June 2021 Pipeline Inspector Blog
June 2, 2021
Video Comparison of Electrofusion and Butt Fusion Joining Techniques
Aquatherm, manufacturer of polypropylene pipe, has put together a video that compares electrofusion and butt fusion joining. It is a great introduction for anyone who may not be familiar with the two joining techniques, including when to use each method. According to Aquatherm, butt fusion is the most common method used to join two pipes. Electrofusion is useful in spaces where a repair must be made or when working in a space that is too small for the butt fusion equipment. In both cases, care should be taken to prepare the pipes properly for fusion. When using butt fusion, cooling times can be reduced by up to 50% provided the pipe is supported until the time is up. In contrast, butt fusion requires that the pipes receive no mechanical stress on the weld for the full heating and cooling times. In Aquatherm’s demonstration, the butt fusion method took 10-12 minutes for the entire process while electrofusion took just over 40 minutes, a significant difference to consider when deciding which method to use. Both joining methods are very useful, but you should look at the requirements of your jobsite to choose the best option for your project.
You can watch the butt fusion/electrofusion comparison video for yourself here.
You can watch the butt fusion/electrofusion comparison video for yourself here.