ASTM F891-24

Overview

ASTM F891-24: Standard Specification for Coextruded Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe With a Cellular Core establishes the requirements for coextruded PVC plastic pipes featuring a solid inner and outer layer with a specialized cellular (foamed) core. Designed for nonpressure applications, this standard covers three primary pipe series: IPS Schedule 40 for drain, waste, and vent (DWV) piping; the PS series for communication conduit; and sewer and drain pipe. ASTM F891-24 provides detailed specifications for dimensional, material, performance, quality, and marking requirements, ensuring consistency, safety, and reliability in plumbing and fluid handling installations.

Key Topics

Pipe Series Covered

• IPS Schedule 40: Pipes with iron pipe size (IPS) outside diameter and standardized wall thickness used for DWV systems.
• PS Series: Pipes with IPS outside diameter and wall thickness tailored to required pipe stiffness (25, 50, 100), intended primarily for communication conduit.
• Sewer and Drain Series: Pipes designed for nonpressure sewer and drain lines, meeting minimum wall thickness and stiffness criteria for underground burial.

Construction and Materials

• Coextruded PVC Structure: Manufactured using a multilayer coextrusion process, ensuring bonding of layers for strength and durability.
• Cellular (Foamed) Core: Provides a lightweight yet robust core, sandwiched between solid PVC layers.
• Material Requirements: All PVC materials comply with referenced ASTM specifications and cell classification for quality assurance. Only clean, manufacturer rework is allowed, and only in the core layer.

Physical and Performance Requirements

• Minimum Wall Thickness: Pipe thickness must meet or exceed specified values for each series to ensure long-term performance.
• Pipe Stiffness: Defined pipe stiffness values at 5% deflection for structural performance, tested as per ASTM test methods.
• Impact and Flattening: Pipes undergo impact strength and flattening tests to confirm resistance to handling and installation stresses.
• Bond Strength: Multilayer bond must withstand separation attempts and testing procedures.
• Dimensions and Tolerances: Outside diameter and roundness are controlled within strict tolerances.

Joining and Installation

• Joining Methods: Pipes may be joined by solvent cement or elastomeric gaskets. Fitting compatibility and proper assembly are crucial for leak-free performance.
• Installation Guidance: Recommendations include proper storage, cutting, joining, support spacing, and allowance for thermal expansion and freezing conditions.

Quality Assurance and Marking

• Testing and Sampling: Detailed procedures for sampling, conditioning, and retesting ensure compliance.
• Pipe Marking: Clear, legible marking every 5 feet with product, manufacturer, standard reference, size, and series information.

Applications

ASTM F891-24 pipes are optimized for a variety of nonpressure fluid handling applications, including:

• Residential and Commercial DWV Systems: Reliable drainage, waste, and vent piping in new construction and renovations.
• Underground Sewer and Drain: Sewer mains, drainage laterals, and highway underdrain for effective water conveyance.
• Communication Conduit: Protective conduit for underground telecommunications cabling, not to be used for electrical power distribution.
• Stormwater Management: Ideal for gravity flow applications requiring lightweight yet structurally resilient piping.
• Other Nonpressure Utility Uses: Where standardized performance, durability, and ease of installation are required.

Properly installed coextruded cellular core PVC pipes deliver cost-effective, high-performance solutions for long-lasting municipal, commercial, and residential infrastructure.

Related Standards

Several ASTM and ANSI standards are closely related to ASTM F891-24, supporting materials, testing, and joining systems:

• ASTM D2665: PVC plastic drain, waste, and vent pipe and fittings
• ASTM D2729 & D3034: PVC sewer pipe and fittings
• ASTM F512 & F758: PVC conduit and underdrain systems
• ASTM F477 & D3212: Elastomeric seals for joining plastic pipes
• ASTM D2122, D2152, D2412, D2444, D2564: Test methods and solvent cement specifications for PVC pipes and fittings
• ANSI Z34.1 & Z34.2: Third-party and self-certification programs

ASTM F891-24 references and complements these standards to ensure holistic quality, safety, and performance in plastic piping systems. For comprehensive compliance and compatibility, users should consult all applicable standards for their specific projects and jurisdictions.