Gas Industry GIS/CW2:2020

Standard

Specification for

COLD APPLIED WRAPPING TAPES AND TAPE

SYSTEMS
Contents
Foreword ii
Mandatory and non-mandatory requirements ii
Disclaimer ii
Brief history iii
1. Scope 1
2. Normative references 2
3. Terms and Definitions 3
4. Quality 4
5. Information from the Manufacturer 5
6. Test Requirements 6
7. Quality Control 9
8. Marking 9
9. Packaging 10
10. Approval Scheme for New Materials 10
11. Compliance 10
12. Variants 10

i
 GIS/CW2:2020

Foreword
Gas Industry Standards (GIS) are revised, when necessary, by the issue of new editions. Users
should ensure that they are in possession of the latest edition. Contractors and other users
external to Gas Transporters should direct their requests for copies of a GIS to the department or
group responsible for the initial issue of their contract documentation.
Comments and queries regarding the technical content of this document should be directed in the
first instance to the contract department of the Gas Transporter responsible for the initial issue of
their contract documentation.
This standard calls for the use of procedures that may be injurious to health if adequate
precautions are not taken. It refers only to technical suitability and does not absolve the user from
legal obligations relating to health and safety at any stage.
Compliance with this engineering document does not confer immunity from prosecution for breach
of statutory or other legal obligations.

Mandatory and non-mandatory requirements

For the purposes of a GIS the following auxiliary verbs have the meanings indicated:
can indicates a physical possibility;
may indicates an option that is not mandatory;
shall indicates a GIS requirement;
should indicates best practice and is the preferred option. If an alternative method is used then a
suitable and sufficient risk assessment needs to be completed to show that the alternative method
delivers the same, or better, level of protection.

Disclaimer
This engineering document is provided for use by Gas Transporters and such of their contractors
as are obliged by the terms of their contracts to comply with this engineering document. Where
this engineering document is used by any other party, it is the responsibility of that party to ensure
that the engineering document is correctly applied.

ii
 GIS/CW2:2020

Brief history

First published as BGC/PS/CW2 September 1975

Revision published BGC/PS/CW2 December 1988

Amended issued published GBE/CW2 February 1993

Editorial update to reflect demerger November 2000 CW2 June 2001

Editorial update to reflect merger CW2 October 2002

Editorial update to reflect Safety Case version 3 CW2 September 2004

Editorial update to comply with GRM T/SP/CW/2 October 2004

Amended and published as GIS/CW2 December 2020

© ENA, on behalf of Cadent Gas Limited, Gas Networks Ireland, National Grid, Northern Gas
Networks, SGN, and Wales & West Utilities.

This Gas Industry Standard is copyright and must not be reproduced in whole or in part by any
means without the approval in writing of either Cadent Gas Limited, Gas Networks Ireland,
National Grid, Northern Gas Networks, SGN, or Wales & West Utilities.

iii
GIS/CW2:2020

iv
 GIS/CW2:2020

1. Scope
Historically the gas industry in the UK has made use of a variety of cold applied tapes and tape
systems for corrosion protection of areas such as field joints, tees, bends, valves and service
fittings. The original 1975 CW2 specification described performance tests intended to provide a
common basis for cold applied tape supply as at that time an international or national standard was
not available. However, more recent international standards address the testing of these systems
and thus the requirement for company bespoke tests has been reduced.
This Technical Specification* therefore includes tests based on available international standards
appropriate to the needs of the gas industry.
* Hereinafter referred to as 'this specification'.
For the purposes of the operation of this specification, manufacturers must be required to declare
and agree values of the properties covered by data sheets. This requirement applies to both tapes
and their respective primers. Ranges of these values must then be agreed and used for quality
assurance purposes.
Suppliers wishing to submit new materials for approval should direct their enquiries to the Gas
Transporter.
Due to the wide range of applications, it may be necessary for the Engineer to select a tape system
for a particular application. The selection should be based on the materials selection protocols
available in GIS/CW5. GIS/CW5 also details the materials, surface preparation and methods of
application for the tape system by definition of Specific Coating Application (SCA) groups
applicable to coating product groups. Cold applied tapes are covered by SCA1 containing product
groups 1, 2, 3 and 4. In ISO 21809-3 these tape systems are covered by code 12 “Cold-applied
polymeric tape coatings” and 11A “Petrolatum tape coatings”.
This specification specifies the general test requirements for the maintenance of production quality
of cold applied wrapping tapes and tape systems required for corrosion protection of gas assets.

