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 Application1
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. A number 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:2
electrofusion joints made entirely of polyethylene for the D3350 Specification 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 E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive
not be considered part of this practice. Testing
NOTE 2—This practice references HDPE and MDPE for pipe applica-
tions as defined by Specification D3350.
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
2.2 ASNT Documents:3
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-189 Standard for Qualification and Certifi-
1.3 The practice is intended to be used on joint thicknesses cation of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
iTeh Standards
of 0.5 in. to 4 in. (12 mm to 100 mm) and diameters 4 in.
(100 mm) and greater. Greater and lesser thicknesses and lesser
2.3 Military Standard:4
MIL-STD-410 Nondestructive Testing Personnel Qualifica-
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
diameters may be tested using this standard practice if the
technique can be demonstrated to provide adequate detection
tion and Certification
2.4 AIA Document:5
on mockups of the same wall thickness and geometry.
Document Preview
1.4 This practice can be applied to post assembly inspection
of polyethylene electrofusion joints.
NAS 410 Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive
Testing Personnel
2.5 Welding Authority Document:6
1.5 This practice does not specify acceptance criteria. DVS Direction 2202-1 Imperfections in Thermoplastic
ASTM E3102-18Welded Joints; Features, Descriptions, Evaluation
1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
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2.6 ISO Standard:7
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only ISO 9712 Non-destructive Testing – Qualification and Cer-
and are not considered standard. tification of NDT Personnel
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- 2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 3
Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing (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. 4
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, 700
Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.
5
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.
7
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

1
 E3102 − 18
3.1.2 cell classification, n—for polyethylene pipe resin, this 3.1.14 scan, n—the movement of the probe in a straight line,
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-term performance capabilities and color/UV stability. 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
which there is little commingling of the polymer chains due to 4. Summary of Practice
reasons other than contamination. 4.1 This practice provides a general description of the
3.1.4 dimension ratio (DR), n—the average outside pipe procedures to carry out microwave examination of polyethyl-
diameter divided by the minimum wall thickness. ene electrofusion joints in piping systems.
3.1.4.1 Discussion—The wall thickness increases when the 4.2 This practice consists of bathing the electrofusion joint
DR decreases. in a field of magnetic radiation at a specific frequency (or range
3.1.4.2 Discussion—Standard Dimension Ratio (SDR) is an of frequencies) in the microwave range using a MW Probe.
ANSI term to describe specific DRs in the series, that is, DR9, This probe is passed over the electrofusion joint in a controlled
DR11, DR17, and others. technique using a specified scan and index pattern until the
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, this is the plane that contains the electric field and transducer along the scan lines, and the resulting transducer
is at a right angle to the H plane. voltage is recorded along with its position as measured by scan
3.1.6 electrofusion joining, n—the joining of two polyeth- and index coordinates. Upon completion, the voltage and
ylene pipe ends using an electrofusion coupling that has a heat position matrix is displayed by assigning either a false color
source as an integral part of the design such as electrical wires. range or a gray scale range to the voltages.
When a current is induced into wires, these produce heat and 4.3 The image of the microwave scan is interpreted by a
iTeh Standards
melt the surrounding surfaces of the pipe and coupling. The
melted material from the two components flow together and
qualified user per 6.2 and compared to scans generated from
the reference components with the intent to non-destructively

3.1.7 H plane, n—in the(https://standards.iteh.ai)

fuse to make the joint. assess the overall joint quality.
case of a linearly polarized 4.4 This practice provides a method for routine inspection

