AWWA C903-05 Polyethylene-Aluminum-Polyethylene & Crosslinked Polyethylene-Aluminum Crosslinked Polyethylene Composite Pressure Pipes, 1/2 In. (12 mm) through 2 In. (50 mm), for Water Service (PDF)

This standard describes both linear polyethylene-aluminum-polyethylene configurations, hereafter referred to as PE-AL-PE pipes, and cross-linked polyethylene-aluminum-cross-linked polyethylene configurations, hereafter referred to as PEX-AL-PEX pipes. Pipes described in this standard are made from Grade PE20, PE23, PE30, or PE33, Class A, B, or C PE material in combination with polymeric melt adhesive and aluminum tube, as defined further in this standard and in ASTM F1281 and ASTM F1282. This standard describes pipe conforming to outside diameter dimensions in nominal size from 1/2 in. (12 mm) through 2 in. (50 mm). The concept of dimension ratio is not relevant to these composite pipes and cannot be used to relate pressure rating (PR) with total wall thickness. The pressure rating of these composite pipes is sensitive to the thickness of the aluminum metal reinforcing layer. Pipes having the same PE thickness but different metal reinforcing layer thickness will have different pressure ratings. Design, installation, and application considerations are discussed in the Foreword of this standard. Major revisions to this edition of the standard include changes in material ratings.