The product groups covered are:

• Product Group 1 - Cold applied self-adhesive overwrap tapes.
• Product Group 2 – Light duty cold applied laminate tapes.
• Product Group 3 – Heavy duty cold applied laminate tapes.
• Product Group 4 – Grease based tapes

Particular test requirements for certain applications and or service conditions are also given.
These test methods are not exclusive but should be used wherever possible, especially when
claiming compliance with this specification or in cases of dispute. Other equivalent proven tests
specified in national or international standards may be proposed as a variant for consideration.
The GIS/CW2 product groups and ISO 21809-3 coating types correspond as shown in the table
below:

CW2 Product Group ISO 21809-3 Coating Type

Cold applied self-adhesive overwrap There is no separate provision for specifying
tapes mechanical protection layers in ISO 21809-3 because
these are considered as part of the applied system.
Light duty cold applied laminate tapes Cold applied polymeric tape coatings Type 12
Heavy duty cold applied laminate tapes Cold applied polymeric tape coatings Type 12
Grease based tapes Petrolatum tape coatings Type 11A

1
 GIS/CW2:2020

2. Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For
dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the
referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

International Organisation for Standardization

ISO 527-3, Plastics -Determination of tensile properties – Part 3: Test conditions for films and
sheets
ISO 1523, Determination of flash point – Closed cup Equilibrium method
ISO 2431, Paints and varnishes — Determination of flow time by use of flow cups
ISO 2811-1, Paints and varnishes – Determination of density – Part 1: Pyknometer method
ISO 3251, Paints, varnishes and plastics – Determination of non-volatile-matter content
ISO 4591, Plastics – Film and sheeting – Determination of average thickness of a sample, and
average thickness and yield of a roll, by gravimetric techniques (gravimetric thickness)
ISO 4593, Plastics – Film and sheeting – Determination of thickness by mechanical scanning
ISO 6383-1, Plastics — Film and sheeting — Determination of tear resistance — Part 1: Trouser
tear method
ISO 9001, Quality Systems
ISO 21809-3, Petroleum and natural gas industries – External coatings for buried or submerged
pipelines used in pipeline transportation systems – Part 3: Field joint coatings
ISO 21809-3, Petroleum and natural gas industries – External coatings for buried or submerged
pipelines used in pipeline transportation systems – Part 3: Field joint coatings

ASTM International
ASTM G8, Standard Test Methods for Cathodic Disbonding of Pipeline Coatings
ASTM G13, Standard Test Method for Impact Resistance of Pipeline Coatings (Limestone Drop
Test)
ASTM G14, Standard Test Method for Impact Resistance of Pipeline Coatings (Falling Weight
Test)
ASTM G17, Standard Test Method for Penetration Resistance of Pipeline Coatings (Blunt Rod)
ASTM G42, Standard Test Method for Cathodic Disbonding of Pipeline Coatings Subjected to
Elevated Temperatures
ASTM G95, Standard Test Method for Cathodic Disbondment Test of Pipeline Coatings (Attached
Cell Method)
ASTM D638, Tensile Properties of Plastics
ASTM D903, Standard Test Method for Peel or Stripping Strength of Adhesive Bonds
ASTM D1000, Standard Test Methods for Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive-Coated Tapes Used for
Electrical and Electronic Applications
ASTM D1004, Standard Test Method for Tear Resistance (Graves Tear) of Plastic Film and
Sheeting
ASTM D1475, Standard Test Method for Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related Products
ASTM D2369, Standard Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings

