Fusion pipe fittings are pipe fittings that heat or other methods to melt the connecting part of the pipe fittings, thereby achieving the connection between pipe fittings and pipe fittings or pipe fittings and pipes. This connection method does not require additional adhesives or other mechanical connection methods but relies on the thermoplasticity or hot melt of the material itself to achieve a firm connection. Fusion pipe fittings are widely used, including but not limited to plastic pipe systems, such as polyethylene (PE) pipe systems.
Fusion pipe fittings classification
The classification of fusion pipe fittings mainly includes Butt Fusion Fittings, Socket Fusion Fittings and Electrofusion Fittings. These pipe fittings are different in processing technology. The specific classification is as follows.
Butt Fusion Fittings: This is a pipe fitting that is quickly connected together by heating the end of the pipe fitting to melt it.
Socket Fusion Fitting: Socket welding pipe fittings are usually used in situations where higher strength connections are required. The connection method is to insert the pipe fitting into the pipe and then weld it.
Electrofusion Fittings, this is a plastic (polyethylene) pipe fitting that can be melted by the temperature generated by the electric current to achieve connection. The capacity (ampere) of electric fusion fittings is the main parameter, which is suitable for some low-voltage circuits where the voltage requirements are not high.
Differences between butt welding, socket welding and electric fusion welding
Butt welding is mainly used for PE pipes with larger diameters, especially those with an outer diameter of more than 63mm. This connection method is suitable for the main pipeline of tap water supply by hot-melting the end faces of the PE pipe and the PE hot-melt butt fittings, and then butting the two together through a hot-melt butt welding machine. It is widely used because of its convenience and reliability.
Socket welding is suitable for PE pipes with smaller diameters, especially those with an outer diameter of less than 110mm. Socket welding uses a hot melter to hot-melt the outer diameter of the PE pipe and the inner diameter of the socket fitting, and then effectively connects the two. The pipe fittings used in this connection method include hot-melt socket PE direct, hot-melt socket PE elbow, etc., which are suitable for PE water supply, drainage and power threading pipelines, and other application scenarios.
Electrofusion welding is mainly used to solve the two major problems of traditional pipelines: corrosion and leakage at the joints. Electric fusion pipe fittings are connected by electric fusion, ensuring the consistency of the interface material, structure, and pipe body of the PE pipe system, and realizing the integration of joints and pipes. Electric fusion pipe fittings are widely used in various PE pipe systems due to their high toughness and effective resistance to underground movement and end loads.
Different welding methods have their own characteristics and applicable scopes. The choice of welding method depends on the specific pipe diameter, usage scenario, and requirements for connection performance.
