Electrofusion Fittings Supplier Perth and Brisbane

Pipe installation companies benefit from using high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes and poly electrofusion fittings by providing efficient installation and increased durability.

Acu-Tech Piping Systems recommends these PE pipes and jointing techniques for a wide variety of piping projects.

Poly Electrofusion Fittings as Highly Integrated Pipe Joints

Poly electrofusion fittings are pipe joints compatible with HDPE pipes and conveniently installed using poly electrofusion welders. The installation method utilises electricity and heat to meld the PE fitting onto the pipe, ensuring a precise and stable connection. The pipe melding creates a sealed connection that enhances the integrity of the piping system.

These fittings are especially suitable for pipes in heavy-duty applications, ensuring that liquids and gases of all densities are transferable without having to worry about leaks. Tight connections, for example, are crucial for high volumes of liquid transfer or gas lines, as the pressure testing will often exceed the operating pressure by a number of times.

The process for installing electrofusion fittings, unlike traditional pipe joints, is done automatically with the use of an electrofusion welder. The fittings are set between the two involved pipes and held in place using welding clamps.

Next, the cable tips of the welder connect onto the coupler. The welder, using a pre-programmed setting, sends measured electric currents to the heating coil in the fitting. The current increases the temperature surrounding the joint so that the touching surfaces of the pipes and fittings melt together, integrating the joints onto the pipe system completely.

Operators can then proceed to other couplers while waiting for the completed joint to cool and lock into place. Once the cool time has passed, the pipe can be safely moved.

Advantages of Poly Electrofusion Fittings in Field Applications

The main benefits of HDPE pipes are their versatility and durability. The thermoplastics are immune to corrosion, and the pipes are lightweight compared to their metal counterparts. The pipes can last from 50 to 100 years before needing replacement, depending on the environment.

Unlike PVC pipes, anchor or thrust restraint blocks are not needed, as properly welded Electrofusion joints are fully end-load resistant, saving both material and labour costs. This advantage also allows safe future excavation in the vicinity of the pipeline.

The use of poly electrofusion fittings, however, also plays a significant part in this versatility and durability. Leaks are the most commonly diagnosed problems with piping systems, especially resulting from weak joints. Damaged joints compromise the efficiency of piping systems, and the time spent finding the defect costs additional resources for companies and operators.

Poly electrofusion fittings minimise these instances, by integrating fully with the piping system. In addition to the increased durability, the versatility of PE fittings allows operators to install these joints in tight spaces, as the necessary equipment is lightweight and only requires enough space for clamps and the fitting itself.

The total time it takes for installation is also reduced. In rare cases involving joint damage, pressure welders keep an automated database of all pipe joints, allowing for easier detection of defective areas.

Increased Efficiency in Pipeline Solutions

At Acu-Tech, we offer comprehensive piping and fitting solutions for a wide range of industries.

For over 18 years , we have consistently provided high-performance products for our clients including HDPE pipes, fittings, joints, welders, ancillary items, hand tools, and other pipe equipment.

We are committed to providing excellent customer service, with our teams of experts in fabrication, equipment hire, sales and maintenance ready to help at all times.

With Acu-Tech, you work with experts to get your piping project done.

ELECTROFUSION PIPE WELDING

Aside from polyethylene pipe electrofusion fittings, Acu-Tech also carries tools, equipment and accessories for electrofusion welding.

Like any other type of welding in Australia, electrofusion welding requires basic skills and understanding for successful results.

To help you with your welding job, we’ve compiled a few electrofusion installation tips.

ALIGNMENT

  • Poly pipes must be inserted straight into the coupling so that they’re aligned.
  • When the pipes aren’t aligned, they won’t be able to retain pressure, resulting in an unsuccessful joint.
  • The plastic will melt unevenly, and molten plastic will flow either into the pipe or out the side of the electrofusion socket.
  • This potential problem can be avoided by inserting the pipe parallel with the socket and ensuring that there is no angular deflection.


  • AMBIENT TEMPERATURE

  • Avoid fusing polyethylene pipe EF fittings in temperatures below five degrees Celsius.
  • While electrofusion can be carried out below this temperature, you cannot guarantee that the fittings will be moisture-free.
  • Moisture that is present during the fusion cycle will heat up and turn into steam, creating air pockets and leaks in the joint interface.
  • It is also vital that your welding environment is kept dry at all times to reduce the chance of moisture entrapment.


  • WELD STRAIGHT AFTER SCRAPING

  • Polyethylene pipe must be welded within 30 minutes of scraping, as sunlight or UV rays will quickly re-oxidise the pipe’s surface.
  • The poly material will not bond between the fitting and the oxidised pipe surface, resulting in weld failure.
  • If you have to re-scrape, make sure that the outside diameter of the pipe or fittings are still within the manufacturer’s specifications.


  • NOTE: The tips above are not designed to replace an accredited electrofusion welding training course.

    We highly recommend that you book your staff for proper training so that they will perform quality fusion welding and that they will be aware of industry guidelines.

    For more information about our polyethlyene pipes and electrofusion welding units, send us an email: sales@acu-tech.com.au.



    Disclaimer: As always with information supplied by Acu-Tech Piping Systems, we supply it as a guide in the interest of better understanding of the technical properties of our products. However, the application of such information may involve engineering judgements which cannot be correctly made without intimate knowledge of all the conditions pertaining to a specific installation.

    Acu-Tech Piping Systems does not act as a consultant in this regard; the responsibility for the use of any information or advice contained herein rests solely with the user. It should not be used in place of a professional engineer’s judgement or advice and is not intended as installation instructions. See full disclaimer at Acu-Tech Privacy Policy.