253:1994

Foreword Contents
Page
This European Standard supersedes EN 253:1990
and was drawn up by the Technical Committee Foreword 2
CEN/TC 107, Prefabricated district heating pipe 1 Scope 5
systems, the secretariat of which is held by the 2 Normative references 5
Danish Standards Association.
3 Definitions 6
This European Standard shall be given the status of
a national standard, either by publication of an 4 Requirements 6
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by 4.1 Steel service pipe 6
April 1995, and conflicting national standards shall 4.1.1 Quality 7
be withdrawn at the latest by April 1995. 4.1.2 Diameter 7
The main areas of the revision are: 4.1.3 Wall thickness 7
1. The requirements for the PE quality have been 4.1.4 Surface condition 7
updated.
4.2 Casing pipe 7
2. Any reference to CFC has been deleted and
alternative blowing agents have been taken into 4.2.1 Material properties 7
consideration. 4.2.2 Casing properties 8
This specification is part of the standards for bonded 4.3 Polyurethane rigid foam
systems using polyurethane foam thermal insulation (PUR) 8
insulation applied by injecting (pouring), to bond to 4.3.1 Composition 8
a steel service pipe and a polyethylene casing pipe. 4.3.2 Cell structure 8
The other standards from TC 107 are: 4.3.3 Density 9
EN 448:1994 — Fittings
4.3.4 Compressive strength 9
EN 488:1994 — Valves
4.3.5 Water absorption at elevated
EN 489:1994 — Joints temperature 9
In compiling this document TC 107 has made use of 4.4 Pipe assembly 9
results of research carried out by system 4.4.1 Pipe ends 9
manufacturers, raw material suppliers, users,
universities and research institutes. 4.4.2 Increase in diameter of the casing pipe 9
In accordance with the CEN/CENELEC Common 4.4.3 Centre line deviation 9
Rules, the following CEN members are bound to 4.4.4 Expected life and long-term
implement this European Standard: Austria, temperature resistance 9
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, 4.4.5 Thermal conductivity in unaged
Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, condition 9
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
4.4.6 Impact resistance 9
Switzerland and United Kingdom.
4.4.7 Creep resistance 9
5 Test methods 9
5.1 General 9
5.1.1 Test specimens 9
5.2 Casing pipe 10
5.2.1 Material density 10
5.2.2 Dimensions 10
5.2.3 Appearance and surface finish 10
5.2.4 Heat reversion 10
5.2.5 Long-term mechanical properties 10
5.2.6 Long-term mechanical properties,
casing pipes 10
5.2.7 Elongation at break 10
5.3 Polyurethane rigid foam (PUR) 11

2 © BSI 09-1999
 EN 253:1994

Page Page
5.3.1 Composition 11 Table 6 — Shear strength 9
5.3.2 Cell structure 11 Table 7 — Number of test bars related to
5.3.3 Density 11 the nominal diameters 10
5.3.4 Compressive strength 12 Table C.1 — Service pipe inspection 18
5.3.5 Water absorption 12 Table C.2 — Polyethylene-casing inspection 18
5.4 Pipe assembly 12 Table C.3 — Polyurethane foam
insulation (PUR) inspection 19
5.4.1 Increase in diameter of the casing pipe 12
Table C.4 — Pipe assembly inspection 20
5.4.2 Axial shear strength 12
5.4.3 Tangential shear strength 12
5.4.4 Shear strength of the pipe assembly
after ageing 13
5.4.5 Thermal conductivity 13
5.4.6 Impact resistance 13
5.4.7 Creep resistance 13
6 Marking 13
6.1 Polyethylene pipe 13
6.2 Pipe assembly 13
Annex A (informative) Relation between
actual continuous operating conditions
and accelerated ageing test conditions 16
Annex B (informative) Calculation of the
minimum expected life with operation at
various temperatures with respect to PUR
foam performance 16
Annex C (informative) Guidelines
for inspection 16
Annex D (informative) Change of
blowing agent and influence on
thermochemical and thermomechanical
properties of polyurethane rigid
foam (PUR) 20
Annex E (informative) National A-deviations 21
Figure 1 — Tensile test bars 11
Figure 2 — Axial shear test arrangement 14
Figure 3 — Tangential shear test
arrangement 15
Figure A.1 — Relationship between the
expected life L at a continuous operating
temperature Ú for the minimum
requirements outlined in 4.4.4.1 and the
accelerated ageing test periods and
temperatures outlined in 5.4.4 17
Table 1 — Steel service pipe dimensions 7
Table 2 — Long-term mechanical properties 7
Table 3 — Casing pipe dimensions 8
Table 4 8
Table 5 — Centre line deviation related to
the nominal diameters 9

