TRACK: Non-metallics
AGRU is advancing infrared (IR) welding technology for fluoroplastics using specialised SP IR Series machines. These machines are widely used for welding PVDF, ECTFE, PE and PP in the chemical and semiconductor industries. The latest innovation involves using these machines to weld FRP dual laminate pipes. Specially designed clamping systems and customised welding parameters have been developed to enable the safe and reliable joining of these pipes, which are made from PP, PVDF, ECTFE, FEP and PFA. This section of the presentation will introduce standard welding methods for FRP dual laminate pipes in workshops and on site, and will compare them with the new machine development. It will also address issues such as welding speed, quality and consistency.
The second section will focus on electro-fusion welding for polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) piping systems. This method has been used for decades in gas, water supply and industrial applications. Inadequate welding preparation can lead to excessive movement of the heating coil during welding. This can result in issues such as undetected short circuits, overheating, material leakage, or ignition of the plastic. Such fires are considered highly critical in supply networks and plant engineering.
To address this issue, a new welding device called SCP (Short Circuit Protection) has been developed. This device detects short circuits during welding and stops immediately once a critical threshold is exceeded. This advancement will enable electro-fusion couplings to be welded more safely and to a higher standard in future.