PrefaceThis is the first edition of CSA B137.19, Black crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) piping systems for gas services. This Standard is to be used with CSA B137.0. This Standard will be incorporated into the seventh edition of the CSA B137 Series. CSA B137.0 provides requirements and test methods that are common to some or all of the Standards of the CSA B137 Series.Scope1.1 This Standard covers black crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) pipe and fittings for use in gas mains and services, including gas gathering, gas transmission, and distribution of fuel gases containing not more than 1% aromatic hydrocarbons. This Standard covers PEX pipes in metric nominal sizes DN 16 to DN 1000 or nominal pipe sizes NPS-3 to NPS-54 that are a) pressure-rated using the hydrostatic design basis (HDB) rating method specified in ASTM D2837 or the minimum required strength (MRS) rating method specified in ISO 9080 and ISO 12162; b) intended for operating temperatures between?50 and 110?C; and c) joined by electrofusion or by mechanical fittings, but not by butt fusion. 1.3 This Standard does not cover pipes intended to be joined by butt fusion, socket fusion, or saddle fusion. 1.4 Fittings covered in this Standard include a) plastic-to-metal transition fittings; b) electrofusion fittings (e.g., couplings, elbows, tees, and end caps); and c) mechanical couplings. 1.5 This Standard specifies requirements for a) primary properties of the PE compound; b) physical properties of the finished PEX pipe; c) on-line monitoring during production; d) shipping and storage; and e) markings. Note: See CSA Z662 for design and installation limitations of products covered by this Standard. 1.6 In this Standard, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.