Sep 12, 2016

A new ASTM International practice provides a standardized way for manufacturers and construction professionals to examine plastic pipe joints using sound waves. The new standard (E3044/E3044M, Practice for Ultrasonic Testing of Polyethylene Butt Fusion Joints) provides a non-destructive way to identify flaws inside the pipe’s butt-fusion joints and to assess the joint’s overall quality.

The new standard sets minimum requirements for coverage and sensitivity of ultrasonic testing, helping identify problems such as lack of fusion, contamination by particulates, and more.

Due to advantages such as resistance to corrosion, polyethylene piping has been increasingly used as an alternative to steel alloys in the petrochemical, power, water, gas distribution, and mining industries.

ASTM member Jason Estabrook, quality and CPI operations lead, APAC, notes that the standard will be used by engineers, procurement professionals, and construction managers, as well as large scale fabricators that assemble butt fusion joints in the field. The standard may eventually have applications with nuclear components.

E3044/E3044M was developed by the committee on nondestructive testing (E07).

To purchase standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation, or contact ASTM Customer Relations (tel +1.877.909.ASTM; sales@astm.org). ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN.

ASTM Committee E07 on Nondestructive Testing Next Meeting: Jan. 22-26, 2017, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Media Inquiries: Dan Bergels, tel +1.610.832.9602; dbergels@astm.org
Technical Contact: Jason Estabrook, APAC, Mount Carroll, Ill., +1.815.244.1387, jason.estabrook@fluor.com
ASTM Staff Contact: Kathleen Chalfin, tel +1.610.832.9717; kchalfin@astm.org

Release #10162