Professional preparation for working with plastics installations
Water, process and industrial installations use materials that require precise processing before assembly. Working with thermoplastic pipes involves cleaning the surface, performing chamfering and correctly positioning the components in a butt welder or preparing fittings for electrofusion welding. The pipeline welding course shows the complete process flow - from the preparation of the pipes, through the configuration of the parameters of the heating equipment and electrofusion controllers, to the analysis of the quality of the completed weld. The programme combines theory with workshops, allowing you to learn about the influence of material properties on the way installation work is carried out. During the training, the successive stages of the process are carried out according to the technology prescribed for the welding method, using equipment used in the installation of industrial networks and installations.
The role of plastics in modern installations
Pipes used in installations are made from several types of thermoplastics, including: PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride). Each of these materials has a different chemical resistance, dimensional stability, operating temperature and deformability, which translates into how connections are made. In plumbing and industrial applications, thermal expansion, surface hardness and the response of the plastic to prolonged heating, among other factors, are important. By understanding these properties, it is possible to properly select a welding method and determine which operating parameters will be most suitable for a given material and diameter range.
PE, PP, PVC and PVDF pipe applications
Thermoplastic pipes are used in installations with varying operating conditions, as they remain stable when exposed to many substances and temperatures. The choice of material depends on the medium and the loads present in the system. They are most commonly used in:
- water and sewage networks,
- process installations in industry,
- gas systems,
- chemical transport systems,
- laboratory and pharmaceutical pipelines,
- installations operating at elevated temperatures.
Welding techniques used in plastic installations
The process of joining thermoplastic pipes is based on two main methods, which differ in the way the material is prepared and the heating process. Butt welding involves heating the faces of the pipes using a heating plate set to a specific temperature. Once sufficient plasticisation has been achieved, the components are joined using controlled pressure to achieve a homogeneous material structure at the joint. This method works well for diameters typically used for water mains and industrial pipework.
Electrofusion welding is based on the use of fittings equipped with embedded heating spirals. Once the controller is connected, the process is carried out automatically on the basis of barcode data, in which time, voltage and operating temperature are stored. This technique is used for the installation of installations with complex geometries, where high precision and dimensional stability are required. Both methods are selected according to the diameter range, system geometry and material resistance required, and in practice are complemented by other solutions such as socket welding or making branches using electrofusion saddles.
Workplace organisation
Preparing the bench prior to welding the pipelines requires sorting out several elements that affect the process of joining thermoplastic pipes. The first step is to position the pipes correctly in the holders and assess the condition of their surfaces to ensure that they do not require additional cleaning or levelling. It is also important to consider the environmental conditions, as temperature and humidity can affect the stability of the heating and how the joint is cooled after joining. The next step is to inspect the condition of the equipment - checking the heating plate, the clamping pressure and the correctness of the electrofusion controller so that parameters can be selected to match the diameter and properties of the plastic used. These steps are discussed in detail during the course, so that participants learn how to prepare the station according to the requirements of the welding technology.
Welding - foundation of the theoretical part
The theoretical part focuses on the principles that determine the correct execution of a connection. The differences between the materials used in installations and their response to heating and cooling are discussed, giving a better understanding of the requirements of the various techniques. The influence of pipe diameter on the selection of operating parameters, including the temperature of the hotplate and the time required to achieve adequate plasticisation, is also presented. The principles of weld assessment are also an important topic, as they require visual analysis and dimensional inspection at critical points. The information discussed prepares for workshop exercises in which the repeatability of the joints made and the stability of the welding parameters are checked.
Practical part - bench work
The practical classes allow the theoretical knowledge to be translated into working with actual installation components. Participants make connections in several configurations, allowing them to test the material's response to temperature, pressure and the way the pipes are positioned before welding. The practice includes working with both butt and electrofusion controllers, so that students learn the differences between the techniques used in different types of installation. The exercises include:
- butt welding of pipes of different diameters,
- electrofusion welding using coded fittings,
- surface preparation of the material in accordance with technological requirements,
- evaluation of the completed welds according to the control points,
- repeat the seams, thus consolidating the correct way of welding.
