July 1999
How essential is pipe fusion training for field personnel
working with polyethylene pipe ?
Faulty projects, where the pipe is joined or installed incorrectly, can
fail and cause significant expense and disruption to the owner or installer;
not to mention the potential legal liability or exposure for damages incurred
due to faulty workmanship.Furthermore, these incidents can damage the reputation of polyethylene pipe and defer penetration of the product into municipal and other markets by creating a false perception regarding the quality of the product. For this reason, all companies engaged in the industry should have a viable interest in "fusion training" to ensure the continued growth of polyethylene pipe, products and services for the mutual benefit of all concerned parties in the industry.
In most cases, polyethylene pipe is produced to strict manufacturing standards and inspected prior to shipment to ensure that the product meets or exceeds the expectations of the customer. As a result of training and experience, the individuals producing the pipe have acquired the skills, knowledge and expertise necessary to ensure the quality of the material supplied.
Should the owner or recipient of the system expect any less from the person(s) performing the fusions on the pipe when it finally reaches the job site?
Failing to ensure that the individuals who are joining polyethylene pipe have competency in the proper fusion and installation techniques of the product could compromise the integrity, strength and life span of the system being installed. When the ends of polyethylene are fused properly, heated and brought together under pressure and allowed to cool, one continuous pipeline has been formed.
Properly made, a pipe fusion is as strong as the pipe itself and has the same life expectancy.
If fused incorrectly, joint failure could occur during installation, testing or prematurely during the service life of the pipeline. Factors which could result in inferior joints include but are not necessarily limited to the following variables:
- Lack of understanding by the operator of interfacial pressure.
- Heater plate temperature too high or too low for the material being joined.
- A limited knowledge by the persons performing the fusions of the techniques, procedures and work methods necessary to achieve continuously reliable joints.
- Equipment in poorly serviced condition.
Special Note: Always consult the manufacturer of the pipe being joined for
its recommended joining parameters prior to joining, if not familiar with
the recommended procedures for joining the pipe.
Jan Nyquist, The Fusion Institute,
A Division of Pipefusion Services Inc., Huntsville, Ontario.
Ph: (705) 789-9411
Email: info@pipefusion.com