ASTM D3915-99a(2004)

1.1 This specification covers plastic compounds composed of poly(vinyl chloride), chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride), or vinyl chloride copolymers, and the necessary compounding ingredients intended for use in making pipe, fittings, and other piping appurtenances. The compounding ingredients may consist of lubricants, stabilizers, non-poly(vinyl chloride) resin modifiers, pigments, and inorganic fillers.

1.2 This specification is designed to cover compounds for pressure piping applications. Refer to Specification D 4396 for compounds designed for non-pressure applications.

1.3 Rigid PVC-type compounds for building applications other than piping are covered in Specification D 4216.

1.4 Rigid PVC-type compounds for general purpose extrusion and molding use are covered in Specification D 1784. Specification D 1784 is applicable to piping applications involving special chemical and acid resistance.

1.5 The requirements in this specification are intended for the quality control of compounds used to manufacture pipe and fittings. They are not applicable to finished pipe and fittings. See the applicable ASTM standards for requirements for finished products.

1.6 It may be necessary in special cases to select specific compounds for unusual piping applications that require consideration of other properties not covered in this specification, such as service temperature, sag resistance, chemical resistance, weather resistance, bending forces, etc.

1.7 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods section, Section11 , of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 1 - There are no ISO standards covering the primary subject matter of this specification.

1.8 The text of this specification references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of this specification.

1.9 Recycled plastics shall not be used in pipe and fittings for pressure applications.