Chapter 11 - Electrofusion Welding

Abstract

This chapter gives a striking account of electrofusion (E/F) welding. In electrofusion welding, electricity applied to a heating element heats the heating element and the surrounding thermoplastic in the coupler and pipe, resulting in melting and flow of the thermoplastic material, and a weld forms upon cooling. The chapter also emphasis on the processing parameters that are important in electrofusion welding, which includes pipe and joint thickness, voltage applied, heating or fusion time, initial and ambient temperatures (since electrofusion welding is usually performed outdoors), cooling time and method (ambient air, fan, dry ice, water), and wire depth and length. Electrofusion welding can be microprocessor-controlled or operator-controlled. In microprocessor-controlled equipment, welding can be performed initially at low power to fill gaps, then at higher power for melting. Advantages and disadvantages associated with electrofusion welding are also defined in the chapter.