2
 GIS/CW2:2020

ASTM D2794, Standard Test Method for Resistance of Organic Coatings to the Effects of Rapid
Deformation (Impact)
ASTM D3941, Standard Test Method for Flash Point by the Equilibrium Method with a Closed-Cup
Apparatus
ASTM D4321, Standard Test Method for Package Yield of Plastic Film
ASTM D5125, Standard Test Method for Viscosity of Paints and Related Materials by ISO Flow
Cups
ASTM D6577, Standard Guide for Testing Industrial Protective Coatings (and standards
referenced therein)
ASTM D6988, Standard Guide for Determination of Thickness of Plastic Film Test Specimens

Gas Industry Standards

GIS/CW5, Field applied external coatings for buried pipework and systems

3. Terms and Definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following definitions apply.
Batch: quantity of coating material as defined by the manufacturer
Certificate of compliance: one of the types of documents defined by ISO 10474 that is issued in
accordance with the purchase requirements
Engineer: The Engineer appointed from time to time by Gas Transporter and notified in writing to the
Contractor to act as Engineer for the purposes of the contract
Holiday: coating discontinuity that exhibits electrical conductivity when exposed to a specific voltage
Manufacturer: company responsible for the manufacture of tape systems and tapes
Manufacturer’s specification: document that specifies the characteristics, test requirements and
application recommendations for the cold applied tape systems materials
Maximum design temperature: maximum temperature that the tape system can be exposed to during
operation
Pipe diameter length: any length along the pipe axis equal to the specified outside diameter of the
pipe
Pipeline: those facilities through which fluids are conveyed, including pipe, pig traps, components and
appurtenances, up to and including the isolating valves
Purchaser: company responsible for providing the product order requirements
Test report: document that provides the quantitative test results for tests conducted in accordance with
the requirements of this Specification
Test ring: sample taken from production wrapped pipe

Abbreviations
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
CLP Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures
CP cathodic protection
ISO International Organization for Standardization
MSDS material safety data sheet
PE polyethylene
SSPC The Society for Protective Coatings

3
 GIS/CW2:2020
Units

Internationally accepted (SI) units shall be used

Gas Transporter requirements are that metric Système International (SI) units shall be used. If
there is a requirement to use other units then SI units will be stated followed by the local
requirement in brackets. The following exceptions shall apply:
• Temperature - degrees Celsius (ºC)
• The definition of Standard Conditions for pressure and temperature that shall be applied is
1 atmosphere pressure (or 1.01325 bara) and 15.5556ºC (rather than 1 atmosphere and
273.15 degrees Kelvin (0ºC)
NOTE - Any deviations to this definition to be consistent with local standards shall be discussed
and agreed with the Gas Transporter.

4. Quality
The manufacturer shall have an accredited Quality and Environmental Management System that
complies with a National or International Standard applicable to their service or supply. The quality
system shall be based upon recognised quality standards of which ISO 9001 is a suitable example.
Test procedures, which comprise the quality system and reference to the appropriate standard test
protocol shall be submitted to the Gas Transporter for agreement.
The Gas Transporter shall if required make any investigation necessary in order to be assured of
compliance by the manufacturer and third parties and to reject any material and/or tape system
that does not comply.

Test reports and certificates

The manufacturer shall issue qualification test reports, certificates of compliance for the tape and
tape system in accordance with the requirements of this specification and cited parts of ISO 21809-
3; and any other requirements specified in the purchase order.

4
 GIS/CW2:2020

5. Information from the Manufacturer

Table 1 - Requirements for tape data sheet
Parameter Unit Test Method
Trade name - -
Description of tape/tape system
Colour
Minimum total thickness mm ISO 4591 and ISO 4593

SSPC-PA 2

ASTM D4321 and D6988

Polymeric film/reinforcement
• Type of film -
• Type of reinforcement -
• Thickness mm ISO 4591 and ISO 4593

ASTM D4321 and D6988

Adhesive
• Type
• Thickness mm ISO 4591 and ISO 4593

ASTM D4321 and D6988

Mechanical properties
• Tape strength N/mm ISO 527-3 or ASTM D638
• Elongation at break %
• Tear resistance N ASTM D1004 or ISO 6383-1
Storage conditions
• Temperature, minimum C
o
-
• Temperature, maximum C
o
-
• Maximum storage period Months -
Biological attack
• Statement of resistance based on service history - -

