What is the tensile strength of the fusion joint?
Third party testing demonstrates tensile strength across the joint bead to be 96% to 104% of the tensile strength of the pipe. This tensile strength determines the safe pull stress or force during installation.
What are the bending radii?
A full list of bending radii is available in a specification sheet located at www.undergroundsolutions.com.
What are the unique factors that allow Fusible C-900®, Fusible C-905® FPVC® to be fused?
The extrusion formulation meets standards for PPI TR-2, but has certain narrowed ranges of key ingredients. Fusible C-900®, Fusible C-905® and FPVC® is a proprietary formulation extruded for Underground Solutions by our partners. The formulation meets ASTM 12454B, and NSF-61 for use with drinking water. Additionally, the Underground Solutions™ patented fusion process ensures a high integrity "seamless" fused joint.
What is the difference between PE (polyethylene) fusion and Fusible C- 900®, Fusible C-905® and FPVC® fusion?
Fusible C-900®, Fusible C-905® and FPVC® fusion varies from PE in the temperature, pressure, and duration of each step of the process. Overall fusion time requirements are comparable to those of PE.
Is special training needed?
Yes. Fusion technician training/qualification can be achieved by contacting Underground Solutions™. Fusion of Fusible C-900®, Fusible C-905® and FPVC® can only reliably be completed by qualified fusion technicians. See separate Contractor FAQ for more information.
What equipment is needed to fuse Fusible C-900®, Fusible C-905® and FPVC®?
Standard butt-fusion equipment with technical modifications made for PVC fusion can be utilized to reliably fuse Underground Solutions™ pipe systems. However, fusion equipment must be properly maintained and in good working order per manufacturer recommendations - an inspection may be required.
Does the fusion joint qualify as a restrained joint?
Yes.
Is the exterior fusion bead left on or removed?
Underground Solutions recommends that the external bead be removed when a possible catch point may exist in a reamed HDD drill hole or in a host pipe at a joint during sliplining, otherwise the bead may be left intact. Bead removal usually adds no cost or time to the joint as it is typically accomplished during the cool down period.
Is the internal fusion bead left on or removed?
Studies indicate negligible loss of performance in flow under pressure due to the internal bead. The internal bead is recommended to be left intact for pressure applications. (Example: When comparing a continuous length 8-inch DR18 with no internal bead to one with an internal bead, the difference in flow of 1000gpm is 0.173gpm and a head loss of .013 ft.)
Can any C-900/C-905 PVC pipe be fused?
No. High strength joints are only achieved with the specific Underground Solutions™ PVC extrusion formulation, found only in Fusible C-900®, Fusible C-905® and FPVC® and when combined with the Underground Solutions™ fusion process.
Can it be tapped?
Yes, Fusible C-900®, Fusible C-905® and FPVC® use standard AWWA PVC tapping saddles. Tapping without a saddle or sleeve is not recommended. Approved Uni-Bell standard PVC procedures are recommended.
What are the applications for Fusible C-900®, Fusible C-905® and FPVC®?
Many sliplining, direct bury, pipe bursting, and horizontal directional drilling applications have already been completed. Micro-tunneling and pipe jacking are also feasible. Please call your company representative for case studies and examples.
What are the safe (or allowable) pull back forces?
A full list of pulling force information is available on a specification sheet located at www.undergroundsolutions.com.
What is the critical buckling pressure?
Critical buckling pressures are dependent on pipe DR rating. A full list of critical buckling pressure information is available on a specification sheet located at www.undergroundsolutions.com.
What sizes are available?
Diameter: 3" - 36" DIPS (with larger sizes in development) Length: 20, 30, and 40 foot sticks and custom lengths available DR-14 through DR-41 Other IPS, Schedule 40, and Schedule 80 sizes available
What is standard lead time?
2 to 6 weeks from date of purchase order unless already in stock (1-2 weeks).
How long will Fusible C-900®, Fusible C-905® and FPVC® last once installed?
The PVC industry rates PVC pipe at a design life is 100 years or greater.
Can I order Fusible C-900®, Fusible C-905® and FPVC® in different colors For different applications?
Yes. Blue for potable water, green for sewer, purple for reclaimed water, white for storm sewer & irrigation, and gray for electrical conduit are all available.
What types of fittings are typically used in conjunction with butt-fused PVC pipe systems?
Fusible C-900®, Fusible C-905® and FPVC®pipe systems utilize readily Available standard PVC or DIPS fittings that most owners already have in stock and crews are trained in installing. Expensive thermal tapping or repairs are therefore unnecessary. For recommendations on specific fittings or connection hardware - please feel free to call UGSI.
Are the joints fused per an AWWA specification as with HDPE?
AWWA C906 for HDPE gives very general guidelines that would not be specific enough or appropriate for actual pipe fusion. AWWA C906 eventually refers to Plastic Pipe Institute Technical Report 33 (PPI-TR33) which in turn specifies temperature and pressure ranges, but eventually acknowledges that other procedures are viable and pipe manufacturers should also be consulted. UGSI would meet these specifications if they were written for PVC. However, UGSI goes a step further by only allowing fusion to be accomplished by technicians that have been trained through a 2-3 day course held by the company. UGSI has the sole patent for PVC fusion and therefore does not require an industry standard to govern proper fusion techniques by potentially unqualified field personnel. UGSI will only license a fusion contractor after contractor personnel have been trained in the techniques of PVC butt-fusion by the company.
Where does one obtain Fusible C-900®, Fusible C-905® and FPVC® pipe?
Contact Underground Solutions (see contact information below).