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IS 14885:2001 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for polyethene pipes for the supply of gaseous fuels. This standard specifies the requirements for polyethylene (PE) pipes made from PE 80 and PE 100 grades for the supply of gaseous fuels. It covers material properties, dimensions, mechanical and physical characteristics, and marking requirements for pipes used in city gas distribution (CGD) networks.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! The color coding (yellow or black with yellow stripes) is a critical safety feature for easy on-site identification of gas pipelines, distinguishing them from water or other utility lines.
! SDR (Standard Dimension Ratio) is a primary design parameter; a lower SDR value means a thicker pipe wall, allowing for a higher Maximum Operating Pressure (MOP).
! Proper jointing using certified electrofusion or butt-fusion techniques is paramount for the long-term integrity and safety of the pipeline system.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
polyethylenePEPE 80PE 100plastics
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
ISO 4437-2:2014ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
HighCurrent
Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Polyethylene (PE) — Part 2: Pipes
Specifies characteristics of polyethylene (PE) pipes for buried gaseous fuel supply systems.
EN 1555-2:2021CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Polyethylene (PE) — Part 2: Pipes
Covers requirements for PE pipes for gaseous fuels, harmonized across European nations.
ASTM D2513-22e1ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings
Defines requirements for PE pipe and fittings for gas distribution, but uses a different material classification system.
AS/NZS 4130:2018Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
MediumCurrent
Polyethylene (PE) pipes for pressure applications
General PE pressure pipe standard widely used for gas applications, referencing specific gas requirements.
Key Differences
≠IS 14885 uses material grades PE 80 and PE 100 based on MRS. ASTM D2513 uses a cell classification system (e.g., PE4710) which specifies a range of physical properties, not just strength.
≠IS 14885 specifies a minimum overall service (design) coefficient 'C' of 2.0. International practices can vary; for instance, US standards (ASTM D2513) use a design factor 'F' of 0.32 or 0.40, which results in a different final pressure calculation.
≠IS 14885:2001, being an older standard, has less stringent requirements for resistance to slow crack growth (SCG) compared to modern standards like EN 1555:2021, which mandate advanced tests like the Notched Pipe Test (NPT) for a longer duration.
≠While color coding is similar (yellow for gas), IS 14885 allows for fully yellow pipe or black pipe with yellow stripes. Some international standards may have more specific requirements on the number, width, and placement of co-extruded stripes.
Key Similarities
≈All standards are based on polyethylene (PE) as the primary raw material, chosen for its durability, corrosion resistance, and suitability for heat fusion.
≈The concept of Standard Dimension Ratio (SDR) as the ratio of outside diameter to wall thickness is a fundamental principle used across IS, ISO, and EN standards to define pressure classes.
≈Core performance tests are very similar, including short-term hydrostatic strength, longitudinal reversion, and control of Melt Flow Rate (MFR) to ensure consistent material processing.
≈The classification of material based on Minimum Required Strength (MRS), leading to designations like PE 80 and PE 100, is a common methodology in IS 14885, ISO 4437, and EN 1555.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Material Grades
PE 80, PE 100
PE 80, PE 100
ISO 4437-1
Overall Service (Design) Coefficient, C
Min 2.0
Min 2.0
ISO 4437-1
Hydrostatic Strength (PE 100, 20°C, 100 h)
12.4 MPa
12.4 MPa
EN 1555-2
Longitudinal Reversion (at 110°C)
≤ 3%
≤ 3%
ISO 4437-2
Oxidation Induction Time (OIT) @ 200°C
≥ 20 min
≥ 20 min
ISO 4437-2
Melt Flow Rate (MFR) Change after processing
≤ ±25% from compound
≤ ±25% from compound
ISO 4437-2
Carbon Black Content (for black pipes)
2.0 to 2.5 % by mass
2.25 ± 0.25 % by mass
EN 1555-2
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Material Grade PE 80 Minimum Required Strength (MRS)8.0 MPa
Material Grade PE 100 Minimum Required Strength (MRS)10.0 MPa
Pipe Color RequirementYellow or Black with four co-extruded yellow stripes
Standard Dimension Ratios (SDR) CoveredSDR 17.6, SDR 13.6, SDR 11
Reversion Test Requirement (Max Shrinkage)3 percent
Oxidation Induction Time (OIT) at 200°C (min)20 minutes
Key Formulas
σ = p(SDR-1) / 2 — Standard pipe formula relating hoop stress (σ), internal pressure (p), and Standard Dimension Ratio (SDR)
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions of Polyethylene Pipes
Table 2 - Mechanical Characteristics of Pipes
Table 3 - Physical Characteristics of Material from Pipe
What are the material grades covered in IS 14885?+
The standard covers PE 80 and PE 100, which are classified based on their Minimum Required Strength (MRS) of 8.0 MPa and 10.0 MPa, respectively (Clause 4.1).
What is the mandatory color for PE gas pipes?+
Pipes must be either entirely yellow or black with four equally spaced co-extruded yellow stripes along the length (Clause 9.1).
What does SDR mean for these pipes?+
SDR stands for Standard Dimension Ratio, which is the ratio of the pipe's nominal outer diameter to its nominal wall thickness. It determines the pipe's pressure rating.
What is the hydrostatic strength test requirement?+
The pipe must withstand a specified internal pressure at a given temperature for a set duration without bursting. For example, a PE 100 pipe must withstand 4.6 MPa at 80°C for 165 hours (Table 2).