© BSI 09-1999 3
4 blank

1 Scope
This European Standard specifies requirements and
test methods for straight lengths of prefabricated
thermally insulated pipe-in-pipe assemblies for
underground hot water networks, comprising a steel
service pipe from DN 20 to DN 600, rigid
polyurethane foam insulation and an outer casing of
polyethylene. However, the quality requirements
can be applied for larger dimensions.
This standard applies only to injected (poured)
insulated pipe assemblies, for continuous operation
with hot water at various temperatures up to 120 °C
and occasionally with a peak temperature
up to 140 °C.
The estimation of expected life with continuous
operation at various temperatures is outlined
in Annex B.
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or
undated reference, provisions from other
publications. These normative references are cited
at the appropriate places in the text and the
publications are listed hereafter. For dated
references, subsequent amendments to or revisions
of any of these publications apply to this European
Standard only when incorporated in it by
amendment or revision. For the undated references,
the latest edition of the publication referred to
applies.
ISO 844:1978, Cellular plastics — Compression test
of rigid materials.
ISO 845:1988, Cellular plastics and rubbers —
Determination of apparent (bulk) density.
ISO 1133:1991, Plastics — Determination of the melt
flow rate of thermoplastics.
ISO 1167:1973, Plastics pipes for the transport of
fluids — Determination of the resistance to internal
pressure.
ISO 1183:1987, Plastics — Methods for determining
the density and relative density of non-cellular
plastics.
ISO 2506:1981, Polyethylene pipes (PE) —
Longitudinal reversion — Test methods and
specification.
ISO 3126:1974, Plastics pipes — Measurement of
dimensions.
1)
Equivalent national standards may be used.
2)
ISO/DIS 8497 has been submitted for voting (April 1988). Until ISO 8497 is published, any equivalent national standard can
be used.
© BSI 09-1999
EN 253:1994
ISO 3127:1980, Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) pipes for the transport of fluids.
Determination and specification of resistance to
external blows.
ISO 4200:1985, Plain end steel tubes, welded end
seamless — General tables of dimensions and
masses per unit length.
ISO 4590:1981, Cellular plastics — Determination
of volume percentage of open and closed cells of rigid
materials.
ISO 6761:1981, Steel tubes — preparation of ends of
tubes and fittings for welding.
ISO 8501-1:1988, Preparation of steel substrates
before application of paints and related
products — Visual assessment of surface
cleanliness — Part 1: Rust grades and preparation
grades of uncoated steel substrates and of steel
substrates after overall removal of previous coatings.
ISO 9329-1:1989, Seamless steel tubes for pressure
purposes — Technical delivery conditions —
Part 1: Unalloyed steels with specified room
temperature properties1).
ISO 9330-1:1990, Welded steel tubes for pressure
purposes — Technical delivery conditions —
Part 1: Unalloyed steel tubes with specified room
temperature properties1).
ISO/TR 10837:1991, Determination of the thermal
stability of polyethylene (PE) for use in gas pipes
fittings.
ISO/CD 1872-2, Plastics — Polyethylene (PE)
thermoplastics — Part 2: Preparation of test
specimens and determination of properties —
Revision of ISO 1872-2:1989.
ISO/DIS 3607, Polyethylene (PE) pipes — Tolerances
on outside diameters and wall thickness —
Revision of ISO 3607:1977.
ISO/DIS 8497, Thermal insulation — Determination
of steady-state thermal transmission
properties — Pipe insulation apparatus2).
5
EN 253:1994

3 Definitions 3.11
insulation material
For the purposes of this standard the following
definitions apply. a material which reduces the heat loss
3.1 3.12
ageing MDI-index (Polymeric Methylendiphenyl
Diisocyanate-Index)
carried out by keeping the service pipe at a certain,
elevated temperature for a certain time while the the quotient of the actual amount of isocyanate used
casing pipe is exposed to room temperature and the stoichiometrically required amount,
multiplied by 100
3.2
bonded system 3.13
melt flow rate, MFR 190/5
a system consisting of a service pipe, insulating
material and a casing pipe which are bonded by the is defined in ISO 1133 (condition 18)
insulating material 3.14
3.3 overall density
casing pipe the mass of all PUR foam in the space between
a pipe protecting the insulation and the service pipe service and casing pipe divided by the volume of this
from ground water, moisture and mechanical annular space
damage 3.15
3.4 peak temperature
continuous temperature the highest temperature at which a system is
the temperature at which the hot water network is designed to operate occasionally, see Annex B
designed to operate continuously 3.16
3.5 pipe assembly
core density the assembled product, consisting of a service pipe,
the apparent density of the foam in the central part insulating material and a casing pipe
of the insulating layer 3.17
3.6 polyurethane rigid foam (PUR)
density is produced by the chemical reaction of
the mass of a body of a material divided by the polyisocyanates with hydroxyl containing
volume of the body compounds in the presence of catalysts, the foaming
being assisted by a blowing agent. These foams have
3.7
a mainly closed cell structure
density of PE-raw material
3.18
is determined in accordance with ISO 1183
room temperature
method A or D on the extruded material from the
melt flow rate measurement defined as (23 ± 2) °C
3.8 3.19
centre line deviation service pipe
the deviation between the centre line of the service the steel pipe that contains the water
pipe and the centre line of the casing pipe 3.20
3.9 shear strength
high density polyethylene (PE-HD) the ability of the pipe assembly to withstand a shear
polyethylene with a density from the upper end of force acting between the casing and the service pipe
the range of densities available
4 Requirements
3.10
injected (poured) pipe assemblies Unless otherwise specified, the requirements shall
be valid for each single measurement.
those pipe assemblies in which the PUR foam has
been injected or poured into the space between the 4.1 Steel service pipe
service pipe and the casing pipe A length of pipe shall not include a circular joint.

6 © BSI 09-1999
 EN 253:1994

4.1.1 Quality 4.2 Casing pipe

The steel service pipe shall be either welded pipe 4.2.1 Material properties
with a quality as stated in ISO 9330-13) or seamless 4.2.1.1 Density and composition
pipe with a quality as stated in ISO 9329-13). Steel
grade TW 320 shall not be used for nominal When tested in accordance with 5.2.1, the base
diameters above 100 mm. Grade material from which the casing pipe is produced
numbers 360 and 500 should be preferred. shall be PE of a density not less than 935 kg/m3 to
which shall be added only those anti-oxidants, UV
4.1.2 Diameter stabilizers and carbon black, necessary for the
The diameter shall be in accordance with Table 1 manufacture and end use of pipes to this
which is derived from ISO 4200. specification.
4.1.3 Wall thickness The carbon black added shall comply to the
following specifications:
The nominal wall thickness shall be in accordance
with ISO 4200 with a minimum as indicated — density: 1 500–2 000 kg/m3;
in Table 1. Tolerances and weights shall be in — toluene extract: u 0,1 % by mass;
accordance with ISO 4200.
— average particle size: 0,01 4m to 0,025 4m.
Subject to design considerations other wall
thicknesses may be used, but in no case shall these The pipe material shall be black coloured PE with a
be less than the minima indicated in Table 1. carbon black content of (2,5 ± 0,5) % by mass and of
Table 1 — Steel service pipe dimensions a density not less than 944 kg/m3.
Nominal diameter
Outside Minimum nominal 4.2.1.2 Melt flow rate
diameter, d wall thickness, t
DN To facilitate welding, the manufacturer shall quote
mm mm
20 26,9 2,0 the MFR of the PE pipe, determined in accordance
25 33,7 2,3 with ISO 1133, condition 18. The melt flow rate of
32 42,4 2,6 pipes to be welded shall not differ more
than 0,5 g/10 min.
40 48,3 2,6
4.2.1.3 Thermal stability
50 60,3 2,9
65 76,1 2,9 The induction time of the pipe material shall be at
least 20 min when tested at 200 °C according to
80 88,9 3,2
ISO/TR 10837.
100 114,3 3,6
125 139,7 3,6 4.2.1.4 Long-term mechanical properties, raw
material
150 168,3 4,0
200 219,1 4,5 The raw material to be used for the production of
250 273,0 5,0 casing pipes shall meet the requirements of Table 2
when tested in accordance with 5.2.5.
300 323,9 5,6
350 355,6 5,6 A brittle failure is conclusive.
400 406,4 6,3 If a sample on the 165 h test fails in a ductile mode
in less than 165 h, then a retest shall be performed,
450 457,0 6,3
using the 1 000 h parameters.
500 508,0 6,3
600 610,0 7,1 Table 2 — Long-term mechanical properties
Circumferential Minimum time to Test
4.1.4 Surface condition stress bursting temperature
MPa h °C
Prior to insulation, the outer surface of the pipe
shall be cleaned so that it is free from rust, mill 4,6 165 80
scale, oil, grease, dust, paint, moisture and other 4,0 1 000 80
contaminants.
4.2.1.5 Use of rework material
Before cleaning the pipe, the outer surface of the
pipe shall comply with rust grade A, B or C of Only clean rework material at a maximum of 15 %
ISO 8501-1, without pitting. by weight, generated from the manufacturer’s own
production of pipes, shall be used.

