Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
D2997-21 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Specification Overview and Terminology
ASTM D2997-21 governs machine-made glass-fiber-reinforced thermosetting-resin pressure pipe fabricated by centrifugal casting. In this process, resin and glass reinforcement are applied to the interior of a rotating heated mold; the pipe’s outside diameter is fixed by the mold’s inside diameter, while the inside diameter depends on the material charge. The standard covers both reinforced thermosetting resin pipe (RTRP) and reinforced polymer mortar pipe (RPMP) and is intended for conveying gases, petroleum products, or corrosive fluids.
| 🟦 Designation | 📏 Description | 🎯 Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| D1598 | Test Method for Time-to-Failure of Plastic Pipe Under Constant Internal Pressure | Hydrostatic design basis |
| D1599 | Test Method for Resistance to Short-Time Hydraulic Pressure | Burst pressure verification |
| D2105 | Test Method for Longitudinal Tensile Properties of “Fiberglass” Pipe and Tube | Tensile strength assessment |
| D2992 | Practice for Obtaining Hydrostatic or Pressure Design Basis for Fiberglass Pipe and Fittings | Pressure rating calculation |
Key definitions include centrifugal casting as described above, aggregate (siliceous sand per Specification C33, excluding gradation requirements), and fiberglass pipe as a tubular product with embedded glass fiber reinforcements. The classification system within the standard categorizes pipes by mechanical properties and dimensions.
💡 Key Insight: The term “fiberglass pipe” in this standard encompasses both RTRP and RPMP. Note that “polymer” does not include natural polymers.
⚙️ Test Methods and Performance Criteria
This specification mandates mechanical testing to verify pipe performance. Cyclic pressure strength is evaluated per Test Method D2143, external loading characteristics via D2412 parallel-plate loading, and dimensional verification follows Practice D3567. All testing must be conducted in accordance with the referenced ASTM standards.
| ⚙️ Test Standard | 📋 Procedure | ⚡ Critical Property |
|---|---|---|
| D2143 | Cyclic pressure testing of reinforced thermosetting plastic pipe | Fatigue resistance |
| D2412 | Parallel-plate loading to determine external loading characteristics | Pipe stiffness |
| D3567 | Practice for determining dimensions of fiberglass pipe and fittings | Wall thickness and OD |
Section 1.4 of the standard emphasizes user responsibility for safety, health, and environmental practices. Users must establish appropriate procedures and determine regulatory compliance prior to use.
⚠️ Important Safety Note: This standard does not address all safety concerns. It is the user’s responsibility to implement suitable safety and health practices and to verify regulatory limitations.
📊 Material Requirements and Marking
Materials must conform to specified requirements, including siliceous sand aggregate per Specification C33 (gradation requirements excluded). Pipe marking must include the standard designation, manufacturer identification, and performance ratings to ensure proper traceability and installation. The standard also references conditioning plastics per Practice D618 and terminology per D883, D1600, and F412.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is centrifugal casting in fiberglass pipe manufacturing?
Centrifugal casting applies resin and glass reinforcement to the inside of a rotating heated mold. The pipe’s outside diameter is set by the mold’s inside diameter, and the inside diameter is determined by the amount of material introduced.
💡 What are typical applications for D2997-21 pipe?
These pipes are suitable for conveying gases, petroleum products, or corrosive fluids, as noted in the standard’s scope (Note 2).
⚡ Which test methods are critical for establishing pressure ratings?
Test Method D1598 (time-to-failure under constant internal pressure) and Practice D2992 (hydrostatic design basis) are essential for determining pressure ratings.
📌 How does this standard classify fiberglass pipe?
The standard includes a classification system based on mechanical properties and dimensions, ensuring pipes meet specific performance criteria for various service conditions.