Study on X-ray testing of buried polyethylene pipeline thermal fusion welding

Abstract

Thermal fusion welding is a common method for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipelines. However, defects are easy to occur at the joints in the welding process, causing hidden danger. In this study, HDPE pipes with thermal fusion welding defects were made and the X-ray technology was used for detection. The results show that the testing effects of different defects are quite different. The X-ray cannot detect cold-welding defects. The weld seam of the over-welding in the negative is narrowed. Besides, the unfilled holes collapse during welding, resulting in poor detection results. The filled holes can be detected.