3)
Equivalent national standards may be used.

© BSI 09-1999 7
EN 253:1994

4.2.2 Casing properties 4.2.2.4 Appearance, surface finish, pipe ends

4.2.2.1 Nominal outside diameter The internal and external surfaces5) of the casing
Prior to foaming, the nominal outside diameter, de, pipe shall be clean and free from such grooving or
of the casing pipe should be selected from Table 3. other defects that might impair its functional
properties (see 5.2.3).
4.2.2.2 Wall thickness
The pipe ends shall be cleanly cut and shall be
Prior to foaming, the minimum wall thickness, emin, square within 2,5° with the axis of the pipe.
of the casing pipe shall be in accordance with
Table 3. 4.2.2.5 Elongation at break
Table 3 — Casing pipe dimensions Before foaming, the elongation at break determined
in accordance with 5.2.7 shall not be less
Diameter Nominal outside Minimum wall
group diameter, D thickness, emin
than 350 %.
mm mm 4.2.2.6 Heat reversion
1 75 2,2 When tested in accordance with 5.2.4 before
90 2,2 foaming, the longitudinal length at any position on
110 2,5 the pipe shall not change by more than 3 %. On
125 2,5 inspection after testing, the pipe shall not show any
140 3,0 faults, cracks, cavities or blisters.
160 3,0
4.2.2.7 Long-term mechanical properties, casing
180 3,0
pipe
200 3,2
When tested in accordance with 5.2.6, samples from
2 225 3,5
extruded casing pipes shall meet the requirements
250 3,9
of Table 4.
280 4,4
315 4,9 Table 4
355 5,6 Tensile stress Minimum time to Test temperature
400 6,3 MPa failure °C
h
3 450 7,0
4 1 500 80
500 7,8
560 8,8 Alternatively a pressure test in accordance
630 9,8 with 4.2.1.4 can be performed on the actual casing
710 11,1 pipe.
800 12,5
4.3 Polyurethane rigid foam insulation (PUR)
4.2.2.3 Tolerances on outside diameter and wall 4.3.1 Composition
thickness
The manufacturer of the pipe assembly shall be
Prior to foaming, the tolerances on outside diameter responsible for the choice of raw materials,
and wall thickness4) of the extruded PE pipes shall composition and manufacturing conditions.
be as follows. (Derived from ISO/DIS 3607.)
The manufacturer shall keep records, documenting
The permissible variation between the mean the raw materials used, the prescribed mixing ratio
outside diameter (Dm) and the nominal outside and the tests performed.
diameter (D) of a pipe (Dm – D) shall be positive, in
The records shall demonstrate that the foam from
the form + 0x , where 0 < x u 0,009·D rounded off to
the production of pipe assemblies is of the same
the next higher 0,1 mm.
composition as the foam sample used for the ageing
The permissible variation between the nominal test in 5.4.4 and meets the requirements of 4.3.
thickness (enom W emin) and a wall thickness at any
point (ei), (ei – enom) shall be positive, in the 4.3.2 Cell structure
form + y , where y = 0,1·enom. + 0,2 mm. The PUR-foam shall have a uniform cell structure
0 free from smears. The average size of the cells in a
The result of this calculation shall be rounded off to
the next higher 0,1 mm. radial direction shall be less than 0,5 mm,
determined in accordance with 5.3.2.1.

4)
The wall thickness at any point, ei, is the measured wall thickness at that point, rounded off to the next higher 0,05 mm.
5) Surfacetreatment to improve the shear strength between the PUR foam and casing pipe is permissible provided that the
treated pipe still complies with the specification.

