Thermoplastic pipes for the conveyance of fluids — Inspection of polyethylene electrofusion socket joints using phased array ultrasonic testing

This document describes phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) of polyethylene electrofusion (EF) socket joints used for the conveyance of fluids.

This document provides a test whereby the presence of imperfections such as voids, wire dislocation, misalignment, pipe under-penetration, particulate contamination and lack of fusion in electrofusion socket joints can be detected.

The technique is only applicable to polyethylene electrofusion socket fittings without a barrier to ultrasonic waves.

This document also provides requirements for procedure qualification and guidance for personnel qualifications, which are essential for the application of this test technique.

This document covers the test equipment, the preparation and performance of the test, the assessment of indications and the reporting for polyethylene EF joints.

Acceptance criteria are not covered in this document.

NOTE 1 At the time of publication, experience only exists in the use of PAUT for polyethylene (PE80 and PE100) electrofusion socket joint sizes between 90 mm and 710 mm (SDR 11 and 17).[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]

NOTE 2 Interlaboratory testing has shown that PAUT is a viable method for enhancing the integri