1.1 This specification covers requirements and test methods for material dimensions and tolerances, hydrostatic burst strength, chemical resistance, and rapid crack resistance of polyethylene pipe, tubing, and fittings for use in fuel gas pipelines for direct burial and reliner applications. The pipe and fittings covered by this specification are intended for use in the transmission and distribution of natural gas. Requirements for the qualifying of polyethylene systems for use with liquefied petroleum gas are also covered.

1.1.1 This specification does not cover threaded pipe. Design considerations are discussed in Appendix X1. In-plant quality control is specified in Section 9 for pipe and Section 10 for fittings.

1.1.2 Requirements for polyethylene piping for pressure or non-pressure oil and gas producing applications to convey fluids such as oil, dry or wet gas, multiphase fluids, and non-potable oilfield water are addressed in Specification F2619/F2619M.

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

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.4 The following is an index of the annexes and appendix in this specification:

Appendixes	Subject
Appendix X1	Design Consideration
Appendix X2	Quality Program

1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portion of this specification. This standard does not purport to address all safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

What ASTM D2513 means for PE gas pressure pipe systems

ASTM D2513 is the standard specification for polyethylene gas pressure pipe, tubing, and fittings. It is widely used for fuel gas pipelines, natural gas distribution systems, propane gas service lines, and direct burial PE piping applications where long-term pressure performance and material reliability are critical.

It provides requirements for PE gas pressure pipe, tubing, and fittings used in fuel gas pipelines.
It covers material properties, dimensions, tolerances, hydrostatic strength, chemical resistance, and crack resistance.
It supports safer gas distribution, product qualification, procurement, inspection, and installation planning.

Video credit: HOME-FLEX on YouTube.

How ASTM D2513 fits into the gas pipe lifecycle

ASTM D2513 is used from material selection and pipe manufacturing through testing, marking, procurement, installation, and field quality control. It helps ensure that PE gas pipe products meet defined safety and performance requirements before they are used in gas service.

Material stage: select suitable polyethylene compound for gas pressure pipe service.
Manufacturing stage: control pipe dimensions, wall thickness, fittings, and product consistency.
Testing stage: verify hydrostatic strength, burst performance, chemical resistance, and crack resistance.
Installation stage: use qualified joining, handling, burial, and inspection practices.

Core building blocks of ASTM D2513

Polyethylene pipe: PE pipe used for underground fuel gas transmission and distribution applications.
Pipe tubing and fittings: components used to build complete PE gas piping systems.
Dimensional control: requirements for outside diameter, wall thickness, tolerances, and product uniformity.
Hydrostatic strength: pressure performance requirements that support long-term safe service.
Crack resistance: testing related to rapid crack propagation and stress crack performance.
Marking requirements: product identification information needed for traceability and field verification.

What ASTM D2513 evaluates in practice

Pipe dimensions: whether the pipe meets required size and tolerance limits.
Pressure performance: whether the pipe and fittings can withstand required internal pressure conditions.
Material quality: whether the PE compound is suitable for gas service.
Chemical resistance: whether the material resists expected exposure conditions.
Joining compatibility: whether pipe and fittings can be joined properly using approved methods.

High-value use cases of ASTM D2513

Natural gas distribution mains and service lines.
Propane and fuel gas underground piping systems.
PE gas pipe procurement and supplier qualification.
Utility pipeline construction and replacement programs.
Field inspection and quality control for gas pipe installations.

Integration with related gas piping standards

ASTM F2620: heat fusion joining of polyethylene pipe and fittings.
ASTM F1055: electrofusion fittings for outside diameter controlled polyethylene pipe.
ASTM D3350: polyethylene plastics pipe and fittings materials classification.
49 CFR Part 192: U.S. federal pipeline safety requirements for natural gas pipelines.
ASME B31.8: gas transmission and distribution piping systems.

How to apply ASTM D2513 in a real gas piping program

Confirm the gas service, design pressure, pipe size, burial conditions, and applicable code requirements.
Select PE pipe, tubing, and fittings that meet ASTM D2513 requirements.
Review markings, material documentation, pressure ratings, and supplier certifications.
Use qualified joining procedures for heat fusion, electrofusion, or approved mechanical joining.
Inspect handling, storage, trenching, joining, and installation quality before backfill.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Using non-gas-rated PE pipe: verify ASTM D2513 marking and documentation before installation.
Poor fusion practice: use qualified procedures, clean surfaces, correct heating, and proper cooling time.
Improper storage: protect pipe from damage, contamination, and excessive UV exposure.
Weak traceability: keep product records, lot numbers, markings, and installation documentation.
Ignoring local code: check utility, jurisdiction, and pipeline safety requirements before use.

Case study: improving PE gas service line quality with ASTM D2513

A gas utility found inconsistent quality across PE service line materials from multiple suppliers. ASTM D2513 was used as the procurement and inspection reference to standardize material requirements, markings, pressure performance, and supplier documentation.

The utility required ASTM D2513-compliant pipe and fittings for all new service lines.
Field crews checked product markings before installation.
Material consistency improved and installation defects were easier to trace.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is ASTM D2513?
ASTM D2513 is the standard specification for polyethylene gas pressure pipe, tubing, and fittings.

2. Where is ASTM D2513 used?
It is used for PE pipe and fittings in fuel gas pipelines, natural gas distribution, and underground gas service lines.

3. Does ASTM D2513 cover fittings?
Yes. ASTM D2513 covers PE pipe, tubing, and fittings for gas pressure applications.

4. Why is ASTM D2513 important?
It helps verify that PE gas piping products meet safety, dimensional, pressure, and material performance requirements.

Need ASTM D2513 for your gas piping workflow?

Start a BSB Edge subscription and access ASTM D2513 and related gas piping standards instantly.

ASTM D2513 : 26a

Knowledge Gateway