Inspection of Fusion Joints in Plastic Pipe

Under Development

Edison Welding Institute (EWI) More »

DOE - NETL

Threats and Integrity Management -- Anomaly Detection and Characterization

This project uses laser-based inspection technology to evaluate weld images based on the “weld zone inspection method” (WZIM). The WZIM is designed to develop laser-based imagery of fusion joint bond line under heated conditions and automatically and digitally compare the images to a database of known faulty joint characteristics to indicate joint acceptability. The WZIM specifically addresses “cold fusion” defects, a weak interface bond between the pipe-ends being joined that accounts for the majority of failures experienced in the field.

This method can be applied to NDE of all types of PE butt fusion joints and materials. The potential impact is to maintain the nation's natural gas infrastructure through enhanced inspection capability for polyethylene pipe to improve the overall safety and reliability of the natural gas distribution network.

Increased Safety - Successful implementation of this in-situ inspection method will improve the reliability and safety of plastic pipe systems for natural gas distribution. It will also minimize the cost and need for expensive destructive quality assurance (QA) tests.

Greater Reliability -

Inspection of Fusion Joints in Plastic Pipe, NETL-DOE, Award No: DE-FC26-03NT41882, 2005.