Current Data Base on Electrofusion Joining of Polyethylene Gas Pipes. Final Report June 1988-October 1989

摘要

Through extensive gas industry contacts via telephone interviews and field visits, information and technical data on the development, installation and performance of electrofusion joining of polyethylene gas distribution pipes were obtained. It was learned that, while extensive and effective use of the procedure is being made in Europe, North American uses are essentially limited to repair and tie-in applications. It was further determined that very few quantitative test and field performance data currently exist. On the basis that considerable potential for broader usage exists by the U.S. gas industry, critical gaps in the technology were identified. These include needs for short-time quality assurance and acceptance tests, techniques to minimize the need for pre-joining surface preparation, data and models to quantify the effects of design and installation variables on joint quality, and nondestructive inspection devices and procedures.