Designation: D 2122 – 98 An American National Standard

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS

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Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM

Standard Test Method for

Determining Dimensions of Thermoplastic Pipe and
Fittings1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 2122; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope B 2.1 Pipe Threads (Except Dryseal)4

1.1 This test method covers the determination of diameter, 3. Terminology
wall thickness, and length dimensions of thermoplastic pipe.
Included are procedures for measurement of the inside diam- 3.1 Definitions:
eter of pipe intended to be joined by internal fittings, measure- 3.1.1 General—Definitions are in accordance with Termi-
ment of the average outside diameter for roundable pipe where nology F 412, unless otherwise specified.
out-of-roundness is not of primary concern, out-of-roundness 3.1.2 deviation from straightness—the maximum deviation
measurement and measurement of the average outside diameter from a straight line exhibited by a pipe specimen divided by the
of non-roundable pipe, and for determining length and straight- length of the specimen.
ness. 3.1.3 nonroundable pipe—pipe made from a material hav-
1.2 This test method also includes procedures for dimen- ing a tensile or flexural modulus of elasticity of 150 000 psi
sioning molded thermoplastic pipe fittings. (103 MPa) or greater, as determined by Test Method D 638 or
1.3 The values given in parentheses are provided for infor- D 790, and in addition, having an outside diameter/wall thick-
mation purposes only. ness ratio of less than 20.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1.3.1 Discussion—The above definitions apply to thermo-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the plastic pipe and are based on the ability or inability of a pipe
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- to round out when forced into a tapered socket.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 3.1.4 roundable pipe—(a) pipe made from material having
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. a tensile or flexural modulus of elasticity less than 150 000 psi
(103 MPa) as determined by Test Method D 638 or D 790; and
2. Referenced Documents (b) pipe made from a material having a tensile or flexural
2.1 ASTM Standards: modulus of elasticity of 150 000 psi (103 MPa) or greater, as
D 618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics and Electrical determined by Test Method D 638 or D 790, and in addition,
Insulating Materials for Testing2 having an outside diameter/wall thickness ratio of 20 or
D 638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics2 greater.
D 790 Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced 3.1.5 socket bottom—the point at which the pipe stop
and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materi- radius intersects wall.
als2
4. Summary of Test Method
F 412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems3
F 1498 Specification for Taper Pipe Threads (60°) for Ther- 4.1 Alternate Methods—Alternate methods and procedures
moplastic Pipe and Fittings3 for obtaining dimensions (such as apparatus and procedures
2.2 ANSI Standard: using laser, electronic, nuclear, ultrasonic, or other means) are
not prohibited.
4.1.1 The user of an alternate method shall validate the
alternate method. The alternate method is validated when both
the product is measured according to the Apparatus and
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F-17 on Plastic Precedure sections presented in this Test Method, and when
Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.40 on Test found to be in compliance with product specifications.
Methods.
Current edition approved April 10, 1997. Published November 1997. Originally
published as D 2122 – 62 T. Last previous edition D 2122 – 95.
2 4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01. Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd St., 13th
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.04. Floor, New York, NY 10036.

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 D 2122
NOTE 1—Validation of the alternate method is a necessary step in where:
ensuring compliance with product specifications. Validation generally A 5 maximum wall thickness at any cross section, and
involves statistical analysis of data generated using the alternate method.
B 5 minimum wall thickness at any cross section.
At a minimum, the analysis should include calculating 99 % confidence
limits and verifying that these limits are within the product specification 7.4 Report—Report the following information:
tolerances. For guidance on this type of analysis, the user should consult 7.4.1 Observed minimum and maximum wall thicknesses,
the Manual on Presentation of Data and Control Chart Analysis.5 7.4.2 Calculated average wall thickness, and
4.1.2 Compliance with product specifications shall be based 7.4.3 Calculated wall thickness range in percent.
on the measuring apparatus and procedures in this Method. 8. Inside Diameter Measurement of Roundable Pipe
While alternate methods are not prohibited, the measuring 8.1 Apparatus—Depending on the requirements, the
apparatus and procedure in this Method shall be the referee following apparatus shall be used:
method. 8.1.1 Tapered Plug Gage, for checking conformance to an
5. Significance and Use average inside diameter tolerance, having uniform taper of
5.1 This Test Method provides for determining the physical 1:100 and accurate to within 6 1 % of its taper and to within
dimensions of thermoplastic pipe and fittings. This test method 6 0.001 in. (6 0.02 mm) of its diameter. For each given pipe
is suitable for determination of dimensional compliance with size and tolerance specification, a mandrel shall be scribed at
product specifications. the diameters representing the minimum and maximum
allowable inside pipe diameters. To aid rounding, a 45° by
6. General 1⁄8-in. (3-mm) face bevel shall be provided on the entrance end

