A Study on Phased Array Technology for Polyethylene Pipe Butt Fusion Joint to Apply in Nuclear Power Plants

Abstract

Butt fusion welding has been widely used for its ease to fuse and suitability for high-quality High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes. This paper studies background and advantages of ultrasonic phased array technology and positive attributes of high density polyethylene pipes to apply in nuclear power plants. We classified two types of flaws: cold-fusion and inclusion. Specimens have been designed and fabricated using butt fusion welding method, and potential flaws such as four different size grains of sand, aluminum pieces, and water injection were inserted. This study investigates the flaw images in the butt fusion joints of high density polyethylene pipe using the ultrasonic phased array technique.

Keywords:  Polyethylene (PE), Flaws, Phased array technique, Butt Fusion Joint