Technical data

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO ADDRESS THE OUT-OF-ROUND ISSUE FOR ELEC-
TROFUSION INSTALLATIONS?
One of the most critical functions of the electrofusion process is to close the gap between the
pipe and the fitting and to build up interfacial pressures for the fusion process to take place. If
this gap is not closed and the interfacial pressures cannot be built up, there is no way for the
electrofusion joint to effectively achieve the high level of fusion integrity for which it was de-
signed. If a pipe is out-of-round the initial concern is that the surface area of the pipe may not
adequately come in contact with the fusion zone of the electrofusion fitting. This could result in
the electrofusion fittings cold zones, that are designed to contain the material generated in
the melt pool, to simply allow the molten material to escape out of the fusion area without
producing any melt penetration. This is a particularly important concern when installing tapping
tees and branch saddles since they do not fully encircle the pipe as will an electrofusion cou-
pling.
HOW DO YOU CORRECT AN OUT-OF ROUND CONDITION?
First, determine if out-of-round conditions exists. This can be done visually for the more ex-
treme cases or it can be done by measuring the pipe diameter with tape measure to deter-
mine the High/Low points of the pipe (see Figure A). If the High/Low measurements exceed
the maximum pipe O.D. tolerance, a re-rounding clamp or device must be used to bring the
pipe back to a round condition. (see Table1 for equipment examples)
Product Specific Clamping Devices (e.g. saddle clamps, t-clamps, etc)
Clamp Kits (multi-clamp kit for 4" and under)
Pipe Clamps from butt-fusion machines
Full-encirclement clamps (i.e. Victaulic Clamps)
Porta-Power Tools
Table 1
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