This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D2657 − 07 (Reapproved 2015) An American National Standard

Standard Practice for

Heat Fusion Joining of Polyolefin Pipe and Fittings1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2657; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This practice describes general procedures for making 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
joints with polyolefin pipe and fittings (excluding polyethylene F1056 Specification for Socket Fusion Tools for Use in
pipe and fittings) by means of heat fusion joining techniques in Socket Fusion Joining Polyethylene Pipe or Tubing and
either a shop or field environment. These procedures are Fittings
general ones. Specific instructions for heat fusion joining are F2620 Practice for Heat Fusion Joining of Polyethylene Pipe
obtained from product manufacturers. See Practice F2620 for and Fittings
heat fusion joining of polyethylene pipe and fittings.
3. Summary of Practice
1.2 The techniques covered are applicable only to joining 3.1 Heat-fusion joining uses a combination of heat and force
polyolefin pipe and fittings of related polymer chemistry, for resulting in two melted surfaces flowing together to produce a
example, polypropylenes to polypropylenes, or polybutylenes joint. Fusion bonding occurs when the joint cools below the
to polybutylenes. Material, density, and flow rate shall be taken melt temperature of the material. There is a temperature range
into consideration in order to develop uniform melt viscosities within which any particular material is satisfactorily joined.
and formation of a good fusion bond when joining the same The specific temperature used requires consideration of the
material to itself or to other materials of related polymer properties of the specific material, and the joining environment.
chemistry. With Techniques II or III (3.3.2 or 3.3.3), there is also an
1.3 Parts that are within the dimensional tolerances given in appropriate force to be applied which depends upon the
present ASTM specifications are required to produce sound material, the fusion equipment being used, and fusion tempera-
joints between polyolefin pipe and fittings when using the ture. See Practice F2620 for heat fusion procedure for poly-
joining techniques described in this practice. ethylene pipe and fittings.
3.1.1 Electrically powered heat fusion tools and equipment
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
are usually not explosion proof. When performing heat fusion
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
in a potentially combustible atmosphere such as in an excava-
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
tion where gas is present, all electrically powered tools and
and are not considered standard.
equipment that will be used in the combustible atmosphere
1.5 The text of this practice references notes, footnotes, and shall be disconnected from the electrical power source and
appendixes which provide explanatory material. These notes operated manually to prevent explosion and fire. For the
and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not heating tool, this requires bringing the heating tool up to or
be considered as requirements of the practice. slightly above temperature in a safe area, then disconnecting it
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the from electrical power immediately before use. This procedure
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the is limited to smaller sizes where heating is accomplished
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- before the heating tool drops below acceptable temperature.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 3.2 Adequate joint strength for testing is attained when all
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. See specific safety of the joint material cools to ambient temperature. The joint
precautions in 3.1.1, 5.2, 8.2.3.1, Note 8 and Note 9, and A1.1. shall not be disturbed or moved until it has cooled. See Practice
F2620 for heat fusion procedure for polyethylene pipe and
fittings.
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1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic
2
Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.20 on Joining. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2015. Published December 2015. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1967. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D2657 – 07. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D2657-07R15. the ASTM website.

