Electrofusion is a plastic tubing joining technique that uses heat to melt and fuse the tubes together. The process is reliable and strong, but requires proper training and safety precautions. Electrofusion kits are available from manufacturers for custom or generic use.
Electrofusion is a technique for joining plastic tubing, in which heat softens and melts the tubing, causing it to fuse together into a solid joint. The resulting joint is extremely strong and reliable, resisting leaks, corrosion and other problems. Contractors can use this process on a variety of job sites, depending on experience, personal preferences, and the demands of a particular job. Personnel must receive adequate training in the process to perform it safely and correctly.
In electrofusion, tubes are charged with heating elements that activate when current passes through them. The heat causes the hose to begin to melt, sliding against another end of the hose or a fitting. The operator can manage the electrofusion process with a control box, set for the correct diameter and thickness of tubing to ensure that the current is adequate. The process can be very quick, especially with trained personnel at work.
With electrofusion, the tubes need to be locked into place to make sure they are in the right position. The clamps are left on until the joint cools and solidifies, allowing the pipes to be released without concern of loss of joint integrity. It is important to avoid bumping or touching the pipes during cooling, as this can interfere with forming a smooth and secure joint, by straining the plastic and creating weak spots, or by misaligning the pipe ends.
HDPE and MDPE plastics can both be joined by electrofusion. This is essentially a process of welding the plastic without the need for exposed torches and similar equipment. Safety concerns include electricity, which makes it important to properly ground pipes, cover them while working, and warn personnel in the area that there is live electricity. It is also possible that the process generates fumes, some of which could be hazardous to human health. Working in a well-ventilated area can help solve this problem.
A number of companies manufacture electrofusion kits, including terminal blocks, control boxes, cover sheets, grounding supplies, and so on. They can build custom systems for specific applications as well as generic ready-to-use basic sets in most situations. Companies considering the adoption of an electrofusion system can obtain information on available systems and how they work from the manufacturers. Many companies also offer demonstrations and equipment loans to give buyers a chance to test-drive a system and see if it will meet their needs.
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