ASTM E3102-18

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: E3102 − 18
Standard Practice for
Microwave Examination of Polyethylene Electrofusion
Joints Used in Piping Application
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3102; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This practice covers microwave (MW) examination of 2.1 ASTM Standards:
electrofusion joints made entirely of polyethylene for the D3350Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Pipe and Fit-
purpose of joining polyethylene piping. tings Materials
NOTE 1—The notes in this practice are for information only and shall
E543Specification forAgencies Performing Nondestructive
not be considered part of this practice.
Testing
NOTE 2—This practice references HDPE and MDPE for pipe applica-
E1316Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
tions as defined by Specification D3350.
2.2 ASNT Documents:
1.2 The electrofusion joining process can be subject to a
Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A for Nondestructive
variety of flaws including, but not limited to, lack of fusion,
Testing Personnel Qualification and Certification
particulate contamination, inclusions, and voids.
ANSI/ASNT CP-189Standard for Qualification and Certifi-
1.3 The practice is intended to be used on joint thicknesses
cation of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
of 0.5in. to 4in. (12mm to 100mm) and diameters 4in.
2.3 Military Standard:
(100mm)andgreater.Greaterandlesserthicknessesandlesser
MIL-STD-410Nondestructive Testing Personnel Qualifica-
diameters may be tested using this standard practice if the
tion and Certification
technique can be demonstrated to provide adequate detection
2.4 AIA Document:
on mockups of the same wall thickness and geometry.
NAS 410Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive
1.4 Thispracticecanbeappliedtopostassemblyinspection
Testing Personnel
of polyethylene electrofusion joints.
2.5 Welding Authority Document:
DVS Direction 2202-1 Imperfections in Thermoplastic
1.5 This practice does not specify acceptance criteria.
Welded Joints; Features, Descriptions, Evaluation
1.6 Thevaluesstatedininch-poundunitsaretoberegarded
2.6 ISO Standard:
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
ISO 9712Non-destructive Testing – Qualification and Cer-
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
tification of NDT Personnel
and are not considered standard.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3. Terminology
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.1 Related terms are defined in Terminology E1316.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
the ASTM website.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
AvailablefromAmericanSocietyforNondestructiveTesting(ASNT),P.O.Box
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. AvailablefromStandardizationDocumentsOrderDesk,Bldg.4SectionD,700
Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.
Available from Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), 1000 Wilson Blvd.,
Suite 1700, Arlington, VA 22209, http://www.aia-aerospace.org.
1 6
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nonde- Available from IHS, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80112, http://
structive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.10 on www.global.ihs.com.
Specialized NDT Methods. Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2018. Published December 2018. DOI: Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier,
10.1520/E3102-18. Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E3102 − 18
3.1.2 cell classification, n—for polyethylene pipe resin, this 3.1.14 scan, n—themovementoftheprobeinastraightline,
is a six digit code and letter describing the primary properties usually along the long axis of the part being examined, where
that are considered important in the manufacture of PE piping, data is collected.
in the heat fusion joining of this material, and in defining the
3.1.15 standoff, n—the distance between the outside surface
long-termperformancecapabilitiesandcolor/UVstability.The
of the joint to be examined and the end of the MW probe that
classification categories are defined in Specification D3350.
is adjustable to provide proper examination of the joint.
3.1.3 cold fusion, n—a joint or a region within a joint in
4. Summary of Practice
which there is little commingling of the polymer chains due to
reasons other than contamination. 4.1 This practice provides a general description of the
procedures to carry out microwave examination of polyethyl-
3.1.4 dimension ratio (DR), n—the average outside pipe
ene electrofusion joints in piping systems.
diameter divided by the minimum wall thickness.
4.2 This practice consists of bathing the electrofusion joint
3.1.4.1 Discussion—The wall thickness increases when the
inafieldofmagneticradiationataspecificfrequency(orrange
DR decreases.
of frequencies) in the microwave range using a MW Probe.
