FUSION PROCESS FOR CONDUIT

摘要

Disclosed is a method and apparatus for use in a fusion process for conduit. The method includes the steps of: removably positioning a first terminal edge (18) of a first conduit portion (10) with a first terminal edge (20) of a second conduit portion (12); facing the terminal edges (18, 20) of the first conduit portion (10) and the second conduit portion (12); aligning the terminal edges (18, 20) of the first conduit portion (10) and the second conduit portion (12); melting at least a portion of the terminal edges (18, 20) of the first conduit portion (10) and the second conduit portion (12); engaging the melted terminal edge of the first conduit portion (10) with the melted terminal edge of the second conduit portion (12); maintaining pressure between the engaged terminal edges, thereby creating a fused joint area (22); and removing at least a portion of the resultant external bead (24) extending around the fused joint area (22). A fusion apparatus (14) for employing this method is also disclosed.