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FIG. 1 Socket Fusion

NOTE 1—Polybutylene undergoes a crystalline transformation for together and allowing the joint to cool while maintaining the
several days after cooling below its melt temperature. Although this appropriate applied force. See Fig. 3.
phenomenon has an effect on the ultimate physical properties of the
material, its effect on testing of joints has not been found to be significant.
If there is any question of its effect, a comparison should be made between 4. Significance and Use
joints that have been conditioned for different periods of time in order to 4.1 The procedures described in Sections 7, 8, and 9, when
establish the conditioning-time relationship.
implemented using suitable equipment and procedures in either
3.3 Three fusion techniques are covered in this practice as a shop or field environment, produce strong pressure-tight
follows: See Practice F2620 for heat fusion procedure for joints equal to the strength of the piping material. Some
polyethylene pipe and fittings. materials are more adaptable to one technique than another.
3.3.1 Procedure 1, Socket Fusion—The socket-fusion tech- Melt characteristics, average molecular weight and molecular
nique involves simultaneously heating the outside surface of a weight distribution are influential factors in establishing suit-
pipe end and the inside of a fitting socket, which is sized to be able fusion parameters; therefore, consider the manufacturer’s
smaller than the smallest outside diameter of the pipe. After the instructions in the use or development of a specific fusion
proper melt has been generated at each face to be mated, the procedure.
two components are joined by inserting one component into the
other. See Fig. 1. The fusion bond is formed at the interface 5. Operator Experience
resulting from the interference fit. The melts from the two 5.1 Skill and knowledge on the part of the operator are
components flow together and fuse as the joint cools. Optional required to obtain a good quality joint. This skill and knowl-
alignment devices are used to hold the pipe and socket fitting edge is obtained by making joints in accordance with proven
in Logitudinal alignment during the joining process; especially procedures under the guidance of skilled operators. Evaluate
with pipe sizes 3 in. IPS (89 mm) and larger. operator proficiency by testing sample joints.
3.3.2 Procedure 2, Butt Fusion—The butt-fusion technique
in its simplest form consists of heating the squared ends of two 5.2 The party responsible for the joining of polyolefin pipe
pipes, a pipe and a fitting, or two fittings, by holding them and fittings shall ensure that detailed procedures developed in
against a heated plate, removing the plate when the proper melt conjunction with applicable codes and regulations and the
is obtained, promptly bringing the ends together, and allowing manufacturers of the pipe, fittings, and joining equipment
the joint to cool while maintaining the appropriate applied involved, including the safety precautions to be followed, are
force. See Fig. 2. An alignment jig shall be used to obtain and issued before actual joining operations begin.
maintain suitable alignment of the ends during the fusion
operation. 6. Apparatus: General Recommendations
3.3.3 Procedure 3, Saddle Fusion—The saddle-fusion tech- 6.1 Heating Tool—The tool may be heated by gas or
nique involves melting the concave surface of the base of a electricity. Gas-fired heaters for 2in. IPS and smaller socket
saddle fitting, while simultaneously melting a matching pattern and butt fusion joints only, shall have heat sinks of sufficient
on the surface of the pipe, bringing the two melted surfaces capacity to prevent excessive draw down of the tool
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FIG. 2 Typical Butt Fusion Operation

FIG. 3 Saddle Fusion

temperature, and are used only in above-freezing conditions. alloys. Copper or copper-alloy heating faces are not suitable,
Electric heating plates maintain consistent fusion temperatures unless chromium-plated or clad with another suitable metal,
when provided with an adequate power source. Electric heating because some polyolefins react with copper. Plastic materials
plates for general fusion use shall be controlled thermostati- may stick to hot metal heating surfaces. This sticking may be
cally and most are adjustable for a set point temperature minimized by applying a non-stick coating to the heating
ranging from 300 to 575°F (150 to 300°C). Some tools may surfaces or by fitting a high-temperature, non-stick fabric over
have a fixed set point for a particular application. the heating surfaces. The heating plate surfaces, coated or
6.2 Heating Tool Faces—Heating tools may be made from uncoated, shall be kept clean and free of contaminants such as
materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, copper, or copper dirt, grease and plastic build-up, which may cause excessive
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 D2657 − 07 (2015)
sticking and create unsatisfactory joints. Most of these con- 7.2.1 Attach the proper size heater faces to the heating tool,
taminants are removed from the hot tool surfaces using a clean, and heat the tool to the fusion temperature for the material.
dry, oil-free lint-free cloth. Do not use synthetic fabrics which 7.2.2 Cut the pipe end squarely, and clean the pipe end and
may char and stick to the fusion surface. Some pigments, such fitting, both inside and outside, by wiping with a clean, dry,
as carbon black, may stain a heating surface and probably oil-free, lint-free cloth.
cannot be removed; such stains will not contaminate the joint 7.2.3 Chamfer the outside edge of the pipe end slightly and
interface. fix the rounding clamp about the pipe as determined from the
6.2.1 After a period of time in service, non-stick coatings or depth gage.
fabrics will deteriorate and become less effective. Deteriorated NOTE 4—Chamfering may not be required by some procedures or some
fabrics should be replaced, and worn, scratched, or gouged fusion tools. Pipe sizes 1 in. (25.4 mm) and smaller are not usually
non-stick coatings should be re-coated when they lose effec- chamfered, regardless of tooling design.
tiveness. Heat fusion quality may be adversely affected by NOTE 5—Some recommend using a 50 to 60-grit emery or garnet cloth
deteriorated non-stick surfaces. Spray-on chemicals, such as to roughen the outside of the pipe and inside of the fitting as a means of
minimizing any possible skin interface when making the fusion. Sandpa-
non-stick lubricants or oils shall not be applied to heating iron per is not recommended for this purpose, as it might disintegrate and
surfaces as they will contaminate the joint. contaminate the joint interface. If roughening is performed, first clean the
6.3 Temperature Indicator—Heating tools shall be equipped surfaces before roughening. Clean dust and particles from the roughened
surfaces afterwards by wiping with a clean, dry, oil-free, lint-free cloth.
with a thermometer or other built-in temperature indicating
device. This device indicates the internal temperature of the 7.2.4 Bring the preheated tool faces into contact with the
heating iron which is usually higher than temperature of the outside surface of the end of the pipe and the inside surface of
fusion surfaces. Use a pyrometer periodically to verify the the socket.
temperature of the tool surfaces within the pipe or fitting 7.2.5 Heat the pipe end and the fitting socket for the time
contact area. Select multiple checkpoints to ensure uniform required to obtain a proper melt. Proper melt is a function of
surface temperature. material, time, tool temperature, and the size of the parts. Pipe
and fittings of larger diameters require more time to reach the
NOTE 2—A significant temperature variation, that is, cold spots, on the proper melt consistency than those of smaller diameters.