3.1.4.2 Discussion—Standard Dimension Ratio (SDR) is an
Thisprobeispassedovertheelectrofusionjointinacontrolled
ANSI term to describe specific DRs in the series, that is, DR9,
technique using a specified scan and index pattern until the
DR11, DR17, and others.
entire part or the region of interest has been completely
3.1.5 E plane, n—in the case of a linearly polarized micro-
covered. The reflected microwave energy is measured by the
wave probe,thisistheplanethatcontainstheelectricfieldand
transducer along the scan lines, and the resulting transducer
is at a right angle to the H plane.
voltageisrecordedalongwithitspositionasmeasuredbyscan
and index coordinates. Upon completion, the voltage and
3.1.6 electrofusion joining, n—the joining of two polyeth-
position matrix is displayed by assigning either a false color
ylene pipe ends using an electrofusion coupling that has a heat
range or a gray scale range to the voltages.
sourceasanintegralpartofthedesignsuchaselectricalwires.
When a current is induced into wires, these produce heat and
4.3 The image of the microwave scan is interpreted by a
melt the surrounding surfaces of the pipe and coupling. The
qualified user per 6.2 and compared to scans generated from
melted material from the two components flow together and
the reference components with the intent to non-destructively
fuse to make the joint.
assess the overall joint quality.
3.1.7 H plane, n—in the case of a linearly polarized
4.4 This practice provides a method for routine inspection
microwave probe, this is the plane that contains the magnetic
ofHDPEelectrofusedjointspriortoplacingtheminserviceas
field, and it is at a right angle to the E plane.
well as for continuing in-service inspections of the joints.
3.1.8 high density polyethylene (HDPE), n—a tough,
4.5 Examination results from the inspection using this
flexible, thermoplastic resin made by polymerizing ethylene,
practice may be used in combination with acceptance criteria
3 3
having a density range of >0.940 g/cm – 0.965 g/cm per
based on workmanship or fitness for purpose.
Specification D3350.
5. Significance and Use
3.1.9 index, n—the movement of the probe in the circum-
5.1 Polyethylenepipinghasbeenusedinsteadofsteelalloys
ferential direction at the completion of a scan line, typically in
in the petrochemical, power, water, gas distribution, and
small increments, to position the probe to the start of the next
mining industries due to its resistance to corrosion and erosion
scan.
and reliability. Recently, polyethylene pipe has also been used
3.1.10 material designations, n—a shortened code to iden-
for nuclear safety related cooling water applications.
tify the pipe material’s short-term and long-term properties.
5.2 MW examination is useful for detecting various flaws
3.1.10.1 Discussion—For polyethylene, the “PE-XXXX”
that are known to occur in polyethylene electrofused joints.
format represents the density (1st digit), slow crack growth
resistance (2nd digit), and Hydrostatic Design Stress (HDS,
6. Basis of Application
last two digits) where Specification D3350 is the reference.
6.1 The following items are subject to contractual agree-
3.1.11 medium density polyethylene (MDPE), n—a tough,
ment between the parties using or referencing this standard.
flexible, thermoplastic resin made by polymerizing ethylene,
3 3
6.2 Personnel Qualifications:
having a density range of >0.926 g/cm – 0.940 g/cm per
6.2.1 Personnel performing examinations to this standard
Specification D3350.
shall be qualified in accordance with a nationally recognized
3.1.12 MW transducer, n—an electronic device that gener-
NDT personnel qualification practice or standard such as
atesanelectromagneticfieldinthemicrowavefrequencyrange
ANSI/ASNT CP-189, SNT-TC-1A, MIL-STD-410, NAS 410,
(1 – 100 GHz) and is equipped with at least one microwave
or a similar document. The practice or standard used and its
detector that converts the microwave energy into voltage.
applicable revision shall be identified in the contractual agree-
3.1.13 probe,n—aMWtransducerandawaveguideorother ment between the using parties.
MW antenna enclosed in a fabricated container used specifi- 6.2.2 Personnel shall be certified by the employer or certi-
cally for MW inspection. fying agency, as applicable.
