15TL4 text Recommended Practice for Care and Use of Fiberglass Tubulars API RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 15TL4 SECOND EDITION, MARCH 1999 REAFFIRMED, OCTOBER 2013 Recommended Practice for Care and Use of Fibe[.]
General
Fiberglass tubulars and threads are precision-engineered components that necessitate careful handling Regardless of their condition—new, used, or reconditioned—it's essential to always use protectors during handling to ensure their integrity.
Transportation
To prevent damage during truck transportation of tubulars, it is essential to follow specific practices Use flatbed trucks instead of pole trailers, ensuring the trailer's bed length prevents any overhang Implement stripping under the bottom layer and between each layer to avoid damage and shifting, with a minimum of four supports for 30-foot lengths Stripping material should be softer than the tubulars, placed no more than six feet apart, and aligned vertically without protruding nails Load all couplings on the same end of the truck and take care to prevent chafing of joint shoulders Finally, secure the load with suitable tie-downs, such as woven cloth straps, while minimizing bending and avoiding damage to the tubulars.
For shipments other than by truck, packaging, loading and protection procedures shall be agreed upon between the pur- chaser and the manufacturer.
Handling
When handling fiberglass tubulars, it is essential to ensure that the protectors are securely in place before unloading Additionally, inspect the body for any signs of damage, including delaminations, crazing, indentations, contaminations, imbedments, or tears.
The manufacturer will provide descriptive criteria for visual inspection upon request To prevent damage to the body and threads of tubulars, avoid rough handling during loading and unloading Each length of the bundle should be handled individually, and fiberglass tubulars should never be unloaded by pulling out side stakes or boards, as this can cause them to roll off the trailer Additionally, avoid using hooks for lifting, as they can damage the ends of the tubulars; instead, woven cloth slings with spreader bars are recommended for safe unloading.
When handling fiberglass tubulars, it is crucial to avoid excessive flexing, as this can occur if the bend radius is smaller than the manufacturer's recommended minimum.
Storage
To ensure the safe storage of fiberglass tubulars, it is crucial to avoid placing them directly on the ground or hard surfaces like steel or concrete floors, as traditional steel pipe racks are unsuitable Implementing stripping under the bottom layer and between each layer is essential to prevent damage and shifting, with a minimum of four supports recommended for 30-foot lengths The stripping material should be softer than the fiberglass, no more than six feet apart, and aligned vertically without protruding nails Additionally, stagger adjoining lengths of tubulars to match the coupling length, and secure them with wooden blocks at both ends of the spacing strips Finally, avoid stacking tubulars higher than what is safe for inspections and handling.
Preparation and Inspection Before Running
Inspection criteria for fiberglass tubing are distinct from those for steel tubulars Users are advised to review the inspection practices outlined by manufacturers to prepare for the visual examination of fiberglass tubing, as detailed in the Appendix.
E, along with the definition of defects contained in Table E-1.
All fiberglass tubing, regardless of its condition, must be handled with thread protectors to ensure safety It is essential to store the tubing on racks or on clean wooden or metal surfaces, avoiding contact with rocks, sand, or dirt If the tubing is dragged through dirt, it is crucial to clean, inspect, and service the threads as specified in section 6.1.9.
R ECOMMENDED P RACTICE FOR C ARE AND U SE OF F IBERGLASS T UBULARS 3
6.1.3 Before running in the hole, tubing interiors may be visually inspected and drifted with an API drift mandrel
It is advisable for users to choose the tubing joint to be installed at the top of the string prior to beginning the hole installation Due to the allowable tolerance on the outer diameter just behind the tubing, issues may arise when using wrap-around seal-type hangers with fiberglass tubing that is produced on the higher end of the tolerance.
6.1.5 Elevators should be in good repair, and should be visually inspected and have links of equal length Latch fit- tings should be complete.
Standard elevators are advised for all threaded and coupled installations For integral joint installations, slip type elevators without a setting ring are preferred, as integral joint tubing can become wedged in standard elevators when the weight exceeds 5,000 lb However, standard elevators can still be utilized for weights below this threshold.
6.1.7 Spider slips should be examined before using to see that they are working together, so that they will not crush the tubing.
Tongs (wrenches) must be specifically designed for fiberglass and tailored to the dimensions of the product in use Extreme caution is essential when using powered tongs, and it is crucial to adhere to the manufacturer's recommended make-up procedures for new tubing without exceeding them Additionally, the use of pipe wrenches is discouraged.
