Guidelines for Electrofusion Joining of Polyethylene Gas Pipes: ImprovedSelection, Qualification and Field Installation. Final Report, 1990-1995

摘要

Electrofusion (EF) is regarded as a mature technology in Europe where it has beenused extensively for the joining of polyethylene (PE) gas pipes for over two decades. In contrast, in the United States EF is an emerging technology that has been limited to pipe repair and tie-ins. Until very recently, EF joining was rarely used for the installation of new pipe in the United States where the perceived higher cost with respect to hot tool heat fusion, the lack of interchangeability, and the uncertainty in regard to long term performance have limited EF applications. This had prompted an in-depth appraisal of EF joining procedures.