8 © BSI 09-1999
 EN 253:1994

Voids and bubbles may occur only exceptionally and 4.4.4 Expected life and long-term temperature
shall not impair the functional properties of the resistance
insulation. 4.4.4.1 General remarks
The closed cell content determined in accordance For normal applications, the pipe assembly should
with 5.3.2.2 shall be not less than 88 %. have a life of at least 30 years at a continuous
4.3.3 Density operating temperature of 120 °C, at least 50 years
4.3.3.1 Core density at a continuous operating temperature of 115 °C
and over 50 years at a continuous operating
The core density measured in accordance temperature below 115 °C.
with 5.3.3.1 shall be not less than 60 kg/m3.
4.4.4.2 Shear strength
Out of a set of three specimens as specified
in 5.3.3.1, one specimen only may have a density The shear strength shall be tested in either the axial
between 55 and 60 kg/m3. or tangential direction.
4.3.3.2 Overall density The shear strength shall fulfil the minimum
requirements of Table 6 in both unaged and aged
The minimum overall density of the PUR-foam condition in accordance with 5.4.4.
measured in accordance with 5.3.3.2 shall
be 80 kg/m3. Table 6 — Shear strength
Test temp. Test clause Eax Test Etan
4.3.4 Compressive strength clause
°C MPa MPa
The compressive strength or the compressive stress
23 ± 2 5.4.2.1 0,12 5.4.3 0,20
at 10 % relative deformation as defined in ISO 844
shall be not less than 0,3 MPa in a radial direction 140 ± 2 5.4.2.2 0,08 — —
when tested in accordance with 5.3.4.
4.4.5 Thermal conductivity in unaged
4.3.5 Water absorption at elevated temperature condition
When tested in accordance with 5.3.5, the water When tested in accordance with 5.4.5, the thermal
absorption after 90 min of immersion in boiling conductivity (Æ50) shall not exceed 0,033 W/(m·K).
water shall not exceed 10 % of the original volume.
4.4.6 Impact resistance
4.4 Pipe assembly
After testing in accordance with 5.4.6, the casing
4.4.1 Pipe ends pipe shall have no visible cracks.
Both ends of the service pipe shall be free from 4.4.7 Creep resistance
insulation for a minimum of 150 mm and shall be
prepared for welding in accordance with ISO 6761. See Annex D.
4.4.2 Increase in diameter of the casing pipe 5 Test methods
After foaming, the mean outside diameter of the 5.1 General
casing pipe shall not at any point have increased by
more than 2 % when measured in accordance Where test requirements specified in this standard
with 5.4.1. differ from those in other standards referred to, the
requirements of this standard apply.
4.4.3 Centre line deviation
5.1.1 Test specimens
The distance between the centre lines of the service
pipe and the casing pipe at any point shall not 5.1.1.1 Test specimens shall only be taken from the
exceed the limits given in Table 5. casing pipe after it has been stored at room
temperature for not less than 16 h, or from the PUR
Table 5 — Centre line deviation related to
foam and pipe assembly after they have been stored
the nominal diameters
at room temperature for not less than 72 h.
Nominal outside diameter Deviations from these periods are allowed, e.g. for
Centre line deviation
of PE pipe
mm
mm quality control purposes, however, in event of a
dispute, the required periods shall be observed.
75 – 160 3,0
5.1.1.2 Test specimens to establish foam properties
180 – 400 4,5
and to determine properties of the pipe assembly
450 – 630 6,0
shall be taken from both ends of the same pipe
710 – 800 8,0
assembly, but in such a way as to exclude at
least 500 mm from the end of the injected (poured)
foam.

© BSI 09-1999 9
EN 253:1994
5.1.1.3 Test specimens may be taken closer to the
pipe ends, e.g. for quality control purposes;
however, in event of a dispute the result from test
specimens taken at least 500 mm from the pipe ends
shall apply.
5.1.1.4 When cutting test specimens from the foam
to determine cell structure (4.3.2), core
density (4.3.3.1), compressive strength (4.3.4), and
water absorption (4.3.5) the foam adjacent to the
service pipe surface and casing pipe surface shall be
excluded; a clearance of at least 5 mm and 3 mm
respectively shall be allowed.
5.1.1.5 At the locations where test specimens are
taken to determine cell structure (4.3.2), core
density (4.3.3.1), compressive strength (4.3.4) and
water absorption (4.3.5), at least 3 test specimens
shall be taken, equally distributed around the
circumference.
The outside dimensions of test specimens shall be
measured by means of a gauge having a square or
circular face area of 100 mm2 and an applied force
of 0,75 N to 1,0 N.
5.2 Casing pipe
5.2.1 Material density
The density shall be determined in accordance with
ISO 1183 method A or D.
The sample preparation shall either be in
accordance with ISO/CD 1872-2, method B or the
samples shall be taken from the material extruded
for determination of MFR, and shall then be
annealed at 100 °C for 1 h. The test result shall be
determined as an average value of measurements
carried out on three specimens.
5.2.2 Dimensions
Dimensions shall be measured in accordance with
ISO 3126.
5.2.3 Appearance and surface finish
The internal and external surfaces of the pipe shall
be visually examined without magnification
(see 4.2.2.4).
5.2.4 Heat reversion
The heat reversion test shall be performed in
accordance with ISO 2506.
5.2.5 Long-term mechanical properties
The pressure test shall be performed in accordance
with ISO 1167.
5.2.6 Long-term mechanical properties, casing
pipes
Test bars produced by machining in accordance
with Figure 1 type B shall be tested at constant
temperature ± 1 °C with a constant tensile
force ± 1 % and submersed into a water solution
10
containing 2,0 % tenside.
The tenside shall be nonylphenol polyglycol-ether
with the same effect as “Arkopal N 100” (trade
name of Hoechst AG).
The test bath shall be continuously stirred to ensure
the homogeneity of the solution and to prevent any
precipitation of the tenside.
Six samples cut in the longitudinal direction and
equally distributed over the circumference of the
pipe in the same cross section shall be tested.
The time until failure shall be recorded with an
accuracy of ± 1 h.
The geometrical mean value from the six samples
shall be calculated. One single test value, deviating
more than twice the standard deviation from the
mean value shall be omitted.
If samples are without failure after 1 500 h, the test
can be stopped and the result fulfils the
requirement.
5.2.7 Elongation at break
The test bars shall be stamped or machined
according to Figure 1 type A.
Test bars shall be cut in the longitudinal direction
and equally distributed over the circumference of
the pipe in the same cross section.
Depending on the diameter of the pipe, the number
of test bars to be cut and tested shall be in
accordance with Table 7.
Table 7 — Number of test bars related to the
nominal diameters
Nominal outside diameter of PE pipe Number
mm
75 – 250 5
280 – 400 7
450 – 630 10
710 – 800 12
Using an ink or wax crayon, the two reference lines
shall be drawn equidistant from the ends of the
calibrated length of the test bar.
The test bars shall be tested at (23 ± 2) °C to which
temperature the test bars shall be conditioned for
not less than 2 h before the testing.
Using a suitable tensile testing machine, the test
bars shall be elongated at a speed
of 100 ± 10 mm/min until break.
The distance between the reference lines shall be
measured after the test and the elongation shall be
calculated and expressed in percent of the original
distance between the reference lines.
© BSI 09-1999
 EN 253:1994

