Journal of Ocean Engineering and Technology (한국해양공학회지)

Korean Society of Ocean Engineers (한국해양공학회)
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Electrofusion Joining Technology for Polyethylene Pipes Using Carbon Fiber

탄소섬유를 이용한 Polyethylene배관의 전기융착 기술

  • Ahn, Seok-Hwan (Leaders in INdustry-university Cooperation, Pukyong National University) ;
  • Ha, Yoo-Sung (Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pukyong National University) ;
  • Moon, Chang-Kwon (Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pukyong National University)
  • 안석환 (부경대학교 산학협력 선도대학(LINC) 육성사업단) ;
  • 하유성 (부경대학교 재료공학과) ;
  • 문창권 (부경대학교 재료공학과)
  • Received : 2013.07.31
  • Accepted : 2013.10.10
  • Published : 2013.10.31
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Abstract

Fuel gas is an important energy source that is being increasingly used because of the convenience and clean energy provided. Natural gas is supplied to consumers safely through an underground gas-pipe network made of a polyethylene material. In electrofusion, which is one of the joining methods used, copper wire is used as the heating wire. However, it takes a long time for fusion to occur because the electrical resistance of copper is low. In this study, therefore, electrofusion was conducted by replacing the copper heating wire with carbon fiber to reduce the fusion time and improve the production when joining large pipes. Fusion and tensile tests were performed after the electrofusion joint was made in the polyethylene pipe using carbon fiber. The results showed that the fusion time was shorter and the temperature inside the pipe was higher with an increase in the current value. The ultimate tensile strength of specimens was higher than that of virgin polyethylene pipe, except for polyethylene pipes joined using a current of 0.8 A. The best fusion current value was 0.9 or 1.0 A because of the short fusion time and lack of transformation inside the pipe. Thus, it was shown that carbon fiber can be used to replace the copper heating wire.

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References

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