1.1 This practice describes general procedures for making joints with polyolefin pipe and fittings by means of heat fusion joining techniques in either a shop or field environment. These procedures should be regarded as general ones. Manufacturers should be requested to supply specific recommendations for heat fusion joining their materials or products.

1.2 The techniques covered are applicable only to joining polyolefin pipe and fittings of related polymer chemistry, for example, polyethylenes to polyethylenes, polypropylenes to polypropylenes, or polybutylenes to polybutylenes. Material, density, and flow rate shall be taken into consideration in order to develop uniform melt viscosities and formation of a good fusion bond, when joining the same material to itself or to other materials of related polymer chemistry.

1.3 The heat fusion joining techniques described can produce sound joints between polyolefin pipe and fittings, provided that the parts are within the dimensional tolerances given in present ASTM specifications.

1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.5 The text of this practice references notes, footnotes, and appendixes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the practice.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. See specific safety precautions in 4.2, 5.1.1, 8.2.3.1, Notes 8 and 9, and A1.1.