Demonstration of Polyscann Ultrasonic Butt-Fusion Inspection System forPolyethylene Pipes

摘要

This report describes the demonstration of the Polyscann Ultrasonic Butt-FusionInspection System and laboratory research into its effectiveness as a quality control tool for installation of polyethylene pipe. In the demonstration, conducted at North Fort Hood, TX, 13 sections of 8 in. diameter polyethylene pipe were assembled and tied into a previously installed 8 in. gas pipeline. The system was successfully used to inspect each new butt-fusion joint in its entirety, and provided a computerized record of joint cross-sections and status. Laboratory tests indicated that the equipment results were mostly reliable, but it could not detect a low-density weld contaminant such as dried grass. Benefits of the Polyscann system include its nondestructive evaluation technology, capability of evaluating all joints without interrupting pipeline productivity, data-logging capabilities, ease of use, and ability to identify necessary repairs before the pipe is buried. After this demonstration was concluded, the manufacturer discontinued the system that was tested, and is redesigning it to be portable by one person and capable of detecting low-density contaminants such as grass. Price and release date for the updated system are pending. Polyethylene pipe, Butt-fusion joint, Ultrasonic testing Polyscann system.