6.1 Specimen Preparation—Pipe specimens shall be cleanly of the gage.

cut and burrs removed. Some materials, such as polyolefin NOTE 3—Where internal stresses cause change in dimension at the cut
plastics, may undergo dimensional change near cut ends due to end of pipe, tapered plug or sleeve gage measurements may give
internal stresses. When this condition is noted, care shall be misleading results.
taken to make measurements at a location which is not so 8.1.2 Metal Rule (if it is desired to determine the actual
affected. average inside diameter) with at least 0.01-in. (0.2-mm)
6.2 Conditioning—Condition the test specimens at 73.4 6 graduations.
3.6°F (23 6 2°C) and 50 6 5 % relative humidity for not less 8.2 Procedure:
than 40 h prior to test in accordance with Procedure A of 8.2.1 Cut the end of the pipe square and remove burrs. Insert
Methods D 618, for those tests where conditioning is required. the plug gage into the pipe, causing it to round out but not to
6.3 Test Conditions—Conduct tests in the Standard Labora- expand. Observe whether the end of the pipe falls between the
tory Atmosphere of 73.4 6 3.6°F (23 6 2°C) and 50 6 5 % scribed diameters.
relative humidity, unless otherwise specified in the test meth- 8.2.2 In cases of disagreement between the purchaser and
ods or in this test method. the seller, the proper insertion distance as indicated in 8.1.1
7. Wall Thickness—Pipe and Fittings shall be defined as that point where an internal light source is
7.1 Apparatus—A cylindrical or ball anvil tubing microme- just occluded.
ter accurate to within 6 0.001 in. (6 0.02 mm) shall be used 8.2.3 If the actual average inside diameter is required,
for wall thickness measurements. measure the distance from the maximum scribed diameter to
the end of the pipe,
NOTE 2—Care should be taken to avoid excessive closure pressure 8.3 Calculations—Calculate the average inside diameter as
when using ball anvil micrometers which may compress the specimen and follows:
give falsely low readings. Care should be taken to avoid misalignment of
the anvil with the longitudinal axis of the specimen when using cylindrical d 5 dm 2 kl
anvil micrometers which may bridge specimen surface curvature or (2)
indentations and give falsely high readings.
where:
7.2 Procedure—Make a series of measurements at closely d 5 average inside diameter, in. (or mm),
spaced intervals to ensure that the minimum and maximum dm 5 maximum scribed diameter, in. (or mm),
wall thicknesses have been determined. Make a minimum of k 5 taper of plug gage, in. (or mm) of diameter per in. (or
eight measurements. mm) of length, and
7.3 Calculation: l 5 distance from maximum scribed diameter to end of
7.3.1 Calculate the average wall thickness by taking the pipe, in. (or mm).
average of all values measured. 8.4 Report—Report the following information:
7.3.2 Calculate the wall thickness range, E, as a percent, as 8.4.1 When determining conformance to tolerances, report
follows: whether the average inside diameter is less than the minimum,
A2B greater than the maximum, or within the allowable limits as
E5 A 100 indicated by the position of the scribed diameters with respect
(1) to the end of the pipe.
8.4.2 If the actual average inside diameter is required, the
5
Committee E-11 on Quality and Statistics, Manual on Presentation of Data and result of the calculation in 8.3, as well as the values used in the
Control Chart Analysis, Chapter 2, ASTM, West Conshohocken, PA, 1990, p. 38. calculation, shall be reported. The average inside diameter may
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 D 2122
also be calculated as described in 10.5. or within the allowable limits as indicated by the position of the
pipe end with respect to the ends of the tapered sleeve gage.
9. Outside Diameter and Out-of-Roundness 9.3.2 When determining conformance to tolerances with the
Measurement of Roundable Pipe sleeve window gage, report whether the average outside
9.1 Apparatus—Depending on the requirements, the diameter is less than the minimum, greater than the maximum,
following apparatus shall be used: or within the allowable limits with respect to the minimum and
9.1.1 Flat-Anvil Micrometer or Vernier Calipers, accurate to maximum scribed marks.
60.001 in. (60.02 mm). 9.3.3 If required, report the average outside diameter as
9.1.2 Tapered Sleeve Gage, for checking conformance to an observed in 9.2.3 with the circumferential wrap tape.
average outside diameter tolerance of roundable pipe, accurate 9.3.4 When determining conformance to outside diameter
within 61 % of its taper and6 0.001 in. (60.02 mm) of its tolerances with a flat anvil micrometer or caliper, report the
diameter. For a given pipe size and tolerance specification, the minimum diameter, the maximum diameter, and, if required,
entrance diameter shall be the maximum allowable average the average diameter calculated by taking the average of all
outside pipe diameter, while the inside diameter at the opposite diameters measured.
