ISO 4437-4-2022 PDF

Full title and description

Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Polyethylene (PE) — Part 4: Valves. This International Standard specifies the characteristics and test parameters for valves made from polyethylene (PE) intended for use in buried piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels, including requirements for valves with spigot ends or electrofusion sockets to be fused to PE pipes and fittings.

Abstract

ISO 4437-4:2022 sets out design, material and performance requirements and the test parameters for unidirectional and bidirectional isolating valves manufactured in PE and intended for fusion to PE piping systems covered by the ISO 4437 series. The standard applies to valves intended for a maximum operating pressure (MOP) up to and including 10 bar (reference temperature 20 °C) and for use in the specified operating temperature range.

General information

• Status: Published (current edition).
• Publication date: 10 November 2022.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 75.200; 83.140.30.
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2022).
• Number of pages: 21.

Key bibliographic and lifecycle details (status, edition, page count and ICS) are published in the ISO register for ISO 4437-4:2022.

Scope

The standard applies to PE valve bodies designed for connection with PE pipes of nominal outside diameter up to and including 400 mm and covers valves with spigot ends or electrofusion sockets intended to be fused to PE pipes or fittings that conform to other parts of ISO 4437. It covers use for the supply of gaseous fuels under the following design/operating conditions: maximum operating pressure (MOP) up to and including 10 bar at a reference temperature of 20 °C, and an operating temperature range from −20 °C to 40 °C (with derating considerations for higher temperatures referenced in other parts of the series). The document also specifies the test parameters for the referenced test methods.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope of application: PE valves for gaseous fuel distribution and compatibility with ISO 4437 piping system parts.
• Valve types: unidirectional and bidirectional isolating valves with spigot ends or electrofusion sockets for fusion joints.
• Material and design requirements specific to polyethylene (PE) valve bodies and transition joints where other materials are used with PE connections.
• Pressure and temperature limits: MOP up to 10 bar (reference 20 °C); operating temperature range −20 °C to 40 °C (with derating guidance referenced elsewhere in the series).
• Dimensional and connection requirements for fusion (butt fusion and electrofusion) to ensure joint compatibility with ISO 4437-2 and ISO 4437-3 components.
• Specified test parameters and performance tests (pressure resistance, leakage, endurance and low-temperature performance) and reference to the applicable test methods.
• Marking, traceability and documentation expectations for manufacturers and suppliers.

The standard defines required characteristics, joint interfaces and the test parameter limits to demonstrate conformity of PE valves used in gaseous fuel distribution systems.

Typical use and users

Typical users include gas utility operators, pipeline designers and engineers, polyethylene pipe and valve manufacturers, testing and certification laboratories, procurement/specification teams, installation and maintenance contractors, and regulatory authorities involved in gas distribution system safety and standardization. The standard is used for product development, type testing, procurement specifications and conformity assessment within gas distribution projects.

Related standards

ISO 4437-4:2022 is one part of the ISO 4437 series for polyethylene piping systems for gaseous fuels and is intended to be used in conjunction with other parts of the series (for example parts covering general requirements, pipes and fittings and jointing methods). Earlier editions (ISO 4437-4:2015) have been superseded by the 2022 edition; a draft revision (ISO/DIS 4437-4) is in development to update the document further.

Keywords

ISO 4437-4, polyethylene, PE valve, valves, gaseous fuels, gas distribution, electrofusion socket, spigot end, butt fusion, maximum operating pressure, MOP, buried piping systems, valve testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 4437-4:2022 is the International Standard that sets requirements and test parameters for polyethylene (PE) valves used in piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers characteristics, connection types (spigot and electrofusion), material and design considerations, dimensional/joint compatibility with ISO 4437 piping parts, performance limits (pressure and temperature) and the test parameters for verifying valve performance. It applies to valve bodies for pipes with nominal outside diameters up to 400 mm and to valves intended for use at MOPs up to 10 bar (reference 20 °C).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Gas utilities, pipeline and system designers, PE valve and pipe manufacturers, testing laboratories, specifiers and regulatory bodies use this standard for design, testing, procurement and conformity assessment of PE valves in gas distribution systems.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 4437-4:2022 is the current published edition (edition 2, November 2022) and it replaced the 2015 edition. A draft revision (ISO/DIS 4437-4) is under development and may lead to a future update of the standard.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ISO 4437 series which covers polyethylene piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels (other parts address general requirements, pipes, fittings, jointing methods and additional performance requirements). The series is intended to be used together to ensure compatibility and safe operation of PE gas distribution systems.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Polyethylene (PE), valves, electrofusion, spigot, butt fusion, gaseous fuels, gas distribution, MOP 10 bar, ISO 4437 series.