ASTM proposes plastic piping traceability standard.
Press Release Summary:
Proposed standard ASTM WK23107, Specification for Tracking and Traceability Requirements for Gas Distribution Systems, will help gas utility companies identify underground assets such as different types of pipe, fittings, and components. Standard will provide guideline for use of 14-digit identifier that can be placed on product via printing, bar code, or RFID as means to identify location of respective assets and provide knowledge of their pedigree.
Original Press Release:
Better Identification of Underground Assets Is Goal of Proposed New ASTM Plastic Piping Systems Standard
W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. - A proposed new ASTM International standard will allow gas utility companies to better identify underground assets, such as different types of pipe, fittings and components. From an operations perspective, effective identification is a critical component, ranging from asset management to risk management and mitigation, to help facilitate compliance with the recent Distribution Integrity Management rules issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
The proposed new standard, ASTM WK23107, Specification for Tracking and Traceability Requirements for Gas Distribution Systems, is being developed by Subcommittee F17.60 on Gas, part of ASTM International Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems.
According to Hitesh Patadia, general manager, TEJ Group Inc., and an F17 member, ASTM WK23107 will provide a standardized algorithm to establish unique identifiers that can more accurately characterize the various components used for gas distribution applications.
"These algorithms can then be used to effectively track and trace the various components throughout the supply chain from the point of manufacture to the point of installation," says Patadia. "In doing so, an effective means to identify the location of the respective assets and knowledge of their pedigree can be known."
The algorithm used in the proposed standard is a 14-digit identifier that can be placed on the product in a variety of forms, including simple printing, bar coding formats or more advanced techniques such as radio frequency identification. This information can then be captured by gas companies and placed in database systems to facilitate effective tracking of where parts are installed.
Patadia notes that, once the proposed standard has been approved, it is intended to be referenced in product specifications to ensure compliance. "This project has been guided by a joint industry steering committee consisting of members from each of the key stakeholder groups, including gas companies, regulatory staff and product manufacturers," says Patadia. "Efforts are currently under way to develop a Web-based application to provide an easy-to-use platform for developing the unique identifiers for a particular product."
ASTM International welcomes and encourages participation in the development of its standards. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, visit http://www.astm.org/JOIN.
ASTM International is one of the largest international standards development and delivery systems in the world. ASTM International meets the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles for the development of international standards: coherence, consensus, development dimension, effectiveness, impartiality, openness, relevance and transparency. ASTM standards are accepted and used in research and development, product testing, quality systems and commercial transactions.
ASTM Committee F17 Next Meeting: April 19-22, April committee week, St. Louis, Mo.
Technical Contact: Hitesh Patadia, TEJ Group Inc., Crystal Lake, Ill., Phone: 847-873-3139; hitesh@tejgroupinc.com
