enaper 9 Fe tpeating cere “The principle of heat fusion isto heat two surfaces toa des'gated temperature, then. fuse them together by epplcation ofa sufficient force. Ths force causes the melted ‘materials to flow and mx, thereby resulting infusion. When fused according to the and/or iting marufacturers’ procedures the joint area becomes as strong, a, ‘or stronger than, the pie itself in both tensile and pressure properties and properly fused joints ate absolutely leak proof. As soon asthe joint cools to near ambient temperature, its eady for handling The following sections ofthis chapter provide a general procedural guideline foreach ofthese heat fusion methods Butt Fusion “The most widely used method for joining individual lengths of PE pipe and pipe to PE fitings is by heat fusion of the pipe butt ends a illustrated in Figure 1. This technique produces a permanent, economical and flow-efficient connection, Quality butt fasion joints are produced by using teained operators and quality bt Fusion ‘machines in good condition, ‘The butt fusion machine should be capable of * Aligning the pipe ends + Clamping the pipes « Facing the pipe ends parallel and square to the centerline «+ Heating the pipe ends + Applying the proper fusion force Fl the sx steps involved in making a but fused join are: AL. Clean, clamp and align the pipe ends tobe joined yo. AStanderd But Fusion Joint Face the pipe endo establish clean, parallel surfaces, perpendicular tothe Align the pipe ends Melt the pipe inerfices Join the two pipe erds together by applying the proper fusion force s, Hold under pressure ntl the oint scootcoupon | 389 repel Penare Cooling Hold or block the pipe in place so that the pipe cannot come out ofthe joint while the mating srfaces are cooling. These cooling times are listed inthe pipe or iting manufacturer's instructions. Electrofusion (EF) “This technique of heat fusion joining is somewhat differen from the conventional fasion joining thus far described, The main difference between conventional heat fusion and electofusion is the method by which the heat is applied. In conventional heat Fusion joining, a heating tool i used to heat the pipe and fiting surfaces. The clectrofusion joints heated internally ether by a conductor atthe interface ofthe joint or a8 in one design, by a conductive polymer. Heat is created as an clectic current is applied tothe conductive material inthe fiting. Figure illustrates a typical electofusion joint. PE pipe to pipe connections made using the electrofusion J om [hn Figure & Typical loctotsion Joint General steps tobe followed when performing clectrofusion joining are: 1, Prepare the pipe scrape, lean) Mack the pipe Align and restrain pipe and fitting pee manafactarers recommendations “Apply the electric current Coo! aid remove the lamps Dacuiment the fusion process Prepare the Pipe (Clean and Scrape) Assure the pipe ends ace cut quare when joining using electrofusion couplings. ‘The fusion area mustbe clean from dirt or contaminants, This may require the use ‘of water o£ 90% isopropyl alcohol (NO ADDITIVES OR NOT DENATURED}. Next,the pipe surface inthe fusion must be scraped, that is material must be removed to expose clean virgin material, This may be achieved by various special purpose tools available from the fting manufacturer. Mark the Pipe “Mark the pipe for stab depth of couplings of the proper fusion location of soddles. (Caution should be taken to assure that a non-peteoleum marker is sed) Align and Restrain Pipe or Fitting Per the Manufacturer's Recommendations Align and esteain fitting to pipe per manufacturer's recommendations. Place the pipet) anditting in the clamping fixture to prevent movement ofthe pipels) or Flting. Give special attention to proper positioning ofthe fitting on the prepared pipe sueaces, Large pipe diameters may need re-xounding prot tothe electrfusion process Apply Electric Current ‘Connect the electrofusin contcol box tothe iting and tothe power source (see Figure 6. Apply electric eurrent to the fitting as specified inthe manufacturer's Instructions, Read the karcoce which is supplied with the electrofusion fing, Ifthe control doesnot do so automatically, turn off the current when the proper timehas. lapsed to heat the joint prope. Figure 6 Typical Elctotision Control Box andL.cads withClomps and Fitngs