Note: Injurious slip and tong marks should be avoided by not using rig tongs.
When preparing threads, it is crucial to take specific precautions to ensure their integrity First, remove protectors from both ends and inspect the threads for any damage; if any damage is found, set them aside unless there are effective means to repair them, as outlined in the visual inspection standards of Table E-1, Appendix E Next, clean the threads with a wire brush, especially for tubing that has been previously used Finally, wash the threads and dry them thoroughly with clean tissues or rags, as any remaining liquid in the thread root can hinder proper lubrication.
CAUTION: The manufacturer’s directions, precautions, and
It is essential to read and follow the Material Safety Data Sheets for cleaning fluids and adhere to regulations regarding the disposal of used fluids Before installation, measure each piece of tubing using a steel tape calibrated in decimal feet to the nearest 0.01 ft, starting from the outermost face of the coupling to the point where the coupling stops after make-up The total measured lengths will indicate the unloaded length of the tubing string, while the actual length under tension can be confirmed with the manufacturer Additionally, ensure that clean protectors are placed on the pin end of the tubing to prevent thread damage during handling, and these protectors can be cleaned and reused.
6.1.10 The tubing should be lifted into the derrick care- fully, tailing the pin end, to prevent damage to the tubing,couplings, and protectors.
Stabbing, Making Up and Lowering
6.2.1 Do not remove thread protector from the pin end of tubing until ready to stab.
6.2.2 Center rig over well bore prior to running Check alignment periodically on deep wells.
Before initiating the stabbing process, ensure that an adequate amount of thread compound is applied to completely fill the thread profile on both the pin and the box It is essential to use a thread compound that meets the manufacturer's specifications Additionally, the brush or utensil used for applying the thread compound must be kept clean and free from contaminants, and the compound should not be thinned.
PTFE (Teflon™) tape is unnecessary for sealing API 8-round threads and is not recommended for use on tubing, as it may increase the risk of thread damage during pulling operations.
When stabbing vertically with the help of a man on the stabbing board, it is crucial to avoid misalignment or tilting If misalignment occurs, the tubing should be lifted to inspect the pin and box for any damaged threads In case of damage, clean the threads to remove fragments, reinspect according to Appendix E, Table E-1, and reapply thread compound Additionally, intermediate supports can be used in the derrick to minimize tubing bowing.
6.2.5 Make up joints hand tight after stabbing Apply torque slowly to make up the connection to the recommended torque or positions values established by the manufacturer.
Note: The torque required for make up of fiberglass tubing is signifi- cantly lower than the torque required for steel tubulars.
6.2.6 Spiders, slips, and elevators should be cleaned fre- quently and slip inserts should be kept sharp.
6.2.7 Finding bottom should be accomplished with extreme caution Do not set tubing down heavily.
When lowering tubing into the well bore, it is crucial to avoid sudden stops to prevent dynamic tensile loadings Ensure that tubing motion is halted before setting the slips, and take care when running couplings through slips and blow-out preventers.
Pulling Tubing
During the disengagement of bottom hole tools and equipment, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution to ensure that the tubing can exit the hole freely A calibrated weight indicator should be utilized, and fluid levels in the tubing and casing annulus must be equalized by filling or swabbing The live load of the tubing in the fluid should be accurately determined to guarantee that the rig operator is aware of the tubing weight during the initial lift It is essential to never exceed the manufacturer's rated tensile loading when attempting to disengage from bottom hole tools.
6.3.2 If tubing is stuck, try lowering the tubing, to one half the string live load, then lifting (with rotation if required) up to manufacturer’s maximum recommended tensile rating.
If significant sludge or sediment has built up at the bottom of the hole, multiple cycles may be necessary In cases where tubing is stuck, it is more cost-effective to cut or mill the tubing at the joint above the bottom hole connection rather than attempting to pull the entire string apart This approach preserves more of the string and reduces the number of fishing trips needed.
Break-out tongs must be placed near the coupling to avoid damaging practices such as hammering directly on the coupling or box to break out a joint If tapping is necessary, it is recommended to use a wooden slat, such as a 2 x 4, as a buffer between the hammer and the fiberglass.
Gently tap the center of the engaged thread and around the threaded joint, avoiding tapping near the ends or only on opposite sides Ensure that tapping is performed while maintaining a consistent breakout torque.