E3102 − 18
NOTE 3—MIL-STD-410 is canceled and has been replaced with NAS
sufficient size and/or depth to be seen in the scan image shall
410;however,itmaybeusedwithagreementbetweencontractingparties.
be noted in the inspection report as “surface flaw.” The parties
6.3 Qualification of Nondestructive Agencies:
using or referencing this standard shall determine if the flaws
6.3.1 NDT agencies shall be qualified and evaluated as are of sufficient depth to render the part unacceptable.
described in Specification E543. The applicable edition of
7.4 In order to aid microwave examination, the electrode
Specification E543 shall be specified in the contractual agree-
connectionscanberemovedfromtheODsideofthejoint(that
ment.
is, the side of the joint to be examined) after the joint has been
6.4 Procedures and Techniques:
fused.Donotremoveanyelectrodesofcouplingsthathavenot
6.4.1 The procedures and techniques to be used shall be as
been fused.
specified in the contractual agreement. The contractual agree-
ment shall include at least the following information:
8. Apparatus
6.4.1.1 Type, dimensions, location, method of manufacture,
8.1 A MW transducer with a single frequency, or a fre-
and number of artificial flaws to be placed in the reference
quencyrangeifasweptfrequencydeviceisused,shallbeused
samples.
for this examination. The frequency or frequency range se-
6.4.1.2 Method(s) for measuring dimensions of artificial
lected shall be shown to be capable of detecting the reference
flaws in the reference samples and tolerance limits if different
flawsofthetypesdescribedinSection10totheextentrequired
than specified in Section 10.
in the standardization and procedure qualification described in
6.5 Scope of Examination:
Sections 11 and 12.
6.5.1 The scope of the intended examination shall be
included in the contractual documents and shall include these
8.2 The transducer shall be mounted in a probe assembly
defined items.
and shall be capable of detecting the reference flaws of the
6.5.1.1 Size and type of pipe to be examined.
types described in Section 10 to the extent required in the
6.5.1.2 Sizeandtypeofelectrofusionjointorcouplingtobe
standardization and procedure qualification described in Sec-
examined.
tions 11 and 12.
6.5.1.3 Number or percentage of joints to be examined.
8.3 The stand-off and orientation (that is, E or H Field) of
6.5.1.4 The stage(s) in the manufacturing process at which
the probe shall be capable of being adjusted to produce a
the joints will be examined.
satisfactory signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio for the detection of the
6.5.1.5 The surface condition requirement of the inspected
required flaws as compared to background “noise” response
area.
from irregularities such as surface roughness, labels, and wire
6.6 Reporting Criteria:
signal return.
6.6.1 Reporting criteria for the examination results shall be
8.4 Thefinalconfigurationoftheprobeandequipmentshall
in accordance with Section 15 unless otherwise specified. The
be selected to produce a desirable S/N for the inspection. For
report shall include at least the following information:
example, the minimum value for the S/N for the smallest flaw
6.6.1.1 Requirementsforpermanentrecordsoftheresponse
inthereferencepipedescribedin10.3shouldbeatleast1.5.A
from each joint, if applicable.
higherminimumvalueisdesirableandmaybespecifiedbythe
6.6.1.2 Contents of examination report.
contracting agency.
6.7 Repaired/Reworked Items:
6.7.1 Re-examination of repaired/reworked items is not 8.5 The equipment is set up such that the scan direction is
axial to the pipe and the index is in the circumferential
addressedinthisstandardandifrequiredorpermitted,shallbe
specified in the contractual agreement. direction. Select a scan speed and index that provides a
reasonable total scan time without sacrificing S/N quality.
Typically, a 0.1 in. (2.5 mm) index is chosen and a maximum
7. Surface Preparation
index is considered to be 0.24 in. (6.4 mm).
7.1 All inspection surfaces shall be clean and free of scale,
dirt,grease,paint,orotherforeignmaterialthatcouldinterfere
8.6 Encoderpositionalinformationiscalibratedandverified
with interpretation of examination results. The methods used
in both the circumferential and axial directions from a refer-
for cleaning and preparing the surfaces for microwave exami-
ence start position and shall be accurate to within 1% of the
nation shall not be detrimental to the base material or the
total scan length or 0.4 in. (10 mm), whichever is less.
surface finish. Excessive surface roughness or scratches can
Calibration should be performed on a regular basis (for
produce signals that interfere with the examination.
example, daily) with verification occurring prior to the start of
any inspection.
7.2 Warning—Do not
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