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fusion surfaces may indicate a faulty heating iron which may need to be
serviced before it can be used. Underheated or overheated materials will not form a good
bond.
7. Procedure 1—Socket Fusion 7.2.6 At the end of the heating time, simultaneously remove
the pipe and fitting straight out from the tool, using a snap
7.1 Apparatus—Socket fusion tools manufactured in accor- action. Immediately insert the pipe straight into the socket of
dance with Specification F1056 are used for joining polyolefin the fitting so the rounding clamp is flush against the end of the
pipe, tubing, and fittings. fitting socket. Hold or block the joint in place until the melts of
7.1.1 Heating Tool—In order to obtain a proper melt, it is the mating surfaces have solidified. The exact cooling time
necessary for a uniform temperature to be maintained across depends on the size of the pipe and the material being fused.
the heating surface. Therefore, gas-fired tools are generally 7.2.7 Remove the rounding clamp, and inspect the melt
restricted to use with pipe sizes of 2 in. IPS (63 mm) or less. pattern at the end of the socket for a complete impression of the
7.1.2 Heating Tool Faces—Consisting of two parts, a male rounding clamp in the melt surface. There shall no gaps, voids,
end for the interior socket surface and a female end for the or unbonded areas. Clean the heating tool of any residual
exterior pipe surface. Both parts shall be made to such material using a wood stick or a clean, dry, oil-free, lint-free,
tolerances as to cause an interference fit. non-synthetic cloth. Take care not to damage the heating
7.1.3 Alignment Jig—The alignment jig is an optional tool surfaces. Plastic left on the tool tends to char when reheated,
which consists of two sets of devices holding the components causing a loss of heater efficiency and joint contamination.
in alignment to each other. One set of holding devices is fixed, 7.2.8 Allow for extremes in weather when making field
and the other allows longitudinal movement for making the joints. Heating times, operation of alignment jig, dimensional
joint. changes, and the like, are affected by extreme conditions.
7.1.4 Rounding Clamps, (cold ring) to maintain roundness
of the pipe and control the depth of pipe insertion into the 7.3 Testing—Evaluate sample joints in order to verify the
socket during the joining operation. skill and knowledge of the fusion operator. Cut joints into
7.1.5 Depth Gage, for proper positioning of the rounding straps, (see Fig. 4) and visually examine and test for bond
clamp. continuity and strength. Bending, peeling, and elongation tests
7.1.6 Chamfering Tool, to bevel the end of the pipe. are useful for this purpose.

