Are you curious about the electrofusion process and want more information? Are you looking for electrofusion services in BC?
This FAQ is perfect for you. In this blog, we'll cover the basics of electrofusion and some questions that our company, Ironman Directional Drilling, gets asked frequently.
What is Electrofusion?
Electrofusion is a way to join two plastic pipes together with a permanent bond.
The pipes to be joined are cleaned. They're then fitted into a special electrofusion machine and electrically heated until the two pipes - and the fitting around them - melt and fuse. This process typically takes several minutes and 40 volts worth of electricity.
The welding process differs slightly depending on what kind of pipes you're joining together, but the core process remains the same overall.
How long will an electrofusion joint last?
Electrofusion is considered a permanent process. Meaning any joint made this way should last for a very long time - at least 50 years or more.
If electrofusion was done in a clean environment and the electrofusion fittings were placed correctly, each weld should last as long as the pipe system itself. In fact, good welds can outlast the pipes that they join.
What Kinds of Systems Are Electrofusion Joints Best For?
Electrofusion is excellent for systems that need to be watertight. For example, water lines, sewage lines, and gas lines should all use electrofusion welding.
One of the only situations electrofusion should not be used in is to upgrade an antique piping system. New plastic pipes will often be placed inside of existing iron pipes to save on cost, making electrofusion hard to accomplish. Instead, most contractors will choose to use butt welding techniques to join two new lines together.
Who Can Perform Electrofusion Welding?
Only trained personnel with a current license to weld polyethylene pipelines should perform electrofusion welding. Even then, trained operators need to show that they have ongoing experience and attend refresher courses on electrofusion welding.
Typically, a trained welder will attend a refresher course every two years.
Should You Choose Electrofusion or Butt Welding?
The type of joining you choose should be situational. The project's size, location, and overall type will factor into your decision. When deciding between these two welding strategies, consider the following:
Does the job require precise piping meant for tighter spaces? Electrofusion is often better for these jobs.
How large is the pipe you need to install? Electrofusion will only work on lines from 20mm in diameter to 710mm in diameter. Butt welding will work on pipes up to 2000mm in diameter.
What's the experience level of your contractors? Electrofusion is a complicated process, but it's easier to automate. Effective butt welding often requires more experience than electrofusion welding.
Who Do You Contact For Electrofusion in BC?
Ironman Drilling provides safe, reliable electrofusion services throughout BC.
Contact us today for more information. We'll help you make your next Electrofusion in BC project a success.