Overview
ISO/TS 23818-1:2026 is a technical specification developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that focuses on the assessment of conformity of plastics piping systems for the rehabilitation of existing pipelines, specifically for polyethylene (PE) material. The document provides a structured scheme to verify that PE products and assemblies for pipeline rehabilitation meet the established quality and performance requirements. This conformity assessment is meant to be integrated within the manufacturer’s quality plan and quality management system, facilitating both product consistency and reliable certification processes. ISO/TS 23818-1:2026 operates in conjunction with standards such as ISO 11300-1 and ISO 11301-1, covering both water/gas supply networks and underground drainage systems.
Key Topics
- Assessment of Conformity Scheme: The standard details a process for manufacturers to demonstrate and document compliance of PE pipes, fittings, joints, and assemblies. This includes type testing, batch release tests, process verification tests, audit tests, and, where applicable, indirect and witness tests.
- Testing and Inspection: Procedures are outlined for both "as manufactured" (M stage) and "as installed" (I stage) products, ensuring quality from production to installation.
- Type Testing (TT): To confirm product design and performance before mass production or upon significant changes.
- Batch Release Testing (BRT): Performed on each batch to ensure ongoing compliance with requirements.
- Process Verification Tests (PVT/PVT-I): Routine checks during production and installation to maintain process control.
- Audit and Indirect Tests: Additional or alternative testing methods to verify quality, with audit tests often conducted by independent bodies.
- Sampling and Grouping: Products are categorized by size and fitting types to ensure representative testing across the range of manufactured items.
Applications
- Pipeline Rehabilitation Projects: The standard is directly applicable to the rehabbing of water, sewer, and gas pipeline infrastructures using PE pipes and corresponding assemblies. The documented scheme ensures that PE systems used in trenchless methods such as pipe bursting, extraction, horizontal drilling, and impact moling meet rigorous performance requirements.
- Manufacturer Quality Management: For manufacturers, following ISO/TS 23818-1:2026 helps to standardize production processes, reduce variability, and ensure products are suitable for use in critical underground networks. The integration of conformity assessment in the quality plan supports sustainable operations and facilitates recognition by clients and certification bodies.
- Certification and Market Access: For global markets and in regions with regulatory requirements, adherence to ISO/TS 23818-1:2026 is instrumental in achieving product certification, giving assurance to end-users, specification engineers, and procurement officers.
Related Standards
ISO/TS 23818-1:2026 forms part of a broader series and works in coordination with several key international standards:
- ISO 11300-1: Piping systems for rehabilitation of underground drains, sewers, and water supply networks - Polyethylene (PE) material.
- ISO 11301-1: Piping systems for rehabilitation of underground gas supply networks - Polyethylene (PE) material.
- ISO 4427 series: Plastics piping systems for water supply and for drainage and sewerage under pressure - Polyethylene (PE).
- ISO 4437 series: Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels - Polyethylene (PE).
- ISO 11295: Plastics piping systems used for the rehabilitation of pipelines - Classification and overview.
- ISO 9001: Quality Management Systems - Requirements (referenced for quality management best practices).
Other parts in the ISO/TS 23818 series cover additional materials and techniques (e.g., thermoset composites, PVC-U, spirally wound thermoplastic liners), helping users select the appropriate specification for different rehabilitation scenarios.
Keywords: ISO/TS 23818-1, PE piping systems, pipeline rehabilitation, plastics piping, conformity assessment, quality management, certification, type testing, batch release, process verification, water and gas supply, underground drains, trenchless technology, ISO standards.
Open preview (PDF)Assessment of conformity of plastics piping systems for the rehabilitation of existing pipelines — Part 1: Polyethylene (PE) material