NOTE 3—The depth gage and chamfering tool may be combined into a 8. Procedure 2—Butt Fusion
single tool.
8.1 Apparatus:
7.1.7 Tubing Cutter, to obtain a square end cut on the pipe. 8.1.1 Heating Tool—The heating tool shall have sufficient
7.1.8 Fitting Puller, an optional tool to assist in the removal area to adequately cover the ends of the size of pipe to be
of the fitting from the heating tool and to hold the fitting during joined.
assembly. 8.1.2 Alignment Jig—The alignment jig is three basic parts:
7.2 Procedure: (1) a stationary clamping fixture and a movable clamping

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8.2.5 Place the heater plate between the component ends,
and move the component ends against the heater plate with
sufficient force to ensure complete circumferential contact
against the heater plate. Hold the components against the
heater plate briefly, using limited force to ensure that proper
contact with the plate has been made. Release the force, but
hold the components against the heater plate until an appro-
priately sized bead of molten plastic develops circumferentially
around each component end as a result of the thermal expan-
sion of the material. Do not push the components into the
heater plate as the melting progresses.
8.2.6 Move the melted component ends away from the
heater plate, and remove the heater plate. Quickly inspect the

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melted surfaces per 8.2.1. If the melt is acceptable, immedi-
ately bring the melted ends together with enough force to roll
both component melt beads over to the pipe surface around the
entire circumference of the joint. When the bead touches the
pipe surface, stop moving the component ends together, but do
not release the force. Hold the force on the joint until the joint
has cooled.
8.2.6.1 Do not use excessive or insufficient force. If the
components are brought together with too much force, all
molten material may be pushed out of the joint and cold
material brought into contact forming a “cold” joint. If too little
force is used, only the melt in the beads may be fused together
and, as the molten material in the joint cools and contracts,
voids or non-fused areas may be formed. If the softened
material sticks to the heater plate, discontinue the joining
procedure. Clean the heater plate, re-square the component
ends, and repeat the process from the beginning (8.2.2).
FIG. 4 Bent Strap Test Specimen
8.2.6.2 Inspect the component ends quickly when the heat-
ing tool is removed. The melt should be flat. A concave melt
surface indicates unacceptable pressure during heating. If a
concave melt surface is observed, do not continue. Allow the
fixture for holding each of the two parts to be fused in
component ends to cool, and start over from 8.2.1.
alignment; (2) a facer for simultaneously preparing the ends of
the parts to be joined (Note 6); and (3) appropriate adapters for 8.2.6.3 For any pipe size and wall thickness, the actual
different pipe sizes. Alignment jigs are manually or hydrauli- fusion joining force is determined by multiplying the interfa-
cally powered. cial pressure by the area of the pipe end. To determine a fusion
pressure gauge setting for hydraulic butt fusion machines, the
NOTE 6—A facer is a rotating cutting device used to square-off the pipe force is divided by the area of the hydraulic cylinders that
or fitting ends to obtain properly mating fusion surfaces.
move the fusion machine carriage. The hydraulic fusion
8.2 Procedure: machine gauge pressure setting may need to be increased to
8.2.1 Bring the heater plate surfaces to proper temperature. overcome internal machine friction drag or to provide addi-
8.2.2 Clean the inside and outside of the components (pipe tional force to move pipes attached to the butt fusion machine.
or pipe and fitting) to be joined. Remove all foreign matter 8.2.7 Allow the assembly to stand at least until cool before
from the surface of the component where it will be clamped in removing the clamps or other aligning device (Note 7). Do not
the alignment jig. subject the joint to high stress until it has cooled to less than
8.2.3 Align each component with its alignment jig clamp, approximately 130°F. Do not apply internal pressure until the
and close the clamp. Check component to component
joint and surrounding material have reached ambient air
alignment, adjust as needed, and face off the ends.
temperature.
8.2.3.1 Take care when placing pipe or fittings in the
alignment jig. Pipes shall be aligned before the alignment NOTE 7—The joint is usually cool enough to remove from the alignment
clamp is closed; however, do not force the pipe into alignment jig if a bare hand can be held against the beads without discomfort (less
by pushing it against the side of an open alignment jig clamp. than approximately 130°F). Further cooling is recommended prior to
ditching the pipe.
8.2.4 Bring the piping components together and check for
high-low alignment, and out-of-roundness. Adjust as required. 8.2.8 Visually inspect the joint against recommended ap-
Re-face after adjustment. The ends of the piping components pearance guidelines. The beads should be uniformly shaped
shall be square to each other around their full circumference. and sized all around the joint.

