ISSN: 1546-962X
CODEN: JAIOAD
Published Online: 25 July 2011
Page Count: 8

Technical Considerations When Fabricating PVC Pressure Fittings

Franzen, Tom
Plant Manager, Specified Fittings,

Fisher, Craig
Vice President, Technical and Municipal Services, S&B Technical Products,

Rahman, Shah
Western Regional Engineer, Northwest Pipe Company,

(Received 30 November 2010; accepted 23 June 2011)

Abstract

Unlike the fully automated production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pressure pipes and injection molded fittings that involve large production volumes, manufacture of fabricated PVC pressure fittings is labor-intensive and involves short production runs. Fabricating PVC fittings is as much an art as it is a science. It is important to understand the steps involved in the manufacture process to appreciate the considerable amount of engineering and design that goes into their production. Quality control measures that are in place, as well as the importance of meeting various applicable industry standards, are discussed. Development of various unique configurations of fittings as well as advances in technology within the industry, such as an integral joint restraint mechanism, is also discussed.

Keywords:
PVC fabricated fittings, fitting manufacture, tees, wyes, bends, butt fusion, fiberglass, integrated joint restraint

Paper ID: JAI102856
DOI: 10.1520/JAI102856
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