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Electrofusion Coupler
Gamson manufactures high-performance Electrofusion Couplers, which are specialized fittings used to join two HDPE pipes using an electrical heating process. Unlike butt fusion, which melts the ends of the pipes, electrofusion uses internal resistive heating coils embedded within the fitting. When an electrical current is applied via an electrofusion processor, the coils melt the outer surface of the pipe and the inner surface of the coupler, creating a localized, high-strength molecular bond.
Key Features
- Internal Heating Coils: Precision-wound resistive wires ensure uniform heat distribution across the entire fusion zone, preventing cold spots and ensuring a consistent weld.
- Airtight & Watertight Seal: Ideal for high-pressure water and gas applications, providing a joint that is often stronger than the pipe itself.
- Smart Recognition: Most Gamson couplers feature a barcode that can be scanned by the electrofusion machine to automatically set the correct fusion time, voltage, and cooling period.
- Trench-Friendly Design: Perfect for repairs or installations in tight spaces where a bulky butt-fusion machine cannot be used.
- Integrated Indicators: Features pop-up fusion indicators that rise during the heating process to provide a visual confirmation that the expansion pressure was reached.
Technical Specifications
| Material Grade | PE 100 / PE 80 High-Density Polyethylene |
|---|---|
| Pressure Rating | PN 10 (SDR 17), PN 16 (SDR 11), up to PN 25 |
| Voltage Requirements | Typically 39.5V to 40V (Standard EF Processors) |
| Size Range | 20 mm to 1200 mm OD |
| Terminal Pins | 4.0 mm or 4.7 mm universal pins |
| Standard Compliance | ISO 4427, EN 1555, EN 12201 |
Primary Applications
- Gas Distribution: The industry standard for gas networks due to the high-integrity, leak-proof nature of the joint.
- Water Mains & Repairs: Extensively used for emergency repairs or joining pipes in narrow trenches where the pipe cannot be moved.
- Telecom Ducting: Providing airtight seals for PLB HDPE ducts used in high-pressure fiber optic cable blowing.
- Industrial Chemical Lines: Safe joining of chemical-resistant piping where mechanical joints are not permitted.
- Vertical Pipe Runs: Preferred for overhead or vertical installations where gravity makes butt-fusion difficult.
Installation Guidelines
- Scraping: Use a mechanical pipe scraper to remove the oxidized outer layer of the HDPE pipe. Failure to scrape will lead to a brittle joint failure.
- Cleaning: Clean the scraped pipe and the internal surface of the coupler with 90% Isopropyl alcohol to remove grease or dust.
- Marking & Insertion: Mark the insertion depth on the pipe to ensure it is pushed halfway into the coupler.
- Clamping: Use a pipe alignment clamp to ensure there is no stress or movement during the fusion and cooling cycles.
- Fusion: Connect the machine to the terminal pins and scan the barcode. Start the process and monitor the fusion indicators.
- Cooling: Do not remove the clamps or move the pipe until the cooling time listed on the barcode has elapsed.
