What are the effects of material degradation during the connection process of PE butt fusion fittings

As a pipe connection technology commonly used in the fields of water, natural gas and chemical transportation, PE Butt Fusion is of great importance. Although PE materials are widely used due to their excellent chemical stability and corrosion resistance, the degradation of materials still needs urgent attention in the actual connection process. The degradation of materials will not only weaken the strength and durability of the connection, but also may cause a series of safety hazards, affecting the overall reliability of the pipeline system.

Causes of material degradation
The degradation of polyethylene materials is mainly due to the following factors:
High temperature environment: During the hot melt connection process, PE materials need to be heated to a molten state. If the temperature is too high or the heating time is too long, the material may be thermally degraded, thereby changing its molecular structure and affecting the quality of the connection.
Ultraviolet radiation: When exposed to sunlight for a long time, PE materials will be affected by ultraviolet rays, causing their molecular chains to break, thereby causing the degradation of the material. This degradation not only affects the physical properties of the material, but may also cause changes in its chemical properties.
Chemical corrosion: In certain specific chemical environments, such as strong acids or strong alkalis, PE materials may degrade, significantly affecting their physical and chemical properties and reducing their effectiveness in specific applications.

Decrease in connection strength
The degradation of materials directly affects the strength of the connection. During the hot-melt connection process, if the PE material degrades, the molecular chains in the weld area will become shorter, resulting in a significant decrease in weld strength. This decrease in strength may not only lead to joint failure, but also cause leakage or pipeline rupture, seriously endangering the safety and reliability of the pipeline system.

Reduction in pressure resistance
The pressure resistance of PE pipes is one of the important indicators of their application. Material degradation will cause a significant decrease in the pressure resistance of the pipeline under high-pressure conditions. The degraded PE material may not be able to withstand normal working pressure, increasing the risk of pipeline rupture. Especially in the transportation system of natural gas or other high-pressure fluids, rupture accidents will lead to serious consequences and may cause safety accidents such as fire or explosion.

Weakened chemical resistance
Although PE materials generally have good chemical resistance, the resistance of degraded materials to certain chemicals is significantly reduced. This means that in certain chemical environments, degraded PE pipes may suffer from corrosion, further affecting their service life and safety. For example, in chemical environments such as chemical plants or sewage treatment plants, degradation may cause premature failure of the pipeline, affecting the normal operation and safety of production.

Impact on long-term stability of pipelines
The long-term stability of PE pipelines is one of the core considerations for their application. Material degradation will cause problems such as embrittlement and cracking of the pipeline during long-term use, significantly shortening its service life. Degraded PE materials are more likely to rupture when subjected to external impact or pressure, leading to failure of the pipeline system. This not only increases maintenance costs, but may also cause environmental pollution and potential safety accidents.