man with drill
Electrofusion is a technique for joining plastic pipes, where the heat softens and melts the pipes, causing them to fuse together into a solid joint. The resulting joint is extremely strong and reliable, resistant to leaks, corrosion and other problems. Contractors can use this process in a variety of jobsites, depending on experience, personal preferences, and the needs of a particular job. Staff must be properly trained in the process to perform it safely and correctly.
In electrofusion, the tubes are loaded with heating elements that are activated when current passes through them. The heat causes the tube to start melting, flowing against another end of the tube or a fitting. The operator can manage the electrofusion process with a control box, set to the correct pipe diameter and thickness to ensure adequate current. The process can be very quick, especially with qualified personnel on hand.
With electrofusion, the tubes must be clamped in place to ensure they are in the correct position. The clamps are left on until the joint cools and solidifies, allowing the tubes to be released without worrying about loss of joint integrity. It is important to avoid shaking or touching the tubes while they are cooling, as this can interfere with the formation of a smooth and secure joint by stretching the plastic and creating weak spots or misaligning the ends of the tubes.
HDPE and MDPE plastics can be electrofused together. This is essentially a plastic welding process without the need to use exposed torches and similar equipment. Safety concerns include current, so it is important to properly ground pipes, cover them while working, and alert personnel in the area to the fact that there is live electricity. The process may also generate fumes, some of which may be hazardous to human health. Working in a well-ventilated area can help solve this problem.
Numerous companies make electrofusion kits, including clamps, control boxes, protective sheets, grounding supplies, etc. They can create custom systems for specific applications, as well as off-the-shelf generic sets for basic use in most situations. Companies considering adopting an electrofusion system can obtain information on available systems and their operation from manufacturers. Many companies also offer equipment demonstrations and loans so that buyers have the opportunity to test a system and see if it meets their needs.