When lifting the tubing out of the coupling (box), it is crucial to ensure that all threads are completely disengaged Avoid jumping the tubing out of the coupling or continuing to rotate it after the last thread has been disengaged.
When stacking tubing in the derrick, it is essential to place it on a sturdy wooden platform to ensure stability To prevent dirt and damage to the threads while the tubing is out of the hole, it is advisable to use pin end thread protectors for added protection.
6.3.6 Tubing set back in the derrick should be properly supported to prevent undue bending Tubing 2 3 / 8 -in O.D., and larger, can be pulled in stands approximately 60 feet long
(doubles) Stands of tubing 1.900-in O.D or smaller, should have intermediate support Stands longer than 60 ft (i.e tri- ples) are not recommended.
6.3.7 Prior to leaving location, always firmly tie a set back of tubing in place.
6.3.8 Make sure threads are undamaged, clean, and well- coated with compound before re-running.
To minimize wear on joints and tubing, reverse the string each time the tubing is pulled, ensuring that the first joint removed is the first one reinserted into the well Additionally, when pulling doubles, alternate the break-out point to evenly distribute wear on the connections.
6.3.10 All threads should be cleaned and clean protectors should be placed on the tubing before it is laid down.
6.3.11 Before tubing is stored or re-used, tubing and threads should be inspected and defective joints segregated.
When retrieving tubing due to a failure, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive study to prevent future occurrences Efforts should focus on retrieving the failed section in its original condition If the analysis indicates that product quality contributed to the failure, the findings must be reported to the API office in Washington, DC.
Completion Practices
Before installing fiberglass tubing within steel casing, it is essential to scrape and circulate the casing to eliminate any scale or obstructions that could hinder downhole operations If the exact size of the casing is uncertain, a gage ring or caliper should be utilized.
When connecting fiberglass pipes to steel, it is essential to inspect the steel threads for any burrs that may damage the fiberglass threads To ensure a secure connection, remove these burrs by using a threaded steel fitting The optimal method for joining fiberglass to steel is through a fiberglass pin connected to a steel coupling (box).
Fiberglass threads are generally long form 8-round, while most downhole steel tools feature short form 8-round It is crucial to ensure compatibility between the coupling and pin thread lengths When connecting long form to short form 8-round, it is necessary to remove threads from the pin as indicated in the provided table.
1 as a guideline (See also API Spec 5B and the applicable product specification).
6.4.4 Fiberglass tubing installed in open hole completions should be equipped with centralizers, jet plugs, or tubing anchors without rubber elements to prevent free swinging and unscrewing.
6.4.5 Permanent, or drillable packers used with fiberglass tubing set with a latch in assembly are preferred Do not use compression set packers.
6.4.6 Tension packers should be set with a weight indicator to obtain proper tension Packers should be equipped with soft rubber (50 to 65 Durometer A) elements.
6.4.7 Fiberglass tubing used in rod pumping installations must be equipped with tubing anchors to minimize breathing and buckling.
6.4.8 Sucker rods installed in fiberglass tubing should be plastic coated Nylon or hard rubber rod guides should be used to minimize tubing wear.
6.4.9 Couplings (box ends) on fiberglass tubing are gener- ally larger than equivalent steel sizes and care should be taken
R ECOMMENDED P RACTICE FOR C ARE AND U SE OF F IBERGLASS T UBULARS 5 to provide adequate clearance, e.g, for cables in submersible pump installations.
Fishing
Standard oilfield fishing tools, such as spears and overshots, are essential for fishing operations It is crucial to ensure that these tools are appropriately sized for both the outside and inside diameters of the tubulars Notably, fiberglass tubular dimensions differ from the API dimensions used for steel tubulars.
Milling and Drilling
A standard three-cone rock bit is an effective tool for drilling fiberglass tubulars, ensuring reliable performance To optimize drilling rates, it is essential to produce cuttings that are small enough to navigate through surface piping restrictions, such as valves and elbows.
Causes of Fiberglass Tubing Problems
Common causes of problems include improper selection for strength and life, insufficient inspection at the mill or in the field, and careless loading, unloading, and cartage Additionally, damaged threads can result from protectors loosening or improper stabbing, while lack of care in handling and storage can exacerbate issues Worn-out or improper handling equipment and tools, along with improper procedures in running, lifting, and pulling tubing, contribute to failures Compression loads, alternating tension or compression loads, and rod cutting or sucker rod breakage are also significant factors Furthermore, excessive expansion and contraction due to temperature and pressure fluctuations, dropping a string from even a short distance, and exceeding internal or external pressure ratings can lead to problems Lastly, erosion from entrained abrasives and leaky joints under pressure are common issues that may arise.
