UDT and TÜV-certified pipe welding training course 

The role of modern pipe welding techniques 

In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the importance of connections made from thermoplastic materials, as these determine the durability and leak-tightness of installations operating in a variety of conditions. Water supply networks, industrial systems and process systems increasingly rely on solutions using polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) pipes. The growing demand for specialists working with these materials is due to their properties and processing requirements. For many installation teams, there is a need to supplement their knowledge of the plastics joining process, which increases interest in courses based on practice and a clear discussion of working principles. Such technical preparation later helps to undertake pipeline installation tasks under conditions requiring stable parameters and the correct choice of pipe welding method. Extending the qualification in this direction promotes professional development and facilitates entry into projects in which reliable connection work counts. 

Materials used in installations 

The plastics used in the construction of pipelines behave differently under the influence of temperature and the working environment, PE, PP, PVC and PVDF pipes have different stiffness, chemical resistance and dimensional stability. Each of these materials is used in different types of installations, which translates into the way they are handled and the selection of parameters needed to achieve the correct weld. 

Use of plastic pipes 

Installations based on thermoplastic materials are used in various sectors because they allow temperature-, chemical- and load-resistant systems to be created. 

They are most commonly used in: 

• water supply networks, where stable operation and leak-tightness under varying pressures are important, 
• industrial systems that require resistance to aggressive substances, 
• laboratories and pharmaceutical installations with high hygiene requirements, 
• gas systems where installation flexibility is important, 
• water management and irrigation solutions, where the low weight of the cables makes it easier to run the installation over varied terrain. 

This division shows the wide range of applications for these materials and why knowing their parameters is important when working on pipelines. 

Welding methods used in the industry 

Several techniques are used in pipeline work, adapted to different diameters and installation layouts. Butt welding is based on heating the pipe ends using a heating plate, which allows a uniform joint structure to be achieved when the components are pressed together. Electrofusion welding is based on fittings equipped with heating spirals, which start the process when a controller is connected to handle the material and diameter range. Each method has a clearly defined area of use, resulting from the requirements of the installation and the available installation space, so it becomes possible to adapt the technology to systems of varying complexity. 

Many projects also use hot-connection couplers and electrofusion saddles used for branches. These options work well where the layout has an unusual geometry or requires working in a confined space. They complete the set of techniques needed for projects where it is necessary to adapt the welding method to the specifics of the installation. 

Scope of qualification as defined by EN 13067 

The system described in EN 13067 organises the requirements for those working in the welding of thermoplastic piping and clearly indicates which competences are assigned to which type of qualification. The document distinguishes between welding methods, plastic types and diameter ranges, so that each qualification relates to a specific group of installations. An important part of the standard described is also the division into jobs that involve making connections or checking parameters. This scheme makes it possible to clearly define the range of skills needed to work in water, gas and industrial systems. 

UDT and TÜV - confirmation of qualifications 

External examinations are used in the installation industry to formally confirm the skills involved in welding thermoplastic pipes. Committees of the Technical Inspection Authority verify the participants' preparedness by testing their knowledge and performing the joint according to the applicable procedures. TÜV bodies carry out qualifications that are also recognised for work on foreign projects, which strengthens the professional standing of those gaining certification. OSO provides training to prepare for both examinations, providing equipment facilities in line with the requirements of the certification bodies. 

Two training tracks - sealing and supervision 

There are two lines of qualification for pipeworkers in the installation industry, as each role involves a different range of responsibilities for the preparation and inspection of the assembly. The tasks performed by the welder concern the operation of equipment, the preparation of components and working with thermoplastic materials requiring the correct parameters during joining. The supervisor focuses on assessing technical conditions, verifying documentation and checking that the completed joints comply with certification requirements. This division makes it easier to distinguish responsibilities during the implementation phase of the installation and allows the precise role of each person in the welding process to be defined. 

Scope of the theoretical part 

The theoretical module organises the knowledge needed for working with thermoplastics and provides a better understanding of the process. During the course, issues are discussed that make it easier to find your way around the different types of installation and show you the links between the material and the required parameters. 

The main issues discussed in the theory module are: 

• characteristics of plastics used in installations, 
• working conditions of materials under temperature and pressure, 
• the basics of the parameters used for welding, 
• overview of methods used in the industry, 
• discussion of the basis of standards linked to qualifications. 

Scope of the practical part 

In the practical module, participants work on equipment used in water, industrial and gas installations to learn how the equipment works and the effects of different parameter settings. The class allows participants to practice activities that require precision and control, which facilitates preparation for work in the field. 

In the practical part, the realisations include: 

• preparation of pipes and fittings for the joining process, 
• operation of equipment used for welding, 
• making connections on several diameters, 
• control of parameters required in selected methods, 
• evaluation of the resulting joint for compliance with the requirements. 

Forms of delivery of training 

Classes can be held either in-house or at a location designated by the company, allowing the form of the course to be adapted to suit different working conditions. In both modes, we use our own equipment, so the way the exercises are conducted remains the same regardless of the location. A mobile set of equipment enables work to be carried out at stations available in the company and at sites where installations are carried out. Participants perform pipeline welding activities on industry-standard equipment. 

We invite you to participate in the training 

A certificate in pipe welding confirms that you are prepared to work on installations using thermoplastics. Such a qualification increases your chances of participating in projects requiring proven skills. Sign up for training and increase your value in the labour market. 

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