ISO 10802:2020

Overview

ISO 10802:2020 - Ductile iron pipelines - Hydrostatic testing after installation defines site hydrostatic acceptance tests for installed ductile iron pipelines conveying water and other liquids (not for gas). The standard sets out the sequence, safety requirements and test methods to verify the integrity and tightness of pipes, joints, fittings and associated components after installation. All pressures are relative and expressed in bars (1 bar = 0.1 MPa).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and applicability

  • Applies to pressure and non‑pressure ductile iron pipelines installed in accordance with established installation practice.
  • Materials other than ductile iron are to be tested separately.

• Testing sequence

  • Three-phase approach: preparation of test sections, preliminary test (stabilization and air evacuation), and main pressure test (tightness assessment).

• Accepted test methods

  • Water loss tests: Falling pressure (WLFP) and constant pressure (WLCP).
  • Pressure drop test - Direct reading (PDDR) as an alternative method.
  • Procedures for filling, venting and partial backfilling prior to testing.

• Pressure definitions and test pressures

  • Defines key pressures (working, system test pressure STP, allowable site test pressure, design and surge-related pressures).
  • Example: system test pressure (STP) = 1.5 × design pressure (when design pressure ≤ 10 bar) or = design pressure + 5 (when > 10 bar).

• Safety and site controls

  • Strict safety rules: tests are only for water-pressure testing (air testing is explicitly warned against).
  • Requirements for anchoring, temporary fittings, excavation guarding, calibrated equipment, controlled sequences and venting to avoid hazards.

• Acceptance criteria and reporting

  • Criteria for acceptance of pressure and non‑pressure pipelines and guidance on test reporting (informative annex with example report).

Practical applications and users

ISO 10802:2020 is intended for use by:

• Municipal water utilities, water main contractors and pipeline installers
• Project engineers and designers specifying commissioning and acceptance tests
• Site supervisors, testing teams and independent inspectors responsible for quality assurance
• Asset owners verifying new pipeline installations, rehabilitation or replacement works

Typical applications:

• Commissioning new ductile iron water mains and distribution pipelines
• Verifying joint integrity after installation or repair
• Acceptance testing following trench backfilling and anchor block installation

Related standards

• ISO 2531 - Ductile iron pipes, fittings, accessories and their joints for water applications
• ISO 21051 - Construction and installation of ductile iron pipeline systems
• ISO 6708, ISO 7186, ISO 7268, ISO 10804, ISO 16631 (referenced for components, pressures and joints)

Keywords: ISO 10802:2020, hydrostatic testing, ductile iron pipelines, water loss test, pressure drop test, site hydrostatic acceptance tests, pipeline commissioning, system test pressure.