Symbol Description Dimensions in mm

Type A Type B
l0 Distance between reference lines 25 ± 1 —
l1 Calibrated length 33 ± 3 60 ± 2
l3 Total length 115 W 150
l2 Initial distance 80 ± 2 115 ± 2
d Pipe wall thickness — —
r Radius 14 ± 1 60 ± 1
b Calibrated width 6 ± 0,4 10 ± 0,4
b1 End part width > 15 > 20

Figure 1 — Tensile test bars

5.3 Polyurethane rigid foam (PUR)
5.3.1 Composition
The MDI-index shall be calculated from the
manufacturer’s production data and be recorded.
5.3.2 Cell structure
5.3.2.1 The size of the cells shall be determined over
a length of 10 mm measured in a radial direction
with the centre of the 10 mm measurement
coinciding with the centre point of the applied
insulation.
The size of the cells shall be the quotient of the test
length and the number of cells counted along the
radial line of test length selected and shall be
determined as an average value of measurements
on 3 specimens.
5.3.2.2 The ratio of open to closed cells shall be
determined in accordance with ISO 4590
(method 1).
Deviating from the procedure described in ISO 4590
the test specimen shall be a cube with an edge
of 25 mm. If this size of cube cannot be cut from the
insulation in accordance with 5.1.1.5, the
dimensions shall be 25 mm × 25 mm × t, where t is
the maximum radial thickness.
5.3.3 Density
5.3.3.1 Core density
The density shall be measured in accordance with
ISO 845.
Test specimens shall be taken from the centre of the
foam in sets of three in accordance with 5.1.1.5.
Each test specimen shall
be 30 mm × 30 mm × t where t is the maximum
obtainable thickness but not exceeding 30 mm.
Alternatively, test specimens shall be
cylindrical, 30 mm long in the axial direction of the
pipe and of diameter d where d is the maximum
obtainable diameter but not exceeding 30 mm.
5.3.3.2 Overall density
The overall density shall be established by
determining the weight and volume of a test
specimen of the complete annular cross section of
foam not less than 70 mm long removed clean from
the surfaces of the casing and the service pipe. The
overall density shall be determined on 3 specimens
taken from both ends and from the middle of a pipe
length.
For production control, the overall density can be
calculated from the filling weight (i.e. the weight of
the chemicals injected).

© BSI 09-1999 11
EN 253:1994
5.3.4 Compressive strength
The compressive strength in a radial direction shall
be tested in accordance with ISO 844.
The test specimen shall be 30 mm × 30 mm × t or a
cylinder with a diameter of 30 mm and a length of t,
where t is the maximum obtainable dimension in
the radial direction but not exceeding 20 mm.
5.3.5 Water absorption
The test shall be performed on a cube with an edge
of 25 mm, or a cylinder of length 25 mm in the axial
direction of the pipe and a diameter of 25 mm. The
mass (m0) of the test specimen shall be determined
to an accuracy of 0,01 g and the volume (V0) shall be
determined to an accuracy of 0,1 ml. The specimen
shall be immersed in boiling water for 90 min. After
this it shall be immersed immediately in water
at (23 ± 2) °C for 1 h. After removing droplets from
the test specimen, the mass (m1) shall be
determined to an accuracy of 0,01 g.
The water absorption percentage shall be calculated
from:
in which
m0 is the mass of the test specimen before
testing, in g;
m1 is the mass of the test specimen after the
test period, in g;
Ô is the density of the water in g/ml;
V0 is the original volume of the test specimen
in ml.
The test result shall be determined as an average
value of measurements carried out on 3 specimens.
5.4 Pipe assembly
5.4.1 Increase in diameter of the casing pipe
The increase in diameter of the casing pipe shall be
determined by measuring the circumference at the
same position before and after foaming.
The increase in diameter shall be expressed as a
percentage of the original diameter.
5.4.2 Axial shear strength
The test specimen shall be a length of pipe assembly
equal to 2,5 times the thickness of the insulation
but not less than 200 mm. The test specimen shall
be cut square to the axis of the pipe.
12
An axial force shall be applied. The speed of the
testing machine shall be 5 mm/min. The axial force
shall be recorded and the shear strength calculated.
This test may be performed with the axis of the pipe
vertical or horizontal (see Figure 2). The dead
weight of the service pipe shall be taken into
consideration when the axis is vertical.
The test result shall be determined as an average
value of 3 measurements.
The force is calculated from:
Ùax = Fax/L × d × Ï
where
Ùax = axial shear strength, in MPa;
Fax = axial force, in N;
L = length of specimen, in mm;
d = outside diameter of the service pipe,
in mm.
5.4.2.1 Axial shear strength at 23 °C
The test result shall be carried out in accordance
with 5.4.2, with the entire test specimen kept at
room temperature.
5.4.2.2 Axial shear strength at 140 °C
The test shall be carried out in accordance
with 5.4.2, with the service pipe kept at a
temperature of (140 ± 2) °C. This temperature shall
be reached within 30 min and maintained
for 30 min before applying the force.
5.4.3 Tangential shear strength
The test specimen shall be a length of pipe assembly
equal to 0,75 times the diameter of the service pipe,
but not less than 100 mm.
The tangential force shall be exerted by two levers
which are symmetrically attached to the casing by
means of a carrier clamp, without appreciable radial
pressure. The forces shall be perpendicular to the
levers. The carrier clamp is to be provided with a
sufficient number of pins depending on pipe
diameter, which fit into holes drilled in the casing
pipe. The holes shall not fully penetrate the casing.
The service pipe shall be held by any suitable
means. See Figure 2. The test shall be carried out at
room temperature.
F tan
A tangential force of -------------- shall be applied at a
2
distance of 1 000 mm from the centre line of the pipe
at each lever in accordance with Figure 2. The speed
of the testing machine shall be vL = 25 mm/min.
The tangential force shall be recorded and the shear
strength calculated from:
© BSI 09-1999