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8.3 Testing—Evaluate sample joints to verify the skill and tough outer surface skin. It is essential to remove the surface
knowledge of the fusion operator. In some cases, butt-fusion skin completely without altering the contours of the mating
joints can be nondestructively examined using ultrasonic surfaces and to keep the surface clean. Remove dust and
equipment to detect voids or other discontinuities. Visually, the particles from the surface after roughing with a clean, dry,
width of butt fusion beads should be 2 to 2-1⁄2 times the bead oil-free, lint-free cloth.
height above the pipe, and the beads should be rounded and 9.2.3 Install the alignment jig on the pipe. For smaller pipe
uniformly sized all around the pipe circumference. The sizes, install a bolster plate under the pipe to provide additional
v-groove between the beads should not be deeper than half the support.
bead height above the pipe surface. When butt fusing to 9.2.4 Install the fitting in the alignment jig. Press the fitting
molded fittings, the fitting-side bead may display shape irregu- against the pipe to align the fitting base to the pipe, then secure
larities such as minor indentations, deflections and non- the fitting in the alignment jig.
uniform bead rollover from molded part cooling and knit lines. 9.2.5 Place the heater on the pipe and press the fitting
In such cases, visual evaluation is based mainly on the size and against the heater to obtain a melt on both the pipe and the
shape of the pipe-side bead. For destructive tests, cut joints into fitting.
straps (see Fig. 4), visually examine, and test for bond
NOTE 9—When saddle fittings are fused to pipes that are under pressure,
continuity and strength. Tests that have been found useful for it is important that the surface melt be obtained quickly without too much
this purpose include inside face bend, outside face bend, tensile heat penetration. Otherwise, the pipe may rupture from internal pressure.
elongation, torque, and impact. Quantifiable data may be Consult the manufacturer for specific recommendations for fusing saddle
obtained by the use of laboratory procedures and comparing fittings to pipe under pressure.
data against that from control samples. 9.2.6 When a proper melt is achieved, remove the heater,
quickly examine the pipe and fitting to ensure proper melt
9. Procedure 3—Saddle Fusion patterns, and immediately place the fitting on the pipe. Hold in
9.1 Apparatus: place while exerting suitable force for the specified cooling
9.1.1 Heating Tool Faces—The faces are matched sets, by time.
pipe size, of concave and convex blocks which bolt or clamp
NOTE 10—If a suitable melt pattern has not been achieved, do not
onto a flat or round core heater. reheat; however, continue with the fusion and apply the fitting to the pipe.
9.1.2 Alignment Jigs—Various types of alignment jigs are When the joint has cooled, remove the alignment jig, cut off the top of the
available. Alignment jigs provide a means to mount the fitting to prevent use, and start over at another location.
alignment jig on the pipe, hold the fitting and align it to the 9.3 Visually inspect the joint against recommended visual
pipe, and move the fitting towards and away from the pipe. inspection guidelines.
Alignment jigs are used for saddle fusions for optimum results
and are required for certain materials. 9.4 Testing—Evaluate sample joints to verify the skill and
NOTE 8—Some materials may be saddle fused using a hand-stab knowledge of the fusion operator. Cut joints into straps (see
procedure. Consult the manufacturer for a hand-stab procedure. Fig. 4), visually examine, and test for bond continuity and
9.2 Procedure: strength.
9.2.1 Bring heater plate and faces to proper temperature.
9.2.2 Clean the mating surfaces of the pipe and the concave 10. Keywords
surface of the fitting base and roughen the mating surfaces. 10.1 butt fusion; fitting; heat fusion; joining; pipe; polybu-
Emery or garnet cloth of 50 to 60 grit is used to remove the tylene; polyolefin; polypropylene; saddle fusion; socket fusion

ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. COLD WEATHER PROCEDURES

A1.1 Cold Weather Handling—Pipe should be inspected for A1.2 Preparation for Socket, Saddle, and Butt Fusion
damage. Polyolefin pipes have reduced impact resistance in Joining:
sub-freezing conditions. Avoid dropping pipe in sub-freezing
conditions. When handling coiled pipe at temperatures below A1.2.1 Wind and Precipitation—The heating tool should be
40°F, it is helpful to uncoil the pipe prior to installation and let shielded in an insulated container to prevent excessive heat
it straighten out. Gradually uncoil the pipe and cover it with loss. Shield the pipe fusion area and fusion tools from wind,
dirt at intervals to keep it from recoiling. Always use caution snow, and rain by using a canopy or similar device.
when cutting the straps on coils of pipe because the outside end
of a coil may spring out when the strapping is removed.