1 Improper thread compound and/or application.
2 Dirty threads, or threads contaminated with foreign material
Ditch Preparation
The ditch must feature vertical sides and be deep enough to accommodate a protective bedding layer of sand or compacted fine-grain soils It is essential for the bedding of the trench to be uniform and continuous.
To ensure uniform bearing on the pipe, it is essential to level any unevenness Additionally, precautions must be taken to prevent damage from falling rocks and other materials into the ditch For further guidance on ditch preparation, consult AWWA Standard C-950 or ASTM D3839.
7.1.2 Horizontal and vertical changes which should require sharper bends than recommended by the manufacturer must be made with appropriate fittings and the ditch excavated accordingly.
When installing fiberglass pipe in a conduit, it is essential to take precautions to prevent damage This includes using saddles or rigid centralizers to properly center the pipe within the conduit Additionally, the trench soil at the casing end must be compacted to avoid shearing of the pipe, and protection from rough, sharp edges at the casing's end is crucial.
Thrust blocks are essential in scenarios where a pipeline changes direction, reduces in size, reaches a dead end, or experiences significant expansion variations It is important to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations and consult AWWA Standard C-950 or ASTM D3839 for further guidance.
7.1.5 When multiple lines are laid in a single ditch, the manufacturer’s recommendations on lateral spacing and ditch width should be requested and followed.
Assembly
The assembly method differs based on the joining system employed For API standard joint types, six-inch and larger line pipes are typically assembled in the ditch, while smaller diameter pipes are generally assembled on the surface before being walked into the ditch.
When lowering the pipe into the ditch, it is crucial to avoid exceeding the minimum bending radius Additionally, during all handling operations, it is important to protect the joints, especially those that will be adhesively bonded, from exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Adhesive bonding must be conducted according to a documented procedure that has been validated through testing for the specific application It is essential that personnel involved in the bonding process are properly trained and certified through testing to ensure the quality and reliability of the bonding operations.
Qualified written procedures, and training assistance, are available from the manufacturers of the fiberglass pipe.
Appendix A provides guidelines for preparation of a writ- ten fiberglass pipe bonding procedure.
Appendix B provides guidelines for preparation of a writ- ten procedure for qualification of bonding personnel.
Appendix C is a sample bonded-joint inspection sheet.
Appendix D provides guidelines for preparation of a writ- ten line pipe repair procedure.
When bonding fiberglass pipe, it is crucial to minimize exposure of the surfaces to ultraviolet rays, as even brief exposure can weaken joint strength To ensure optimal bonding, it is recommended to sand and retaper the joints Additionally, bells should be shielded from UV exposure until immediately before the bonding process begins.
When bonding matched taper bell and spigot joints, it is crucial to avoid interchanging products from different manufacturers to ensure a thin, uniform bondline Using excessive adhesive can compromise the strength of the joint.
CAUTION: Some components used in the bonding operations may cause skin irritation or burns Inhaling the vapors should be avoided The manufacturer’s precautions and Material
Safety Data Sheets should be read and followed closely Store and dispose of the container and spent materials in accord with applicable regulations.
To ensure proper assembly of threaded line pipe, it is crucial that the threads are clean and dry before applying thread compound, as any foreign material can damage the threads and lead to failure The recommended procedure includes removing protectors from both ends and inspecting the threads for damage, setting aside any that are compromised unless repair options are available, in accordance with API Spec 15HR standards Additionally, it is essential to brush dirty threads with a clean wire brush, especially for previously used pipe, followed by washing and thoroughly drying the threads with tissue or rags to eliminate any moisture that could hinder effective lubrication.
CAUTION: The manufacturer’s directions, precautions and
It is essential to read and follow the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for cleaning fluids, ensuring compliance with regulations regarding the disposal of used products Additionally, it is important to apply thread compound to pin and box threads as recommended by the manufacturer.
Note: PTFE (Teflon™) tape is not required to affect a seal with API
Using 8-round threads can enhance leak tightness in connections made without torque control, but this may also increase the risk of thread damage when breaking taped connections It is essential to follow the manufacturer's specifications, as over-tightening can damage fiberglass threads.