where
Ùtan = tangential shear strength, in MPa;
Ftan = tangential force, in N;
L = length of specimen, in mm;
d = outside diameter of the service pipe,
in mm;
a = length of each lever, in mm.
5.4.4 Shear strength of the pipe assembly after
ageing
The pipe specimen shall be a length of a pipe
assembly at least 3 m long. The pipe specimen shall
be aged by maintaining the service pipe at a
temperature of 160 °C for 3 600 h or alternatively at
a temperature of 170 °C for 1 450 h, while the
casing pipe is exposed to room temperature.
Before the test, the ends of the foam shall be
adequately sealed to prevent air penetration.
The service pipe temperature shall be recorded
continuously during the ageing period and shall not
deviate more than 0,5 °C from the required
temperature.
After cooling to room temperature, the test
specimens shall be tested for shear strength in
accordance with 5.4.2 or 5.4.3. Test specimens shall
be taken at least 1 000 mm from the pipe ends to
exclude material which may be adversely affected
by oxygen.
The shear strength shall be determined on at
least 3 test specimens at each temperature (room
temperature and 140 °C) taken from pipe specimens
after ageing.
5.4.5 Thermal conductivity
The thermal conductivity shall be determined in
accordance with ISO/DIS 8497.6)
The thermal conductivity shall be determined using
a service pipe temperature of (80 ± 10) °C.
5.4.6 Impact resistance
A test specimen of the pipe assembly with a length
of at least 5 times the outside diameter of the casing
pipe shall be tested in accordance with ISO 3127 at
a temperature of – 20 °C. The falling weight shall
have a mass of 3,0 kg and be dropped from a
height of 2 000 mm.
6)
ISO/DIS 8497 has been submitted for voting (April 1988). Until ISO 8497 is published, any equivalent national standard can
be used.
© BSI 09-1999
EN 253:1994
After having drawn the equidistant lines on the test
specimen in accordance with Table 1 of
ISO 3127:1980, the test specimen shall be
conditioned at a temperature of (– 20 ± 1) °C for not
less than 3 h before testing. The test shall
commence within 10 s of removal from the
conditioning apparatus and shall be performed as
fast as possible.
5.4.7 Creep resistance
See Annex D.
6 Marking
The pipe shall be marked by any suitable method
which does not affect the functional properties of the
pipe casing and which is able to withstand
conditions of handling, storage and use.
6.1 Polyethylene pipe
The manufacturer of the casing pipe shall mark
thereon:
— raw material of the PE, by trade name or code;
— MFR — table value as declared by the raw
material supplier;
— nominal diameter and nominal wall thickness
of the casing pipe;
— year and week of manufacture (possibly by a
code);
— manufacturer’s identification.
6.2 Pipe assembly
The manufacturer of the pipe assembly shall mark
on the casing pipe:
— nominal diameter and nominal wall thickness
of the service pipe;
— steel specification and grade;
— manufacturer’s identification;
— number of this CEN standard;
— year and week of foaming (possibly by a code).
13
EN 253:1994

Figure 2 — Axial shear test arrangement

14 © BSI 09-1999
 EN 253:1994

Figure 3 — Tangential shear test arrangement

© BSI 09-1999 15
EN 253:1994
Annex A (informative)
Relation between actual continuous
operating conditions and accelerated
ageing test conditions
The effect of foam ageing on the shear strength of
bonded pipe systems was studied by a Working
Group of CEN/TC 107. The data of 4.4.4 and 5.4.4
indicating minimum expected life requirements and
requirements for shear strength of the pipe
assembly after accelerated ageing are based on
investigations carried out by this working group and
present knowledge and experience with bonded
systems which comply to this specification.
These investigations have shown that an Arrhenius
equation that relates the logarithm of the expected
life of a pipe assembly with the reciprocal value of
the absolute continuous operating temperature,
may be used to extrapolate test data obtained from
ageing tests at temperatures exceeding the normal
continuous operating temperatures, to life
expectancy at actual operating temperatures. This
extrapolation critically depends on the activation
energy of the ageing process, and in this standard a
value of 150 kJ/mol·K is applied. Although this
value is based on a number of investigations,
further studies are necessary to confirm this.
From the Arrhenius relation illustrated in
Figure A.1 it can be concluded that an ageing test
of 3 600 h at 160 °C or alternatively 1 450 h
at 170 °C is required to comply with the minimum
expected life data of 4.4.4.1.
Where hot water networks are to be designed for a
minimum of 30 years life with maximum
continuous operating temperatures other
than 120 °C, the testing temperature or the testing
time must be modified.
Based on a testing time of 3 600 h, the testing
temperature can be derived from the following
formula:
in which
Ú½ = the test temperature, in °C;
F = the design 30 years continuous operating
temperature, in °C.
Based on a testing temperature of 160 °C, the
testing time can be derived from the following
formula:
16
in which
T = the testing time, in h;
Ú = the design 30 years continuous operating
temperature, in °C.
Annex B (informative)
Calculation of the minimum expected
life with operation at various
temperatures with respect to PUR
foam performance
The life of the hot water network will depend on the
PUR foam and its composition, the service steel
pipe, the HDPE casing as well as on the various
mechanical stresses which result from the design of
the network and the temperature cycling to which it
is subjected in operation.
The following formula applies only for straight pipes
in networks subject to gradual and occasional
temperature variations (e.g. to match seasonal
demands for heat) within the normal operating
temperature range indicated in Figure A.1.
Mechanical stresses are not considered in the
following formula.
Assuming that the operating temperature cycle is
about the same every year, the expected life of such
pipes can be estimated using the following equation:
in which
L = expected life of the system, in years;
L1 = expected life of the system in years if
operated continuously at the
temperature Ú1, which can be determined
from the Arrhenius plot in Figure A.1;
L2 = same as above for temperature Ú2, etc.;
t1 = annual time fraction that the system is
operated at temperature Ú1;
t2 = same as above for temperature Ú2, etc.
Annex C (informative)
Guidelines for inspection
Use of EN 29002, Quality systems — Model for
quality assurance in production and installation, or
EN 29001, Quality systems — Model for quality
assurance in design/development, production,
installation and servicing, will assure proper
inspection. Otherwise the following inspection is
recommended to assure the user that the
manufactured preinsulated pipes comply with the
requirements specified in this standard.
The inspection may include the following.
© BSI 09-1999
 EN 253:1994

Figure A.1 — Relationship between the expected life L at a continuous operating

temperature Ú for the minimum requirements outlined in 4.4.4.1 and the accelerated
ageing test periods and temperatures outlined in 5.4.4