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A1.2.2 Pipe and Fitting Surface Preparation—The pipe and Longer heating cycles are used so that the pipe first expands
fitting surfaces to be “joined” or held in clamps should be dry (from tool heat) to properly contact the heating tool, then
and clean and free of ice, frost, snow, dirt, and other contami- develops complete melt. The length of cycle necessary to
nation. Regular procedures for preparation of surfaces to be obtain a complete melt pattern will depend not only on the
joined, such as facing for butt fusion and roughening for saddle outdoor (pipe) temperature but wind conditions and operator
fusion should be emphasized. After preparation, the surfaces variation. Avoid cycles in excess of that required to achieve a
should be protected from contamination until joined. Contami- good melt pattern. To determine the proper cycle time for any
nation of the area to be fused will likely cause incomplete particular condition, make a melt pattern on a scrap piece of
fusion. Frost and ice on the surfaces of the pipe to be clamped pipe, using the heating cycle as instructed by the pipe manu-
in either a cold ring or alignment jigs may cause slippage facturer. If the pattern is incomplete (be sure rounding rings are
during fusion. Inspect coiled pipe to see if it has flattened being used), try a 3-s longer cycle on a fresh (cold) end of pipe.
during storage which could cause incomplete melt pattern or If the melt pattern is still not completely around the pipe end,
poor fusion. It may be necessary to remove several inches at add an additional 3 s and repeat the procedure. Completeness
the pipe ends to eliminate such distortion. Pipe may have a of melt pattern is the key. Keep the heater dry at all times.
slight toe-in or reduced diameter for several inches at the end Check the temperature of the heating tool regularly and keep
of the pipe. The toe-in may need to be removed before butt the heating tool in an insulated container between fusions.
fusing to a freshly cut pipe end, or to a fitting.
A1.4 Butt Fusion:
A1.2.3 Heating—Work quickly once pipe and fitting have
been separated from the heating tool, so that melt heat loss is A1.4.1 Joining—It will take longer to develop the initial
minimized, but still take time (no more than 3 s) to inspect both melt bead completely around the pipe ends. Do not increase
melt patterns. Keep the heater dry at all times. Check the pressure during heating. When proper melt bead has been
temperature of the heating tool regularly with a pyrometer. obtained, the pipe and heater shall be separated in a rapid,
Keep the heating tool in an insulated container between snap-like motion. The melted surfaces shall then be joined
fusions. Do not increase heating tool temperature above the immediately in one smooth motion so as to minimize cooling
specified temperature setting. Gas-fired heating tools are used of the melted pipe ends.
only in above freezing conditions.
A1.5 Saddle Fusion:
A1.3 Socket Fusion:
A1.5.1 Surface Preparations—Regular procedures for
A1.3.1 Pipe Outside Diameter—Pipe outside diameter con- roughening the surfaces to be fused on the pipe and the fitting
tracts when cold. This results in loose or slipping cold rings. should be emphasized. After the surfaces have been prepared,
For best results, clamp one cold ring in its normal position particular care should be taken to protect against contamina-
adjacent to the depth gage. Place shim material (that is, piece tion.
of paper or rag, etc.) around the inside diameter of a second
rounding ring and clamp this cold ring directly behind the first A1.5.2 Heating Time—Make a trial melt pattern on a scrap
cold ring to prevent slippage. The first cold ring allows the pipe piece of pipe. A clean, dry piece of wood is used to push the
adjacent to the heated pipe to expand to its normal diameter heating tool against the pipe. If the melt pattern is incomplete,
during the heating cycle. add 3 s to the cycle time and make another trial melt pattern on
another section of cold pipe. If the pattern is still incomplete,
A1.3.2 Fitting Condition—If possible, store socket fittings continue 3-s additions on a fresh section of cold pipe until a
at a warm temperature, such as in a truck cab, prior to use. This complete melt pattern is attained. Use this heating cycle for
will make it easier to place the fitting on the heating tool fusions during prevailing conditions. Regardless of the weather
because fittings contract when cold. or the type of tools used, the important point to remember is
A1.3.3 Heating—At colder temperatures the pipe and fitting that complete and even melt must occur on the fitting and the
contract, thus the pipe slips more easily into the heating tool. At pipe in order to produce a good fusion joint. This requires pipe
very cold outdoor temperatures (particularly with 2, 3, and 4 in. preparation to make it clean, straight, round, and well
IPS pipe), the pipe may barely contact the heating surface. supported.

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