Bead Diagnostic Instrument

An on-site tool for determining and recording the quality of butt fusion welding

DETERMINING AND RECORDING THE QUALITY OF BUTT FUSION WELDING

BUTT FUSION (BDI)

The Bead Diagnostic Instrument (BDI) was created alongside a new generation of tools.

This instrument aims to provide installers with a convenient solution for both the easy removal of butt fusion joint beads and subsequent testing in a consistent and repeatable manner. Unlike the widely recognized bend back test, which is challenging to execute on larger sizes and only assesses the bead intermittently along its length, the BDI sets itself apart by evaluating up to 95% of the bead. This ensures a controlled and recorded test that can be effortlessly replicated on-site.

Throughout the development process of the BDI, a thorough assessment was conducted, involving over 450 butt fusion joints. Additionally, over 4,000 individual tensile tests were performed following the guidelines of WIS 4-32-08. The tests encompassed pipes ranging from 110mm to 1,000mm in size, and a diverse range of contaminants, such as particulate/talc, hydrocarbon/grease, and platelet/clay, were utilized.

An easy to use reliable tool

Specifically developed for testing and recording joint quality and proven to improve your butt fusion jointing processes.

The Bead Diagnostic Instrument (BDI) has been developed alongside the launch of a new generation of bead removal tools to provide the installer with the ability to both easily remove butt fusion joint beads and subsequently test them in a repeatable and consistent manner. BDI is the first tool to provide a reliable and simple non-destructive test (NDT) for PE butt fusion joints.

Accurate and comprehensive testing

An easy to execute test for larger bead sizes, where a bend-back test becomes impossible. Tests up to 95% of the bead, providing greater assurance of weld-quality.

This delivers a controlled and recorded test which can be replicated easily and consistently on site.

Seamless Integration

Seamless integration with our JointManager website for full control over the assets in your network. It is also possible to link weld data with your bead test rescord.

In the development of the BDI, over 450 butt fusion joints were assessed and over 4,000 individual tensile tests were conducted in accordance with WIS 4-32-08. The tests were on pipe ranging from 110mm to 1,000mm, using a range of contaminants including particulate/talc, hydrocarbon/grease and platelet/clay.

Watch this short video explaining how to use the BDI and the associated APP.