end shall correspond to the minimum allowable average
NOTE 5—The actual average outside diameter determined using a
outside pipe diameter. To aid rounding, a 45° by 1⁄8-in. (3-mm) circumferential wrap tape is preferred to averaging micrometer diameter
face bevel shall be provided on the entrance end of the gage. measurements.
9.1.3 Alternatively, a sleeve window gage, made to the
tolerances given in 9.1.2 may be used. The window shall 9.3.5 When determining conformance to out-of-roundness
extend beyond the two scribed marks which shall represent the tolerances with a flat anvil micrometer or caliper, report
minimum and maximum permitted diameters. See the whether the measurements were made with or without a
Discussion under 3.1.5. rounding device, and the difference between the minimum and
maximum diameters as the out-of-roundness.
NOTE 4—This gage may also be marked to enable actual average 9.3.6 If required, report the percent ovality which is
outside diameters to be read directly.
calculated by dividing the out-of-roundness by the average
9.1.4 Circumferential Wrap Tape, if the actual value of the diameter, as determined in 9.2.3 or 9.3.4, and multiplying by
average outside diameter is desired, calibrated in terms of pipe 100.
diameter with 0.01-in. (0.2-mm) graduations, or a vernier wrap 9.3.7 When determining conformance to tolerances with the
tape, with 0.001-in. (0.02-mm) graduations when greater out-of-roundness gage, report whether the pipe exceeds out-
precision is required. of-roundness tolerance or is within the allowable limits as
9.1.5 Out-of-Roundness Gage—A rigid plate, about 1⁄4 in. (6 indicated by the gage.
mm) thick, bored with a circular hole to the maximum
permitted diameter allowed for out-of-roundness, accurate to 10. Out-of-Roundness and Average Outside and Inside
60.001 in. (60.02 mm), may be used to determine Diameter of Non-Roundable Pipe and Fittings
conformance to the out-of-round requirement.
10.1 Apparatus:
9.2 Procedure:
9.2.1 Flat-Anvil Micrometer or Vernier Caliper—Take a 10.1.1 A flat-anvil micrometer or vernier caliper accurate to
series of diameter measurements at closely spaced intervals to within 60.001 in. (60.02 mm).
ensure that the minimum and maximum diameters have been 10.1.2 Out-of-Roundness Gage—A rigid plate, about 1⁄4 in.
determined. Make a minimum of six measurements. (6 mm) thick, bored with a circular hole to the maximum
9.2.2 Sleeve Gages—Cut the end of the pipe square and permitted diameter allowed for out-of-roundness, accurate to
remove burrs. Insert the pipe into the sleeve gage and observe 60.001 in. (60.02 mm), may be used to determine
the position of the end with respect to the ends of the tapered conformance to the out-of-round requirement.
sleeve gage or the position of the end with respect to the 10.1.3 Circumferential Wrap Tape, if the actual value of the
minimum and maximum scribed marks of the sleeve window average outside diameter is desired, calibrated in terms of pipe
gage. diameter with 0.01 in. (0.2 mm) graduations, or a vernier wrap
9.2.3 Circumferential Wrap Tape—To determine the actual tape, with 0.001 in. (0.02 mm) graduations when greater
value of the average outside diameter, place the circumferential precision is required.
wrap tape around the pipe, making sure that it is at right angles 10.2 Procedure:
to the pipe axis and is flat against the pipe surface. Observe the 10.2.1 Flat-Anvil Micrometer or Vernier Caliper—Take a
diameter reading, estimating to the nearest 0.005 in. (0.1 mm), series of diameter measurements at closely spaced intervals to
or 0.001 in. (0.02 mm) as required. ensure that the minimum and maximum diameters have been
9.2.4 Out-of-Roundness Gage—To determine conformance determined. Make a minimum of six measurements.
to pipe out-of-roundness with the gage, the pipe shall be 10.2.2 Circumferential Wrap Tape—To determine the actual
inserted through the gage without forcing rounding of the pipe. value of the average outside diameter, place the circumferential
9.3 Report—Report the following information: wrap tape around the pipe, making sure that it is at right angles
9.3.1 When determining conformance to tolerances with the to the pipe axis and is flat against the pipe surface. Observe the
tapered sleeve gage, report whether the average outside diameter reading, estimating to the nearest 0.005 in. (0.1 mm),
diameter is less than the minimum, greater than the maximum, or 0.001 in. (0.02 mm), as required.
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 D 2122
10.2.3 Out-of-Roundness Gage—To determine Vernier caliper .001 in. (.03 mm)
conformance to pipe out-of-roundness with the gage, the pipe Depth gage micrometer .001 in. (.03 mm)
shall be inserted through the gage without forcing rounding of NOTE 7—Unless otherwise specified, precision of the commercial scale
the pipe. shall be used.
10.3 Calculations—Calculate the average outside diameter 11.4 Fittings Spigot Diameter Gages— Straight-side go/