The class allows you to analyse the quality of the connections you have made and expose the elements that need fine-tuning before you undertake the work yourself.
Standard EN 13067 and qualification rules
EN 13067 specifies the requirements for those welding thermoplastic pipelines and the personnel who supervise this work. Each certificate refers to a specific joining method, material and diameter range, making it clear which type of installation the authorisation is assigned to. The document distinguishes between the methods used for water mains, sewage systems and industrial installations, emphasising that each method requires separate preparation. The job description is also an important part of the qualification - a person making connections is expected to have different skills from a technician responsible for technical supervision. The standard also sets out principles for the assessment of joints, including visual analysis and dimensional verification to confirm that the welds made meet the quality requirements.
Course for technical supervision
The training programme for technical supervisors covers issues related to checking the correctness of joints in thermoplastic installations. The principles for assessing the conditions under which welding is carried out are discussed, including the alignment of the pipes, the condition of their surfaces and the parameters of the equipment used in the work. Participants also learn about documentation requirements and how to verify connections based on checkpoints in accordance with current procedures. The supervisory responsibilities are structured here so that it is clear which activities belong to those responsible for assessing the quality of pipe welding in water and industrial installations.
Forms of delivery of training
The pipeline welding course can be delivered in two forms, depending on the conditions and needs of the team. The classroom sessions take place at stations equipped with butt-welding machines and electrofusion equipment, making it easier to control parameters and focus on precise equipment set-up. This option works well for training courses requiring work on several types of material and for groups needing access to a full set of equipment.
The second option is mobile training conducted directly at the customer's premises. This form of training allows the customer to practise joining pipes in conditions similar to those encountered on a day-to-day basis, using the equipment provided for training. The site is prepared at a location provided by the company, taking into account the positioning of the pipes and the specifics of the environment, which makes it easier to adapt the welding technique to the nature of the installation.
Join us for a course on pipeline welding!
The pipe welding course at KURSO helps to confirm the skills needed for working with thermoplastic piping and facilitates participation in projects requiring knowledge of modern pipe joining techniques. The qualifications you gain support your professional development in the water, industrial and process industries. Sign up for training and develop your competence in the area of pipe welding.
FAQ:
Who is the pipeline welding course designed for?
The training is aimed at those working in the installation of thermoplastic installations and those starting out in the industry. It also works well for technical teams who want to brush up on their knowledge of preparing pipes and making connections in networks and industrial installations. The participant does not need to have much experience - the programme has been structured to provide a step-by-step introduction.
Does the programme include butt welding?
Yes, the course includes working with butt-welding equipment. Participants learn surface preparation, pipe alignment and control of heating parameters, allowing them to learn the principles of conducting connections used in water mains and industrial installations.
What is the practical part of learning?
The practical classes include welding in several variations, so that participants can practise different pipe diameters and materials. Practical exercises include checking how the grips are positioned, how the material reacts to the temperature and whether the clamping pressure is correct. They also analyse the quality of the completed joint, which helps to identify areas for improvement. This stage makes it possible to combine theory with real-life situations encountered in installations.
Does the training also apply to process installations?
Yes, the programme covers process installations where you are working in a demanding environment. The principles of selecting a welding method to suit the material, the temperature of the medium and the working conditions are discussed, allowing you to prepare for tasks in industrial plants and process facilities.
What equipment is used during classes?
During the training, butt welders, heating plates and electrofusion controllers that read the data stored in the fittings are used. Surface preparation tools are also used, so participants learn about the entire pipeline workflow - from pipe processing to welding.
Does the programme envisage working with different pipe diameters?
Yes, participants work on several diameters to see how the heating time, pressure and material stabilisation changes. The different dimensions require a different approach to setting up the welding machine and controlling the parameters, so practice includes more than one range to help better prepare for the field.