© BSI 09-1999 17
EN 253:1994

C.1 Manufacturer’s type test C.3 External inspection

A type test is used to obtain an initial validation of This inspection is primarily intended as an
materials and production methods. A new type test evaluation of the extent and the proper functioning
should be performed where materials or methods of the manufacturer’s quality surveillance. This
are changed essentially. inspection also includes sampling of products to
C.2 Manufacturer’s quality surveillance ensure that the requirements specified in this
standard are fulfilled. External inspections are
This surveillance is applied to ensure that the
normally made at least once a year.
intended quality level of the product is maintained.
The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that The Suggested extent of the inspections is given in
the tests specified in this standard are carried out Table C.1 to Table C.4.
and the results recorded.
Table C.1 — Service pipe inspection
Clause Item Test frequency
Manufacturer’s Manufacturer’s quality External
type test surveillance inspection
4.1.1 Make, marking, delivery None Receiving inspection procedure None
specification
4.1.2 Dimensions None Receiving inspection procedure None
4.1.3
4.1.4 Finish, surface, etc. None Receiving inspection procedure None
Table C.2 — Polyethylene-casing inspection
Clause Item Test frequency
Manufacturer’s type Manufacturer’s quality
External inspection
test surveillance
4.2.1 Material Inspection of Per delivery/batch no.: Inspection of internal test
certificates density, melt flow rate and records and certificates
thermal stability for the density
Or: receiving inspection
procedure
The density shall be stated by
the raw material supplier
4.2.1.4 Long-term Once per material None None
mechanical type
properties
4.2.2.1 Diameter Inspection of Min. once per 2 h per Inspection of records and
4.2.2.2 Wall thickness production records extruder certificates
Or: receiving inspection
procedure
4.2.2.4 Appearance Inspection of records Once per production batch Inspection of records and
and surface and check of Or: receiving inspection check of measuring
finish measuring methods procedure methods
4.2.2.5 Elongation at Inspection of Once per production batch Inspection of internal
break internal records. Or: receiving inspection records
One sample taken procedure
each from three
different pipe sizes
4.2.2.6 Heat One sample taken Once per production batch Inspection of internal
reversion each from three Or: receiving inspection records
different pipe sizes procedure
4.2.2.7 Long-term Once per material Every machine, material Inspection of internal
mechanical type type and diameter group records
properties, shall be tested at least once
casing pipes a year.
Min. 4 tests per year

18 © BSI 09-1999
 EN 253:1994

C.4 Manufacturer’s responsibility

Where a manufacturer of preinsulated pipes makes
his own raw material or produces parts on which
there is a requirement for “manufacturer’s
certificates”, the manufacturer of the preinsulated
pipes should take over the responsibilities of the
supplier.
Table C.3 — Polyurethane foam insulation (PUR) inspection
Clause Item Test frequency
Manufacturer’s quality
Manufacturer’s type test External inspection
surveillance
4.3.1 Composition Inspection of Inspection of machine Inspection of internal
Make, documentation settings and production records
marking and parameters
delivery Min. once a day
specifications Or: receiving inspection
procedure
4.3.2 Cell structure Once per Min. twice a year per Inspection of internal
isocyanate/polyol type isocyanate/polyol type per records
machine
4.3.2 Voids and Once by taking out of Min. twice a year per Inspection of internal
bubbles pipe for other test machine records
4.3.2 Closed cells Once per Once per polyol/isocyanate Once per machine
polyol/isocyanate type type Inspection of internal
per production unit Min. twice a year per records
machine
4.3.3 Density Once by taking out of Once per shift per machine One pipe per
(overall and core) pipe for other test and on change of dimension production unit
By manufacturer’s method Inspection of internal
records
4.3.4 Compressive Once per None None
strength polyol/isocyanate type
per machine
4.3.5 Water absorption Once per None None
polyol/isocyanate type
per machine

© BSI 09-1999 19
EN 253:1994

Table C.4 — Pipe assembly inspection

Clause Item Test frequency
Manufacturer’s quality
Manufacturer’s type test External inspection
surveillance
4.4.1 Dimensions of pipe Measured on one pipe Measured min. once Once per inspection
ends per dimension per shift per visit
dimension Inspection of internal
records
4.4.2 Outside diameter Measured on 3 Min. once every Once per inspection
increase diameters second hour per visit
machine Inspection of internal
records
4.4.3 Centre line deviation Once by taking out of Min. twice a year Inspection of internal
pipe for other test records
4.4.4.2 Shear strength Once by taking out of None Once per inspection
before ageing pipe for other test visit per
polyol/isocyanate type
4.4.4.3 Shear strength after Once per None None
ageing polyol/isocyanate type
per machine
4.4.5 Thermal conductivity Once per None None
polyol/isocyanate type
4.4.6 Impact resistance Once on one pipe of each None Once per inspection
casing material/supplier visit on a pipe taken
out for other tests

Annex D (informative) To test the ability of resistance to shear loads at

Change of blowing agent and
influence on thermochemical and
thermomechanical properties of
polyurethane rigid foam (PUR)
The first edition of EN 253 was based on the use of
polyurethanes expanded mainly by physical blowing
agents. The present edition allows the use of either
physical or chemical blowing agents or mixtures
thereof.
A change from physical to chemical blowing agent
changes the viscosity of the reaction mixture in the
production process, necessitating changes in the
chemical structure of the polyols and the relative
content of isocyanate.
The thermomechanical and thermochemical
properties of PUR are affected by the relative
content of isocyanate, by the cross-link density
resulting from the functionality and the hydroxyl
value of the polyol.
The thermomechanical properties affected are the
ability of the PUR insulation to resist shear loads at
elevated temperatures and the ability to resist slow
mechanical deformation of the PUR under
continuous load (creep).
elevated temperatures, the axial shear strength test
at 140 °C is introduced. The test is performed both
in unaged and aged conditions.
The axial shear strength of 0,08 MPa specified
at 140 °C is based on a safety factor of 2,0 for a
shear stress at a DN 65 pipe in a 140 mm casing
and a soil cover of 2,7 m calculated from:
where
Ù = shear strength (0,04 MPa = 0,04 N/mm2);
h = soil cover height (2,7 m);
ÔE = earth density (1 800 kg/m3);
È = friction factor (0,45);
D = diameter of casing pipe (140 mm);
d = diameter of steel pipe (76,1 mm);
g = 9,81 m/s2.
This simplified formula should not be used for
design purposes.
Increase in the ratio D/d will reduce the maximum
soil cover, whereas a reduction in the ratio D/d
and/or a reduction in soil cover will give a higher
safety.