5
 GIS/CW2:2020

Table 2 Requirements for primer data sheet

Parameter Unit Test method
Trade name - -
Type - -
Solid content % ISO 3251

ASTM D2369
Solvent type - -
Flash point o
C ISO 1523

ASTM D3941
Density g/cm3 ISO 2811-1

ASTM D1475
Coverage area m2/l -
Viscosity (4 mm nozzle) sec ISO 2431

ASTM D5125
Storage conditions
• Temperature, minimum o
C -
• Temperature, maximum o
C -
• Maximum shelf life Month -
Biological attack - -
• Statement of resistance based on service history

6. Test Requirements

General
The function of a wrapping tape applied to a buried pipeline or fitting is to provide a protective
barrier coat which will prevent corrosion processes by excluding moisture, air, bacteria, etc. When
the pipe or fitting is to be installed above ground, the tape system must also resist natural
weathering. In order to assess the capability of the tape systems to perform these functions, the
supplied tape/tape system (Product Groups 1, 2 and 3) should be shown by testing to meet the
requirements specified in Table 3.

Table 3 Tests and requirements for cold applied tape systems

Parameter Test Unit Requirement Acceptable Test
Temp. Methods

Thickness - mm ≥0.9 of nominal value Magnetic,

electromagnetic
or ultrasonic
thickness meter
with ±10%
accuracy.

Impact resistance 23oC J/mm ≥4 ISO 21809-3

Annex D
ASTM D2794
ASTM G14
ASTM G13

6
 GIS/CW2:2020

Parameter Test Unit Requirement Acceptable Test

Temp. Methods

Adhesion (Peel strength to 23oC N/mm ≥1 ISO 21809-3

steel) Annex H
ASTM D903
ASTM D1000

Adhesion (Peel strength to 23oC N/mm ≥0.4 ISO 21809-3

pipeline coating or PE) Annex H
ASTM D903
ASTM D1000

Adhesion (Peel strength ISO 21809-3

between tape layers) Annex L
• Inner/inner ASTM D1000
All All • ≥1.5
• Outer/inner
23oC N/mm • ≥1.5
• Outer/outer
• ≥0.2

Water resistance ISO 21809-3

Annex I
Measure peel strength after 28 Test at
day hot water immersion at 23oC ASTM D1000
50oC N/mm

• To pipeline coating/PE
• To steel surface • ≥0.4
• ≥0.4

- - No holidays Holiday detector

set at 5 kV/mm +
Holiday detection 5kV, max. 25 Kv

Thermal aging - - ISO 21809-3

Annex M
Ratio of:
Aging
• Elongation at break 1.25≥ E100/E0 ≥0.75 temperature 50oC
E100/E70≥0.8 Aging period 70
and 100 days

P100/P0 ≥0.75 ASTM D1000

• Peel strength to steel
P100/P70 ≥0.8

Cathodic disbonding 23oC mm ≤15 ISO 21809-3

Annex G
50 Co
mm By agreement
ASTM G8
ASTM G42
ASTM G95

7
 GIS/CW2:2020

Parameter Test Unit Requirement Acceptable Test

Temp. Methods

Penetration resistance 23oC mm ISO 21809-3

Annex E with
Residual thickness ≥0.6 pressure 10
N/mm2
ASTM G17

Natural weathering - - Documented satisfactory

service history in UK type
climate for a minimum 12
months

Grease based tapes (Product Group 4) should be shown by testing to meet the requirements
specified in Table 4.

Table 4 Tests and requirements for grease based tapes

Parameter Test Unit Requirement Acceptable Test
Temp. Methods

Thickness - mm ≥0.9 of nominal value Magnetic,

electromagnetic
or ultrasonic
thickness meter
with ±10%
accuracy.

