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
* 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.