Laboratory Services

Our custom-built laboratory can provide joint and material testing as part of a sampling programme or failure analysis.

ControlPoint logo

IN-HOUSE TESTING

JOINT TESTING LABORATORY

We are dedicated to support utilities in their efforts to minimize leakage through our comprehensive pipeline quality assurance products. Our commitment extends beyond just providing these products. We also offer training and testing services to ensure the long-term health and reliability of pipes.

At the heart of our operations lies our custom-built in-house laboratory, equipped to conduct a wide range of essential tests. Our laboratory specializes in the testing of electrofusion and butt fusion joints, guaranteeing their quality and integrity. Additionally, we perform rigorous material testing to assess the performance and suitability of various pipe materials.

To uphold the highest standards, all our tests are meticulously designed and executed in strict adherence to relevant industry standards. This ensures that our customers receive accurate and reliable results, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding pipeline maintenance and repair.

By combining our pipeline quality assurance products, training and testing services, and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, we provide a comprehensive solution to assist utilities in their ongoing efforts to reduce leakage and maintain the overall health of their pipeline systems.

 
20190125_140254_1.jpg
WHY, WHEN, WHAT?
TESTING TO VERIFY THE FOLLOWING:
  • Personel – Competancy and Skills
  • Machine – Equipment suitability
  • Material – Conformance to standards
  • Environment – Conditions

TESTING IS ADVISED FOR THE FOLLOWING:

  • As part of a routine Q&A program
  • Sampling
  • Benchmarketing
  • Investigation of a failure or event 
TESTING OF PROCESSES AND MATERIALS:
  • Polyethelene (PE)
  • Composite Materials
  • Ferrous e.g. Cast
  • Ductile
  • Steel
  • Glass Reinforced Pipe (GRP)
  • Cured In Place Pipe (CIPP)
Electrofusion
20190125_140346.jpg
JOINT TESTING

As an independent and industry-recognized ISO certified test house, we take great pride in our ability to provide a wide range of expertise in materials and jointing best practices. Our certifications and recognition validate our commitment to delivering reliable and high-quality services to our clients.

One concerning statistic that has come to light is that approximately 14% of recorded leaks have occurred on PE (polyethylene) mains that are specifically designed to have a lifespan of 200 years. This highlights the critical importance of addressing leakage issues and implementing effective strategies to mitigate such incidents.

The current industry landscape places a significant emphasis on leak reduction efforts, particularly in AMP7 (Asset Management Period 7). This regulatory period sets a target of achieving a 15% reduction in leaks, underscoring the urgent need to address this issue and enhance the overall performance of water networks. Our team is well-versed in the challenges faced during AMP7 and is fully equipped to provide tailored solutions to help meet and exceed these reduction targets.

It is worth noting that the vast majority of leaks are preventable. Through our comprehensive approach and expertise in materials and jointing best practices, we assist utilities in implementing proactive measures to minimize and prevent leaks. Our solutions are designed to address common causes of leaks, such as improper jointing techniques, material deficiencies, and other avoidable factors.

 

OUR TESTING CAPABILITIES AND SERVICES:
PHYSICAL TESTING: 
Tensile Testing – Mechanical performance of welded joints
C-Ring – Notch Testing, slow crack propogation, life time testing
Bead Testing – PE Joints
Three Point testing for CIPP lining to determine material fatigue
 
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS:
Infrared chemical signiture – undertaken on a FTIR
Time for materials to oxidise – undertaken on a DSC
Degraded polymers – undertaken on a DSC
Microscopy – Detailed surface examination and photography
 
SERVICES:
Research on new and emerging techniques – e.g. Shear testing
Large diameter pipeline testing
Subject Matter Expert and Expert Witness
UKWIR Project Support
Standards and Specification development
Training and Advice
Training and Consultancy
IN HOUSE LABORATORY TESTING INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING STANDARDS:

WIS 4-32-08,  ENWIS 4-32 12001,  EN 12814-4,  ISO 13953,  ISO 13954,  ISO 13955,  ISO 13956

Our laboratory can perform a range of tests for electrofusion joints, including:

ISO 13954 – peel test for couplers.

ISO 13955 – crush test for couplers or saddles.

ISO 13956 – decohesion test for saddles.

EN 12814-4 – double peel test for couplers.

Sheer test for couplers – not currently within standards.


ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES:

Infrared analysis (FTIR) – used to identify contamination.

Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) – melting characteristics (melting temperature etc.), glass transition temperature and resistance to degradation of material.


BUTT FUSION TESTING:

Our in-house laboratory can perform the ISO 13953 – reduced section tensile test for butt fusion joints.


 REVIEW OF FRACTURE SERVICES:

Macro Analysis – ductile and Brittle detection.

Micro Analysis – analysis of any contamination etc. that may cause joint to fail.

Features and benefits at a glance
Ovarro_Icons_F&B_NoTitles_Colour_RGB_Engineer.svg

In house laboratory testing in accordance with industry standards.

Ovarro_Icons_F&B_NoTitles_Colour_RGB_Compliant.svg

ISO certified so you know you're in safe hands.

Materials

Testing for many materials types

Leak Prevention

Proactive leak prevention

Testing

A variety of testing capabilities to meet your needs and requirements.

Locate Your Distributor

Click below to search for your local distributor

Make an enquiry

Need more information? Don't hesitate to get in touch