Impact resistance 23oC J/mm ≥0.8 ISO 21809-3

Annex D
ASTM D2794
ASTM G14
ASTM G13

Adhesion (Peel strength to 23oC - Leave a film of compound on ISO 21809-3

steel) the substrate Annex H
ASTM D903
ASTM D1000

Adhesion (Peel strength to 23oC - Leave a film of compound on ISO 21809-3

pipeline coating) the substrate Annex H
ASTM D903
ASTM D1000

Water resistance Leave a film of compound on ISO 21809-3

the substrate Annex I
Measure peel strength after 28 Test at
day hot water immersion at 23oC ASTM D1000
30oC
• To pipeline coating
• To steel surface

8
 GIS/CW2:2020

Parameter Test Unit Requirement Acceptable Test

Temp. Methods

Holiday detection - - No holidays Holiday detector

set at 5 kV/mm
max. 25 kV

Cathodic disbonding 23oC mm ≤20 ISO 21809-3

Annex G
ASTM G8
ASTM G42
ASTM G95

Penetration resistance 23oC mm ISO 21809-3

Annex E with
Residual thickness ≥0.6 pressure 0.1
N/mm2
ASTM G17

Natural weathering - - Documented satisfactory

service history in UK type
(temperate) climate for a
minimum 12 months

7. Quality Control
The manufacturer shall provide the data sheets as specified in Table 1 and Table 2 for each
tape/tape system.
In addition to the tape/tape system sheets, the manufacturer shall provide the following
information:
• Batch certificates certifying that the tape/tape system materials delivered meet the
characteristics as claimed in the data sheets
• Material safety data sheet (MSDS)

8. Marking
Wrapping tapes are usually supplied in rolls or similar form of unit quantities. Where appropriate,
the marking requirements also apply to primers.
A system of marking or labelling on cartons must be adopted which must contain the following
information:
a) Manufacturers identity and place of manufacture.
b) Type or trade name of tape.
c) The mass, width and length of tape in the unit.
d) A reference number or batch number, the date of manufacture and shelf life.
e) The type or trade name of primer to be used with the tape (if any).
f) Labelling of hazards according to the CLP regulation or the United Nations’ Globally
Harmonised System
Details of the storage conditions for the tape/tape systems and primers must be clearly displayed.
The system of marking must remain fast under transportation, storage and site conditions.

9
 GIS/CW2:2020

9. Packaging
All materials must be supplied in unit quantities which can be reasonably handled by the
applicators.
The tapes must be suitably packaged so that, during stocking and transport, full quality of
performance is retained.

10. Approval Scheme for New Materials

The Contractor must, in the first instance, submit a general description of the proposed coating
system or modified coating system to the Gas Transporter. This submission must include details of
the duties for which the coating has been developed and the performance figures determined in
accordance with the test methods specified in this specification (Tables 1, 2 and 3).
The Contractor must supply with his submission information concerning material and any toxic
hazards (e.g. MSDS) before any testing commences. This information must be considered strictly
confidential.

The type approval scheme is divided into two stages:

a) Phase 1 approval - allows the Contractor to market the coating system to Gas Transporter for
a period of 18 months, following the successful completion of either short-term testing or
supply of a certificate of compliance to ISO 21809-3 for coating type 12. The Gas Transporter
may require field trials during the phase 1 period.
b) Phase 2 approval - is granted following the successful completion of the test programme as
defined in Table 3 and field trials if deemed necessary by the Gas Transporter during the
period of Phase 1 approval.
Failure to complete Phase 2 approval tests will result in Phase 1 approval being withdrawn.

Procedure for modifications to approved tape Systems

Any changes in formulation of the tape or tape systems supplied and tested in accordance with the
methods specified in this specification may be proposed as a variant for consideration by Gas
Transporter. The manufacturer must produce evidence confirming that the proposed changes will
have no detrimental effect on the safety, effectiveness and practicability of the tape system.
When a manufacturer wishes to assess properties of his tape or tape system by an alternative
method to those referred to in this specification, it may be proposed as a variant for consideration
by Gas Transporter.

11. Compliance
In order to claim compliance with this specification, the manufacturer is required to declare, for
each type of tape, values and limits of the relevant properties listed in this specification. It will be
the responsibility of the manufacturer to maintain the quality of the tape within the agreed limits.
Should the manufacturer wish to make any changes to his formulation or manufacturing process,
such changes or processes may be proposed as a variant for consideration by Gas Transporter.

12. Variants
A manufacturer must only propose variants to this specification where the text indicates that
variants would be considered by the Gas Transporter.

10