by taking the average of all diameters measured, and the no-go ring gages may be used to determine conformance of
out-of-roundness as the maximum minus the minimum fitting spigot outside diameter dimensions.
diameter. If required to be reported, calculate the percent 11.5 Report—The report shall include the maximum,
ovality by dividing the out-of-roundness by the average minimum, and calculated average for each dimension
diameter and multiplying the result by 100. determined with inside micrometer or telescoping gage.
NOTE 6—The actual average outside diameter determined using a Alternatively, the report shall state conformance or
circumferential wrap tape is preferred to averaging micrometer or caliper nonconformance of the fitting diameters when determined
diameter measurements. using go/no-go gages.
10.4 Report—Report the following information: 12. Length of Pipe
10.4.1 Observed minimum and maximum diameters, and 12.1 Apparatus—For specimens 1 in. (25 mm) long or
10.4.2 Average diameter as calculated in 10.3 or as longer, use a steel tape or rule with marked graduations that are
observed in 10.2.2. 10 % of the total tolerance on the nominal length or less. For
10.4.3 Out-of-roundness as determined in 10.2.1 and 10.3, specimen lengths less than 1 in. (25 mm) use a vernier caliper
or 10.2.3. with calibration increments of 0.001 in. (0.03 mm).
10.4.4 If required, ovality as determined in 10.3. 12.2 Procedure—Lay the pipe specimen on a flat surface
10.4.5 When determining conformance to tolerances with and in a straight line. Observe the length to within the nearest
an out-of-roundness gage, report whether the pipe exceeds marked graduation on the measuring tool.
out-of-roundness tolerance or is within the allowable limits as 12.3 Report—Report the length of each specimen
indicated by the gage. measured.
10.5 Inside Diameter—The average inside diameter may be
calculated as follows: 13. Laying Lengths of Fittings
d 5 D 2 2 ta 13.1 Apparatus—A good quality commercial steel scale
(3) calibrated in 1⁄32-in. or 1-mm increments, provided that the
dimension is clearly in excess of 1⁄16 in. or 2 mm or more. For
where: laying lengths within 1⁄16 in. of the minimum, use a depth
d 5 average inside diameter, in. (or mm), micrometer or a micrometer height gage, accurate to 60.005
D 5 average outside diameter, in. (or mm), and in. or 60.1 mm.
t a 5 average wall thickness, in. (or mm), as determined in 13.2 Procedure—Measure the laying length to within 1⁄32 in.
7.3. or 1 mm except that when within 1⁄16 in. or 2 mm of the
minimum specified laying length, measure to within 60.005
11. Fittings Socket Dimensions in. or 0.1 mm.
11.1 Diameters—Determine the minimum and maximum 13.3 Report—Report the laying lengths of each specimen
diameters of the fitting socket using an internal micrometer or measured.
a telescoping gage, accurate to 60.001 in. (60.02 mm) at both
14. Threads
the socket entrance and socket bottom. Take sufficient
readings, a minimum of 8, to ensure that the maximum and 14.1 All taper pipe threads shall conform to and be gaged in
minimum have been determined. Calculate the average accordance with Specification F 1498.
diameters as the arithmetic mean of all of the diameters 15. Straightness
measured at each cross section. For socket bottom
15.1 Apparatus—A plane horizontal surface, a string, and a
measurements, the tip radius of the micrometre or telescoping
metal rule with at least 1⁄16-in. or 1-mm calibrations.
gage shall be less than the radius of the pipe stop to ensure that
15.2 Procedure—Place the pipe specimen on the plane
the tip is in contact with the true socket bottom.
surface and allow it to come to rest. At a distance of half the
11.2 Fittings Socket Diameter Gages— Plug gages may be outside diameter above the plane surface, stretch the string
used to determine conformance to fitting socket inside diameter from one pipe end to the other and draw it taut while in contact
dimensions for pipe bells and fittings for in-plant quality with both ends. Holding the ruler horizontally, determine the
control. In case of disagreement between purchaser and seller, maximum distance between the pipe and the string. It should
the fitting socket diameters shall be determined in accordance be noted that pipe with a non-uniform curvature will not
with 11.1. necessarily show the maximum reading at the center.
11.3 Socket Depth—Determine the socket depth using a 15.3 Report—Report the specimen length plus the deviation
good quality commercial scale, vernier caliper, or depth gauge from straightness.
micrometer with these calibration increments:
Instrument Calibration Increments 16. Precision and Bias
Commercial scale 1⁄32 in. (1 mm)
16.1 The precision of these measuring test methods is based
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 D 2122
on the accuracy of the instrument used and is specified in each fittings dimensions in relation to any standard.
procedure. There is no bias in measuring plastic pipe and

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