Start the threads by hand, making sure the thread is straight.
Make up hand-tight, then tighten with a strap wrench or man- ufacturers supplied wrench Use powered wrenches with caution Make up in accord with the manufacturer’s recom- mended practices.
Note: The torque values for make up of fiberglass pipe are signifi- cantly lower than torque values required for steel tubulars.
Proprietary connections should be handled and joined according to the manufacturers recommendations.
When creating threaded connections between fiberglass pipes and steel, it is essential to inspect the steel threads for any burrs that may damage the fiberglass threads To eliminate these burrs, use a threaded steel fitting to chase the steel threads The optimal method for connecting steel to fiberglass is by using a fiberglass pin within a steel coupling (box).
When installing fiberglass pipes, it's important to note that they usually feature long form threads, while short form steel threads are commonly used in linepipe installations To properly connect a long form pin to a short form coupling, it is necessary to remove threads from the pin end as specified in Table 1.
Pressure Testing
Pressure testing is essential to ensure that the line can handle normal operating pressures It is important to adequately cover the lines in the ditch to reduce pipe movement, while leaving connections and fittings exposed for inspection during the testing phase.
Pressure testing must utilize a recording device to track line pressure over time, with a recommended minimum duration of 4 hours Throughout the test hold period, it is essential to walk the line and visually inspect the pipe and connections for any signs of leakage, distortion, or damage.
CAUTION: Failure of products under pressure can be hazard- ous to personnel and equipment.
To effectively test a system for leaks, it is essential to conduct the process in small segments Avoid using gases like air for pressure testing; instead, use water while ensuring all air is purged from the lines beforehand Water should be introduced at low points, with provisions for bleeding air at high points to prevent compressed air from skewing results A reliable method for complete air removal is to use a pig to displace air during the filling process Additionally, be aware that pressure in fiberglass line pipes may fluctuate with ambient temperature changes, so always adhere to the manufacturer's recommended practices for pressure testing.
Note: Because of environmental considerations, the use of fresh water for hydrotesting may be desirable.
R ECOMMENDED P RACTICE FOR C ARE AND U SE OF F IBERGLASS T UBULARS 7
Air at a maximum pressure of 5 psi is effective for leak detection To identify leaks, all connections and fittings should be coated with a soap solution after achieving the test pressure This method allows for quick repairs, as it eliminates the need to remove water from the line or pump it from the ditch Additionally, gas lines should undergo leak testing, and the use of air and odorizer-type leak detectors can enhance the testing process.
When conducting pressure testing on a complete system, the test pressure must be determined by the segment with the lowest rating Water tests should be performed at pressures agreed upon by the installation contractor and the purchaser, ensuring they do not exceed the manufacturer's recommendations.
Applicable governmental regulations must be considered.
Back Filling
Back-filling should be promptly completed after testing to safeguard the pipe from potential damage, including risks from falling boulders, side wall cave-ins, flooding of the open ditch, and frozen back-fill material, as outlined by AWWA.
Standard C-950, or ASTM D3839, for additional information
When initiating the back-fill process, it is essential to ensure that adequate back-fill material is placed beneath the pipe to eliminate any voids between the pipe and the ditch bottom According to manufacturer recommendations, the pipe should be covered with fine-grained materials like sand or loose soil, while larger-grained fill can be utilized as the cover depth increases.
When burying pipes with more than three feet of cover, it is crucial to ensure they are securely supported by the surrounding fill This support helps the pipe withstand the weight of the overburden and reduces the risk of movement at shallower depths, which can lead to abrasion of the pipe wall.
Surface Lines
7.5.1 Follow the recommendations given under Sections 4,
To ensure the stability of overhead pipes and prevent movement that may lead to abrasion or excessive loading, it is essential to anchor and guide the pipes properly Support spans should adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines, and for further details, refer to AWWA C-950.
7.5.2 The use of thrust blocks should be considered Fol- low the manufacturer’s recommendations See AWWA C-950 for additional information
Tubing
Tubing body damage is irreparable, and excessively damaged tubing should be discarded For leaking tubing connections, the repair process involves breaking the connection, cleaning, and inspecting the threads If the threads are in acceptable condition, a thread compound should be applied before reassembling and pressure testing the connection Should the connection fail the pressure test, the repair can be repeated, threads can be reconditioned, or the pipe can be set aside If the threads are deemed unacceptable, they must be reconditioned following the manufacturer's guidelines, and their acceptability should be verified through gaging and inspection according to the relevant product specifications.
