High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) pipe is now a popular substitute for steel pipe. Varieties of HDPE used in industry have an acoustic velocity range from ≈ 2100 m/s to ≈ 2600 m/s. Using PMMA or polystyrene as a refracting wedge material could result in very little to negative refraction. Elastomeric materials designed by Innovation Polymers range from ≈ 1025 m/s to ≈ 1600 m/s, ensuring positive refraction for all applications on polyethylene.

nnovation Polymers has designed wedges specifically for TOFD applications on HDPE. Interchangeable plugs made from  Aqualene™, ACE™ and Aqualink™ permit the user to select a refracted angle option best suited for the TOFD inspection at hand. These wedges are primarily intended for TOFD inspection of HDPE butt fusion joints. The modular concept of a standard housing, replaceable plug inserts and a threaded plate to accommodate different sized probes up to 12.5 mm (0.5 inches) diameter.

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