The Fusion Process

The fusion of the HDPE pipe follows specific manufacturer’s procedures based on several factors. Some of the factors are temperature, both air and pipe as well as the thickness of the pipe. The specific criterion developed by the manufacturer ensures that a proper fusion joint will take place. When fusion joints are done properly the joints are actually stronger than the pipe itself. This is not the case when using traditional materials such as PVC, whereas the joints are actually the weakest point. It is for reasons like these that HDPE pipe was chosen for our installation because of the numerous advantages over traditional materials.



On the day of my visit to Cherry Hills the air temperature was in the low 80’s and the temperature of the pipe was 93 degrees largely due to the color of the pipe being black. These are some of the factors that determine how long and what temperature the pipe is heated. For the conditions that day the pipe was heated to 450 degrees for over four minutes to create the conditions for a properly fused joint.


A Properly Fused Joint


A Fused Tee Joint With Mechanical Flange


Below are some videos that show the fusion process.