field, and it is at a right angle to the Document Preview

microwave probe, this is the plane that contains the magnetic of HDPE electrofused joints prior to placing them in service as
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
having a density range of >0.940 g/cm3 – 0.965ASTM E3102-18
g/cm3 per based on workmanship or fitness for purpose.
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Specification D3350.
5. Significance and Use
3.1.9 index, n—the movement of the probe in the circum-
ferential direction at the completion of a scan line, typically in 5.1 Polyethylene piping has been used instead of steel alloys
small increments, to position the probe to the start of the next in the petrochemical, power, water, gas distribution, and
scan. mining industries due to its resistance to corrosion and erosion
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.
3.1.10.1 Discussion—For polyethylene, the “PE-XXXX” 5.2 MW examination is useful for detecting various flaws
format represents the density (1st digit), slow crack growth that are known to occur in polyethylene electrofused joints.
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,
having a density range of >0.926 g/cm3 – 0.940 g/cm3 per 6.2 Personnel Qualifications:
Specification D3350. 6.2.1 Personnel performing examinations to this standard
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
ates an electromagnetic field in the microwave frequency range 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—a MW transducer and a waveguide or other 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.

2
 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, it may be used with agreement between contracting parties. 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
Specification E543 shall be specified in the contractual agree- 7.4 In order to aid microwave examination, the electrode
ment. connections can be removed from the OD side of the joint (that
is, the side of the joint to be examined) after the joint has been
6.4 Procedures and Techniques: fused. Do not remove any electrodes of couplings that have not
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,
and number of artificial flaws to be placed in the reference 8.1 A MW transducer with a single frequency, or a fre-
samples. quency range if a swept frequency device is used, shall be used
6.4.1.2 Method(s) for measuring dimensions of artificial for this examination. The frequency or frequency range se-
flaws in the reference samples and tolerance limits if different lected shall be shown to be capable of detecting the reference
than specified in Section 10. flaws of the types described in Section 10 to the extent required
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 Size and type of electrofusion joint or coupling to be standardization and procedure qualification described in Sec-
examined. tions 11 and 12.
iTeh Standards
6.5.1.3 Number or percentage of joints to be examined.
6.5.1.4 The stage(s) in the manufacturing process at which 8.3 The stand-off and orientation (that is, E or H Field) of
the probe shall be capable of being adjusted to produce a
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the joints will be examined.
6.5.1.5 The surface condition requirement of the inspected satisfactory signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio for the detection of the
area. required flaws as compared to background “noise” response
6.6 Reporting Criteria: Document
6.6.1 Reporting criteria for the examination results shall be
Preview
from irregularities such as surface roughness, labels, and wire
signal return.
in accordance with Section 15 unless otherwise specified. The 8.4 The final configuration of the probe and equipment shall
ASTM E3102-18
report shall include at least the following information: be selected to produce a desirable S/N for the inspection. For
6.6.1.1 Requirements for permanent records of the response example, the minimum value for the S/N for the smallest flaw
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in the reference pipe described in 10.3 should be at least 1.5. A
from each joint, if applicable.
6.6.1.2 Contents of examination report. higher minimum value is desirable and may be specified by the
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
addressed in this standard and if required or permitted, shall be axial to the pipe and the index is in the circumferential
specified in the contractual agreement. direction. Select a scan speed and index that provides a
reasonable total scan time without sacrificing S/N quality.
7. Surface Preparation Typically, a 0.1 in. (2.5 mm) index is chosen and a maximum
7.1 All inspection surfaces shall be clean and free of scale, index is considered to be 0.24 in. (6.4 mm).
dirt, grease, paint, or other foreign material that could interfere 8.6 Encoder positional information is calibrated and verified
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
7.2 Warning—Do not use mechanical devices (such as any inspection.
flapper wheels, grinders, sanders, etc.) to clean PE joints or any 8.7 The position of the scanner shall be set such that as
part to be inspected. This action renders the part unacceptable much of the electrofusion joint (includes the fused area of the
for inspection. pipe) is inspected as possible. Total scan length is dependent on
7.3 Surfaces should be smooth and free of any deep the type and size of the electrofusion coupling. The scan
grooves, gouges, dents, or other surface geometry that may direction is displayed as the “Y” axis (axial direction) and the
adversely impact the inspection. Surface flaws or markings of index direction is the “X” axis (circumferential directions).