ISO/TS 23818-3:2021 PDF

Overview

ISO/TS 23818-3:2021 specifies a conformity assessment scheme for plastics piping systems used in the rehabilitation of existing pipelines, specifically for unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC‑U) products and assemblies. The Technical Specification is intended to be included in a manufacturer’s quality plan and quality management system and to support the establishment of certification procedures for trenchless and lining rehabilitation techniques in underground non‑pressure drainage and sewerage networks. Annex C provides summary tables of overall scheme requirements to help users.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and applicability
  • Focused on PVC‑U material applied in rehabilitation methods such as lining with close‑fit pipes and spirally‑wound pipes for non‑pressure drainage and sewerage.
• Conformity assessment framework
  • Designed to align with relevant parts of ISO 11296 family and to integrate with manufacturers’ quality management (e.g., ISO 9001).
• Testing and inspection types
  • Type testing (TT): Demonstrates that material, pipes, joints or assemblies meet standard requirements.
  • Batch release tests (BRT): Required testing to release a production batch.
  • Process verification tests (PVT / PVT‑I): Ongoing checks of manufacturing and on‑site installation processes.
  • Audit tests (AT): Independent tests by inspection or certification bodies to confirm ongoing conformity.
  • Indirect tests (IT) and witness tests (WT) are also defined where applicable.
• Grouping and sampling
  • Provisions for size groups and fitting groups to rationalize testing across product ranges.
• Documentation and records
  • Requirements for maintaining test records and including conformity activities in the manufacturer’s quality plan.
• Normative references
  • Links to related standards such as ISO 11296‑3, ISO 11296‑7, ISO 4435, and EN 1401‑1.

Practical applications

• Ensures PVC‑U pipes, fittings, joints and assemblies used in trenchless rehabilitation meet performance and safety expectations after site processing and installation.
• Supports manufacturers in implementing robust production control, testing protocols, and preparing for third‑party certification.
• Helps certifying bodies and inspection laboratories define audit and testing programs for rehabilitation products.

Who should use this standard

• Manufacturers of PVC‑U rehabilitation products and assemblies
• Quality managers implementing product‑specific quality plans
• Testing laboratories, inspection bodies, and certification bodies
• Engineers and contractors specifying or installing plastics piping systems for pipeline rehabilitation

Related standards

• ISO 11296 series (renovation of non‑pressure drainage and sewerage networks)
• ISO 11297 / ISO 11298 / ISO 11299 (related renovation applications)
• ISO 4435, EN 1401‑1 (PVC‑U piping system specifications)

Keywords: ISO/TS 23818-3:2021, PVC‑U, conformity assessment, plastics piping systems, pipeline rehabilitation, non‑pressure drainage, sewerage, type testing, batch release, process verification, certification.