Line Pipe
Low pressure line pipe body leaks can be effectively repaired using saddles or by replacing the damaged section, following a written procedure as outlined in Appendix D For leaking bonded joints, overwrapping is a viable repair method, and it is advisable to adhere to a written procedure, also detailed in Appendix D In contrast, high pressure line pipe body leaks are irreparable; the damaged section must be removed and replaced by uncovering the area for approximately one full joint length on either side of the damage, cutting out the damaged section plus an additional two feet in both directions The pipe ends can then be field-threaded according to the manufacturer's recommendations for replacement with a coupling.
Table 1—Pin End Thread Removal
Threads to cut off to match short form
4 1 / 2 7 a Dimensions for fiberglass EUE tubing threads are found in API
Spec 5B (14th Ed.) Fiberglass EUE thread dimensions are found there in Table 14; and steel EUE thread dimensions are found in
Threads to cut off to match short form
9 5 / 8 11 a Dimensions for casing threads are found in API Spec 5B Long form thread dimensions are found there in Table 7, and short form thread dimensions are found in Table 6
When dealing with API 15TL4 pling and nipple flange arrangements, it is crucial to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations To address leaking threaded connectors, the connection should be broken, the threads cleaned, and a new thread compound applied before reassembling However, breaking threaded connections in the middle of a pipeline is impractical without cutting the pipe and using a fiberglass repair joint Alternatively, threaded connections can be replaced by cutting them out and installing a manufacturer-supplied repair joint or pipe section, or by utilizing the manufacturer's field-threading techniques for thread replacement For further details, refer to Appendix D.
Changes in operating conditions can impact the design life of equipment If there are alterations in the conveyed material, such as increased pressure, temperature, fluid velocity, or changes in chemistry, it is essential to consult the manufacturer's design literature It is advisable to include and keep the manufacturer's design documentation in the well or job file during installation for future reference.
9.2 For cleaning of strings, i.e., acidizing, hot oiling or other technique, refer to the manufacturer’s recommended practice.
Ultraviolet (UV) light from sunlight can degrade the resins in fiberglass tubulars during storage While the tubular body experiences minimal degradation that does not impact service life, threaded connections are at risk of significant damage from prolonged UV exposure, which may manifest as whitened or powdery surfaces It is essential to consult the manufacturer before installing any tubulars showing signs of thread degradation Additionally, bonding surfaces can suffer considerable damage, leading to a loss of bond strength, also indicated by whitened or powdery appearances Always store fiberglass tubing with thread and bonding surface protectors in place to prevent degradation and consult the manufacturer if any damage is suspected.
APPENDIX A—GUIDELINES FOR PREPARATION OF A WRITTEN
The scope of applicability of the procedure should be stated in terms of pipe site, pressure class, application and piping products
Reference specifications and standards should be cited.
The procedure specific requirements are cited These should include consideration of the following:
The article emphasizes the importance of clearly stating the environmental conditions for bonding processes Key provisions include specifying the permissible pipe surface temperature, typically ranging from 70° to 100°F, along with necessary heating or cooling measures Additionally, it is crucial to outline the humidity and moisture limits during bonding to ensure optimal results.
Bond is not recommended on wetted surfaces. c Cleanliness levels Blowing sand and dust usually require some form of protection during bonding as sand/dust in bond joints is detrimental.
A description of how the pipe is to be strung and blocked
A.3.2.1 A description of stringing instructions Generally, where the pipe is to be strung and handled.
A.3.2.2 A description of how the pipe is to be blocked.
Normally given in general terms with some minimum height above ground surface required.
A description of joint protection prior to bonding and prep- aration for bonding.
A.3.3.1 Joint protection Usual requirement is for end caps/ protectors to remain in place until just prior to cleaning/bond- ing
The joint undergoes a visual inspection to assess cleanliness, damage, and UV degradation Signs of UV degradation are identified through sanding, which reveals any color changes If UV degradation is found or if the joint has been exposed for a short duration, typically between 0.5 to 1.0 hours, refinishing through sanding or retapering is often necessary.
Tapering instructions must be clearly outlined, including references to specific tools, sandpapers, and grits as needed It is essential to clean the surface after sanding or retapering Following the tapering process, the fit of the joint should be checked to ensure proper alignment When assembled dry, without any adhesive, the joint should exhibit no looseness.
