ISO/TC 138/SC 5/WG 17 - Alternative test methods

This document describes the phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) of polyethylene butt fusion (BF) joints, including pipe-to-pipe, pipe-to-fitting and fitting-to-fitting joints, used for the conveyance of fluids. This document provides a test, whereby the presence of imperfections such as voids, inclusions, lack of fusions, misalignment and particulate contamination in the BF joints can be detected. The document is only applicable to polyethylene pipes and fittings without a barrier to ultrasonic waves. This document also provides requirements for procedure qualification and guidance for personnel qualifications, which are essential for the application of this test method. This document also covers the equipment, the preparation and performance of the test, the indication assessment and the reporting for polyethylene BF joints. The assessment of ultrasonic indications and acceptance criteria are not covered in this document. NOTE 1 At the present time, laboratory experiences exist on the use of PAUT for polyethylene BF joints and/or reference blocks of wall thickness between 8 mm to 100 mm[1] to [5]. Recently, field experience on BF joints in PE80 and PE100 materials has been reported[6]. NOTE 2 Round robin testing has shown that PAUT is a viable method for enhancing the integrity assessment of BF joints[7]. NOTE 3 PAUT techniques for cold fusion detection are known to be available. However further research, verification and experience are needed to transfer the technique into an ISO Standard. This document does not provide any information regarding the detection of cold fusions.

This document describes the phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) of polyethylene electrofusion (EF) socket joints used for the conveyance of fluids. This document provides a test whereby the presence of imperfections such as voids, wire dislocation, misalignment, pipe under-penetration, particulate contamination, cold fusion and lack of fusion in electrofusion socket joints can be detected. The technique is only applicable to polyethylene electrofusion socket fittings without a barrier to ultrasonic waves. This document also provides requirements for procedure qualification and guidance for personnel qualifications, which are essential for the application of this test method NOTE 1 At the time of publication, experience only exists on the use of PAUT for polyethylene (PE80 and PE100) electrofusion socket joint sizes between 90 mm and 710 mm (SDR 11 and 17)[7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. NOTE 2 Round robin testing has shown that PAUT is a viable method for enhancing the integrity assessment of electrofusion joints[16]. NOTE 3 This document does not apply to the detection of unscraped pipe. Such detection can be achieved by a simple visual inspection, provided mechanical scraping tools are employed.