- Technical Program Announced for Plastic Pipes 17th World Conference (22-24 September 2014)
Selected Papers:
• Analysing the Performance of Electrofusion Tapping Tees When Subject to Contamination
• Essential Variables of Heat Fusion Joining of Polyethylene Pipe
• Non Destructive Evaluation of Improper Fusion for Polyethylene Heat Fusion Socket Joint
• Butt Fusion of Large Diameter Pipe
• Butt Welding of Big Pipe - New Pipe Fusion Data Logger Offers Wireless Capability
Data logging is being required on more and more job sites to verify polyethylene pipeline integrity - Inspection issues for the welding and installation of PE natural gas distribution mains and service pipes
- Prevention of leaks & blowouts in new gas and water pipeline by BIAXR banding of fusion butt welds and damaged wall sections of HDPE pipe
- New Poly Pipe Weld Cooling Process:
Cool Pack® is a Fast Fusion patented process that allows HDPE welds to cool as much as 70% faster than the same techniques used for over 40 years.
The Cool Pack system is available for pipe sizes to handle pipes up to 20″, 36″, 48″, and 65″.
The Cool Packs are retrofittable to all fusion machines to reduce weld times. - Electrofusion Welding Tips for Cold Weather:
With Winter well upon us, we tackle the main issue faced by installers when installing PE100 Electrofusion Piping Systems in sub 10°C weather – Moisture.
* Moisture Presence:
– While adequate scraping is commonly stressed, the presence of moisture in the welding zone is rapidly being recognised as a leading cause of EF Weld failure.
– Colder weather usually accompanied by rainy days raises the risk of water presence greatly.
– While the greatest risk is actually from the alcohol used to clean the surfaces after scraping, this takes a good while to totally evaporate in cooler temperatures.
– Water or alcohol becomes a gas and expands at higher temperatures if entrapped within the electrofusion welding zone, both the moisture and escaping steam or gas usually prevent successful fusion.* Suggestions & Tips:
– Be observant for the presence of moisture on the surfaces to be welded, ensure your spigots are completely dry prior to scraping and check there is no condensation within the sealed bag containing the EF fitting.
– On application of the alcohol wipes ensure all trace of alcohol has evaporated before assembly the joint.
– It is not necessary to clean the EF Fitting with alcohol wipes if it is clean and the packaging is unbroken, simply remove the fitting from its bag and assemble immediately without contacting the inside of the fitting or the pipe spigots with your fingers.
