Gator Automatic Butt Fusion Range
Operating Manual
EDOI6922 Page 12 of 44 Issue 02
5 Good practice for Automatic Butt Fusion
5.1 Good practice during Butt Fusion
In cold temperatures the chassis should be opened and closed manually
approx. 10 times in quick succession following the automatic warm up routine.
Always ensure that the equipment is calibrated and properly maintained.
Always weld inside a shelter on a suitable baseboard or ground sheet.
Where possible, site the equipment on clear level ground.
Always ensure pipes are aligned correctly and supported on pipe rollers to
minimise drag.
Cover open pipe ends to eliminate wind chill to the heater and joint interface.
Clean pipe surfaces (inside and out), pipe ends and clamps before inserting
pipe into the machine.
Position pipes into the clamps with the pipe marking uppermost and aligned.
Wash the heater plate when cold before every welding session and perform
dummy welds when hot to remove fine particles from the heater surface. On
pipe sizes above 180mm, two dummy welds should be made at the start of
each session.
Perform dummy welds after changing from one pipe size to another, also if the
heater plate has been allowed to cool.
Clean trimmer discs and blades before use.
Ensure that when trimming, a continuous ribbon of material, of complete pipe
wall thickness is produced from both pipe ends before stopping the trimmer
and advancing to the feathering operation.
Always wait for the trimmer to stop rotating before removing it from the
machine.
Replace the trimmer in the stand provided.
Remove shavings from pipe ends and chassis.
Check visually that both pipe ends are completely trimmed.
Always check pipes for alignment ensuring no gaps exist between the two pipe
ends around the entire circumference of the abutted pipes.
On completion of satisfactory alignment checks, proceed with the welding
cycle without delay.
Number/code the joint and bead using an indelible marker.
After FULL cooling time has elapsed, remove either external or internal bead
and carry out quality checks.
5.2 Poor practice during Butt Fusion
Do not attempt to open the computer enclosure – there are no user
serviceable parts inside.
Do not use damaged equipment.
Do not attempt to weld pipes of different material, diameter or SDR.
Do not leave shavings inside pipe or on the chassis.
Do not introduce dirt onto trimmed pipe ends whilst removing swarf.
Do not touch trimmed pipe or fitting ends.
Do not remove pipes from the machine before the complete cooling time has
elapsed.
Do not cut corners in any part of the welding cycle.
Do not attempt to install pipe until fully cooled.
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