20 © BSI 09-1999

The introduction of the axial shear strength test
of 140 °C is intended to assure that no softening of
the PUR occurs within the specified working
temperature range.
At the time of issuing this revision of EN 253 no test
methods have been developed for long-term creep in
PUR insulated pipes. A test method is under
development and will be introduced in the next
revision of EN 253.
Until the next revision of EN 253 is available, the
topic of long-term creep properties is subject to
discussion between supplier and user.
The thermochemical properties affected are the
ability of PUR to resist high temperatures over long
periods of time, which leads to gradual degradation
of the material, resulting in gradual embrittlement
and loss of adhesion.
This phenomenon is tested by the thermal ageing
test described in Annex A.
The thermal ageing in this revision of EN 253 is
based on the activation energy valid for PUR
expanded with a physical blowing agent.
It is known that the structure of the polyol and the
relative content of isocyanate influence the
activation energy for the thermal degradation.
The introduction of a chemical blowing agent may
increase the activation energy, leading to longer life
times. However, this has not yet been fully
investigated.
Until current investigations are finished, the
specifications of Annex A to this revision of EN 253
should be used.
Annex E (informative)
National A-deviations
A-deviation: National deviation due to regulations,
the alteration of which is for the time being outside
the competence of the CEN/CENELEC member.
This European Standard does not fall under any
Directive of the EC. In the relevant CEN/CENELEC
countries these A-deviations are valid instead of the
provisions of the European Standard until they
have been removed.
Swedish national legislative deviations on
steel service pipes
In Sweden the use of pipes manufactured according
to ISO 9329-1 and ISO 9330-1 are not automatically
approved by the National Board of Occupational
Safety and Health (ASS).
7)
AFS is the abbreviation for the set of ordinances of the Swedish National Board of Occupational Safety and Health.
8)
NGS is the abbreviation for the Nordic Group for Steel regulations.
© BSI 09-1999
EN 253:1994
The reason for keeping the Swedish ordinances
unchanged is that they are vital parts of the
Swedish legislative rules for pressure equipment.
According to the ordinances AFS 1990:15,7)
Pressure Vessels — and — AFS 1990:161)
Implementation of the Piping Code of the Swedish
Pressure Vessel Commission (now Swedish Pressure
Vessel Standardization) — issued by the National
Board of Occupational Safety and Health (ASS),
some steel grades of the type structural steels may
be used as steel service pipes in Sweden under the
condition that the design pressure does not
exceed 16 bar (1,6 MPa). For higher pressures, steel
grades of the pressure vessel steel type shall be
chosen.
Those steel grades, of the types structural steels and
pressure vessel steels, which have been judged to be
acceptable for use in pressure equipment, have been
documented in so called NGS-sheets.8) These
documents bring forward steel grades in accordance
with Swedish standards and other national
standards.
According to the piping code, a manufacturer of
continuously machine welded pipes shall have a
statement regarding the manufacturing of the
pipes, from the National Board of Occupational
Safety and Health, and be allotted a so called
ASS-number.
A list of pipe manufacturers which have been
allotted ASS-numbers is kept by the Board. This list
includes company names, steel grades, dimensions,
welding process, ASS-numbers and weld efficiency
factor.
Piping for district heating belonging to the object
group 3 or 5 of AFS 1990:15 shall fulfil the
provisions of Chapters 4 and 6.
In addition the ordinance AFS 1990:16
Implementation of the Piping Code of the Swedish
Pressure Vessel Commission is valid.
In order to comply with the conditions for use of
AFS 1990:15, Chapter 6, it is necessary to
manufacture the pipes according to one of the
following alternatives.
1) The pipe manufacturer produces the pipes
according to the regulations in Annex 7 of the
piping code.
2) The pipe manufacturer has a statement from
the National Board of Occupational Safety and
Health regarding the manufacturing method and
steel grade(s) and has also been allotted a so
called ASS-number for the pipes in question.
21
BS EN 253:1995

National annex NA (informative)

Committees responsible
The United Kingdom participation in the preparation of this European Standard was entrusted by the
Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning Standards Policy Committee (RHE/-) to Technical Committee
RHE/9, upon which the following bodies were represented:

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Products Association

Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers
Combustion Engineering Association
Concrete Block Association
Cork Industry Federation
Cranfield Institute of Technology
Department of Health
Department of the Environment (Building Research Establishment)
Department of Trade and Industry (National Physical Laboratory)
Electricity Association
Eurisol (UK Mineral Wool Association)
European Phenolic Foam Association
Gypsum Products Development Association
Power Generation Contractors’ Association PGCA (BEAMA Ltd.)
Royal Institute of British Architects
Thermal Insulation Manufacturers’ and Suppliers’ Association (TIMSA)
Thermal Insulations Contractors’ Association

The following bodies were also represented in the drafting of the standard, through subcommittees and
panels:

British Coal Corporation

British Gas plc
British Steel Industry
Combined Heat and Power Association
Institute of Energy
PRE, Insulated Mains Contractors’ Association (PMCA)
PSA Projects Ltd.
Pipeline Industries Guild

22 © BSI 09-1999
 BS EN 253:1995

National annex NB (informative)

Cross-references

Publication referred to Corresponding British Standard

BS 2782 Methods of testing plastics
ISO 1133:1981 Part 7 Rheological properties
Method 720A:1979 Determination of melt flow rate of thermoplastics
ISO 1183:1987 Part 6 Dimensional properties
Methods 620A to 620D:1991 Determination of density and relative density of
non-cellular plastics
ISO 4200:1985 BS 3600:1976 Specification for dimensions and masses per unit length of welded
and seamless steel pipes and tubes for pressure purposes
ISO 4607:1978 BS 2782 Methods of testing plastics
Part 5 Optical and colour properties, weathering
Method 550A:1981 Methods of exposure to natural weathering
ISO 8501-1:1988 BS 7079 Preparation of steel substrates before application of parts and related
products
Part A1:1989 Specification for rust grades and preparation grades of uncoated steel
substrates and of steel substrates after overall removal of previous coatings

© BSI 09-1999
BS EN
253:1995
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