A detailed description of the joint cleaning procedure, including the materials to be used.
A.3.4.1 Joint cleaner and wiping materials should be speci- fied in detail Materials are not normally reused.
A.3.4.2 Cleanliness level The procedure should require all oil, grease, mud and fingerprints to be removed Once cleaned the joint should not be touched.
When handling solvents, it is crucial to recognize that they are typically volatile and can create pressure in containers Familiarity with the health and safety guidelines outlined in the Material Safety Data Sheets is essential Additionally, proper procedures for the storage, transportation, usage, and disposal of excess materials and containers must be carefully considered.
Detailed instructions for mixing of the adhesives are required.
Complete mixing instructions must be provided, taking into account temperature effects, the splitting of kits, and the determination of mixing completeness Adhesives should ideally be mixed at temperatures between 60°F and 80°F, ensuring that kits are not split and that the final mixture exhibits a uniform color and consistency.
The shelf life of mixed adhesive is crucial and is typically defined by the duration it remains effective at a specific ambient temperature It is important to note that shelf life is directly influenced by temperature To prolong the working life of the adhesive, it is advisable to keep the mixture cool, which can be achieved by wrapping it in wetted rags or storing it in the lower section of a cardboard box lined with wetted rags or paper towels.
When using adhesive kits, it is crucial to handle the hardener with care, as it can cause skin burns and should not be inhaled Always read and follow the manufacturer's precautions and Material Safety Data Sheets Proper storage and disposal of containers, mixing tools, and any unused materials must comply with relevant regulations.
For effective adhesive application and joint alignment, it is essential to provide detailed instructions tailored to the specific type of joints being bonded This guidance should take into account the bonding process for flanges and fittings to ensure optimal results.
A.3.6.1 Alignment Joints must be axially aligned Visually detectable misalignment is normally unacceptable.
A.3.6.2 Warming Bonding surfaces should be heated or cooled to bring to the appropriate bonding temperature.
Bonding surfaces should never be touched by fingers or tools after cleaning.
For effective adhesive application, it is essential to follow specific instructions for the mixed adhesive Typically, a thin, uniform coat of 3 to 10 mils should be applied using a brush on both surfaces Care must be taken to avoid excess adhesive, as it can hinder achieving a secure lock on tapered joints To minimize the risk of contamination, it is advisable to apply the adhesive to the bell first.
Proper alignment and locking of the joint are crucial for effective engagement of the bell and spigot The specific instructions for this process depend on the type of joint being utilized For tapered bell and spigot joints, small diameter pipes (less than 8 inches) typically require the use of rubber mallets, while larger diameter pipes (greater than 8 inches) necessitate hydraulic come-alongs When employing a hydraulic come-along, it is essential to follow the specified pressure requirements for achieving lock-up, as well as to be aware of the maximum allowable pressure loss if the joint is vibrated or tapped with a mallet to confirm proper locking.
Requirements for, and acceptable methods of, assisting the joint cure through addition of external heat should be consid- ered.
A.3.7.1 The requirement A statement is needed to define when heat assistance is required.
A.3.7.2 The method A statement describing the method to be used to provide the external heat is required Specific equipment identification is normally provided.
Each bonded joint should be visually examined and docu- mented if required A suggested inspection sheet is provided as Appendix C.
Written procedures, and bonding personnel, should be qualified prior to field use Appendix B provides an outline for personnel qualification.
APPENDIX B—GUIDELINES FOR PREPARATION OF A WRITTEN
The applicability of the qualification tests should be stated in terms of pipe size, pressure class, and joints
Applicable reference practices, standards, and commercial literature should be clearly identified
All personnel on installation crews should be provided with instruction on the bonding procedure and joints to be bonded.
Instruction requirements should be stated in terms of who is to instruct and what information is to be covered
Pipe bonders are required to pass a written examination prior to proceeding with qualification
Each bonder to be qualified should be required to bond a sample connection using the written procedure, and have passed the written examination
The qualification sample must be clearly identified by its size, pressure rating, and joint type Typically, the bonder collaborates with their team to bond the largest pipe specified in the procedure.
B.3.3.2 Grading of sample joint The qualifying agency representative will observe the fabrication of the bonded joint and grade the bonder on his knowledge and application of the procedure.