Rick MacNeil, P. Eng., CEO of Innovation Polymers, experts in acoustic-capable polymers, announces the release of a new multiple-angle TOFD wedge that eliminates testing frustrations associated with HDPE pipes. High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) pipe has become a popular substitute for steel pipe due to its chemical and corrosion resistance. But, when it comes to TOFD inspection, the various kinds of polyethylene used in the industry can require expensive custom wedges, produce inaccurate results, and require multiple restarts.

 

Innovation Polymers has designed wedges specifically for TOFD applications on HDPE. Interchangeable plugs made from Innovation Polymers’ low velocity elastomeric polymers permits the user to select a refracted-angle option best suited for the TOFD inspection at hand. These wedges are primarily intended for the TOFD inspection of high density polyethylene butt fusion joints. The modular concept consists of a standard housing, replaceable plug inserts and a threaded plate to accommodate different sized probes up to 12.5mm (0.5 inch) diameter.
 

"The Innovation Polymer design provides TOFD resolution that equals that achieved by water and hard-plastic wedges without their inconveniences and limitations." says Rick MacNeil, CEO of Innovation Polymers, and owner of the patents for the ACETM, AqualeneTM, and AqualinkTM polymers who has worked with ultrasonic consulting expert Ed Ginzel to develop his new multiple angle wedge specifically for TOFD applications on HDPE. "Users should find Innovation Polymer’s interchangeable TOFD inserts convenient, adaptable to the various HDPE formulations and easy to change-out in the field."

The new multiple angle TOFD wedge will eliminate these 4 common TOFD inspection frustrations, including:

• Selecting an optimum fixed angle for TOFD inspections without machining custom wedges by having a wedge with inserts that allow for different refraction angles.

• Replace cross-linked polystyrene (RexoliteTM) or PMMA (LuciteTM/PerspexTM) wedges which can result in negative refraction and greatly reduce the required standoff to the fusion joint.

• Make up for lost time due to water-wedges that lose their reservoir during scanning, requiring the scan to be stopped and restarted.
 

• Adapt to multiple HDPE formulations using Innovation Polymer’s interchangeable TOFD inserts, making it easy for you to run adapt the HDPE material in the field.

To book an interview with Rick MacNeil call 226-749-3035 or email rmacneil@innovationpolymers.ca.
 

Via Innovation Polymers website