TPi January 2016

products & developments Welding equipment and techniques for extended network documentation

new electrofusion devices of the MSA 4 family on site, the QR codes can be read with 2D scanners. The code contains information about the trace and welding barcodes, both stored in the welding record. The GF Trace App allows an operator to match and save data to existing manufacturing information of specific QR codes: pictures, videos, site name, order number, welder ID, welding number

The main goal of a grid owner is the reliable and secure supply of water or gas to its customers. This can be achieved by the use of high-quality piping components, proper installation and operation by qualified personnel. To ensure the water and gas supply, grid owners often maintain electronic welding protocols. They contain the welding parameters, product-specific data of the respective PE components (traceabillity code according to ISO 12176-4), details about the installer (installer badge according to ISO 12176- 3), and additional information about the site, which are entered either manually or via barcode into the welding device. There is often no further evidence about the installation quality. Documentation after installation may be missing, and different documents will be stored in different systems.

and accurate GPS coordinates – everything deposited into the GF Web T & A (tracking and analysis) platform. The wireless scanner of the MSA 4.1 is a PDA, and already prepared for the GF Trace App, so smartphones are not required at the site.

MSA 4.1 electrofusion unit with full traceability and wireless scanner

The protocols extracted from the welding device are filtered, edited and transferred with an evaluation application to the GF Web T & A database by the installation company. According to the authorisation, a quality check or analysis of the components can be made during or shortly after installation on the web platform. The system is also suitable for welding devices without a 2D scanner. The protocol format CSV enables the import of protocols from other devices into the evaluation software. On the web platform, unique QR codes can be generated for the identification of components that do not yet have them. This allows the application to be used for competitive or mechanical components such as valves. After installation the data set can be extended with results from pressure tests or protocols of non-destructive testing. Maintenance cycles for valves and fittings can be deposited in the system to simplify network maintenance. This application completes network documentation, and keeps it up to date and available online, allowing grid owners to ensure compliance with their specifications. GF Piping Systems Ltd – Switzerland info.ps@georgfischer.com www.gfps.com

Modern network documentation for PE piping is not limited to the provision of electronic welding records according to standards. It claims to depict the entire life cycle of all components of a piping system from manufacturing to installation and operation. New technologies ensure the safe and central storage of the documentation, while the information is available any time and anywhere. Further data can be added at all project stages. The grid owner can extract analyses about the construction progress as well as the involved installation companies and used components. Welding records and pictures taken during installation are available as evidence for the quality. GF Piping Systems has used QR codes for some time to identify ELGEF electrofusion fittings. In the manufacturing process each fitting is provided with an individual QR code for unique identification. During production the record is provided with current and specific data. The code enables use of the GF Trace App on a smartphone. This service helps to secure the installation quality and support the documentation of the piping components. When using the

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Tube Products International January 2016

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