Electromagnetic Bond Welding of Thermoplastic Pipe Distribution Systems

• US 20100072742A1
• Filed: 06/18/2009
• Published: 03/25/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/19/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Emabond Solutions, LLC
• Original Assignee: Emabond Solutions, LLC
• Inventors: LaMarca, Drew, Zich, Tom
• Granted Patent: US 8,424,924 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 285/21.200
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/3612 comprising fillers
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/3668 characterised by the means for supplying heat to said heated elements which remain in the join, e.g. special induction coils
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/561 using screw-threads being integral at least to one of the parts to be joined
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/565 involving interference fits, e.g. force-fits or press-fits B29C65/66 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/72 by combined operations or combined techniques, e.g. welding and stitching
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/7817 in the form of positioning marks
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/8253 by the use of waves or particle radiation, e.g. visual examination, scanning electron microscopy, or X-rays B29C65/8292 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/1122 Single lap to lap joints, i.e. overlap joints B29C66/45, B29C66/472, B29C66/52272 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/128 Stepped joint cross-sections
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/5221 for forming coaxial connections, i.e. the tubular articles to be joined forming a zero angle relative to each other
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/52231 with a right angle, e.g. for making L-shaped pieces
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/52241 with two right angles, e.g. for making T-shaped pieces
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/52251 with four right angles, e.g. for making +-shaped pieces
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/52292 said stop being internal
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/52298 said socket being composed by several elements
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/71 characterised by the composition of the plastics material of the parts to be joined welding bar compositions B29C65/125
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/72321 consisting of metals or their alloys
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/72325 Ceramics
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/72326 Glass
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/72341 for gases
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/73921 : characterised by the materials of both parts being thermoplastics
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/81423 : being concave
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/81871 : of the welding jaws
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/8221 : Scissor or lever mechanisms, i.e. involving a pivot point
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/83241 : cooperating pivoting tools
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/97 : Checking completion of joining or correct joining by using indications on at least one of the joined parts
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2023/06 : PE, i.e. polyethylene
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2023/086 : EVOH, i.e. ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2023/12 : PP, i.e. polypropylene
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2027/06 : PVC, i.e. polyvinylchloride
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2055/02 : ABS polymers, i.e. acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymers
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2081/04 : Polysulfides, e.g. PPS, i.e. polyphenylene sulfide or derivatives thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2101/12 : Thermoplastic materials
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2305/02 : Aluminium
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2995/0008 : Magnetic or paramagnetic
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2995/0069 : non-permeable
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2009/00 : Layered products
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2009/003 : comprising a metal layer
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 47/02 : Welded joints; Adhesive joints
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 47/16 : Screw-threaded joints

Abstract

A thermoplastic pipe distribution system is assembled by electromagnetic bond welding of a thermoplastic pipe to a thermoplastic fusion pipe joint assembly comprising a threaded fusion pipe ring, a threaded fusion pipe socket, and a susceptor layer between the fusion pipe ring and the fusion pipe socket. The fusion pipe ring is screwed into the fusion pipe socket, and the pipe is inserted into the fusion pipe ring. An induction coil is placed around the fusion pipe socket. Radiated electromagnetic energy heats the susceptor layer to melt at least a portion of the susceptor layer, at least a portion of the fusion pipe ring, at least a portion of the fusion pipe socket, and at least a portion of the pipe. The fusion pipe ring is further screwed in to compress the molten material. The joint is then cooled to solidify the molten material.

Claims

1. A fusion pipe joint assembly comprising:

a fusion pipe ring comprising;

a first front face;

a first rear face;

a first inside surface region; and

a first outside surface region comprising a first thermoplastic material threaded with an outside thread;

a fusion pipe socket comprising;

a second front face;

a second rear face;

a second outside surface region; and

a second inside surface region comprising a second thermoplastic material threaded with an inside thread configured to engage with the outside thread of the fusion pipe ring; and

a susceptor layer disposed between the first outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring and the second inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket.

2. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 1, wherein the susceptor layer is integrated with at least one of:

the first outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring; and

the second inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket.

3. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 1, wherein the susceptor layer comprises a susceptor ring disposed on at least one of:

the first outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring; and

the second inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket.

4. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one temperature indicator disposed on at least one of:

the fusion pipe ring; and

the fusion pipe socket.

5. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 4, wherein the at least one temperature indicator comprises at least one thermochromatic dye.

6. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring; and

at least one index marker disposed on the fusion pipe socket.

7. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 1, wherein the fusion pipe ring further comprises:

a third outside surface region interposed between the front face and the first outside surface region.

8. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 7, further comprising at least one temperature indicator disposed on at least one of:

the fusion pipe ring; and

the fusion pipe socket.

9. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 8, wherein the at least one temperature indicator comprises at least one thermochromatic dye.

10. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 7, further comprising:

at least one index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring; and

at least one index marker disposed on the fusion pipe socket.

11. A fusion pipe joint assembly comprising:

a fusion pipe ring comprising;

a first front face;

a first rear face;

a first inside surface region;

a first outside surface region having a first diameter threaded with an outside thread, wherein the first outside surface region adjoins the front face; and

a second outside surface region having a second diameter less than or equal to the first diameter;

wherein at least one of the first outside surface region and the second outside surface region comprises a first thermoplastic material;

a fusion pipe socket comprising;

a second front face;

a second rear face;

a third outside surface region;

a second inside surface region having a third diameter threaded with an inside thread configured to engage with the outside thread of the fusion pipe ring, wherein the second inside surface region adjoins the second front face; and

a third inside surface region having a fourth diameter configured to mate with the second outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring;

wherein at least one of the second inside surface region and the third inside surface region comprises a second thermoplastic material; and

at least one of;

a first susceptor layer disposed between the first outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring and the second inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket; and

a second susceptor layer disposed between the second outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring and the third inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket.

12. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first susceptor layer and the second susceptor layer is integrated with at least one of:

the first outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring;

the second outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring;

the second inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket; and

the third inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket.

13. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first susceptor layer and the second susceptor layer is a susceptor ring disposed on at least one of:

the first outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring;

the second outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring;

the second inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket; and

the third inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket.

14. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 11, further comprising at least one temperature indicator disposed on at least one of:

the fusion pipe ring; and

the fusion pipe socket.

15. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 14, wherein the at least one temperature indicator comprises at least one thermochromatic dye.

16. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 11, further comprising:

at least one index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring; and

at least one index marker disposed on the fusion pipe socket.

17. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 11, wherein the fusion pipe ring further comprises:

a fourth outside surface region interposed between the front face and the first outside surface region.

18. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 17, further comprising at least one temperature indicator disposed on at least one of:

the fusion pipe ring; and

the fusion pipe socket.

19. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 18, wherein the at least one temperature indicator comprises at least one thermochromatic dye.

20. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 17, further comprising:

at least one index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring; and

at least one index marker disposed on the fusion pipe socket.

21. A fusion pipe joint assembly comprising:

a fusion pipe ring comprising;

a first front face;

a first rear face;

a first inside surface region;

a first outside surface region having a first diameter threaded with an outside thread, wherein the first outside surface region adjoins the front face;

a second outside surface region having a second diameter less than or equal to the first diameter, wherein the second outside surface region adjoins the first outside surface region; and

a third outside surface region having a third diameter less than or equal to the second diameter, wherein the third outside surface region adjoins the second outside surface region;

wherein at least one of the first outside surface region, the second outside surface region, and the third outside surface region comprises a first thermoplastic material;

a fusion pipe socket comprising;

a second front face;

a second rear face;

a fourth outside surface region;

a second inside surface region having a fourth diameter threaded with an inside thread configured to engage with the outside thread of the fusion pipe ring, wherein the second inside surface region adjoins the second front face;

a third inside surface region having a fifth diameter less than or equal to the fourth diameter configured to mate with the second outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring, wherein the third inside surface region adjoins the second inside surface region; and

a fourth inside surface region having a sixth diameter less than or equal to the fifth diameter configured to mate with the third outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring;

wherein at least one of the second inside surface region, the third inside surface region, and the fourth inside surface region comprises a second thermoplastic material; and

at least one of;

a first susceptor layer disposed between the first outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring and the second inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket;

a second susceptor layer disposed between the second outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring and the third inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket; and

a third susceptor layer disposed between the third outside surface region of the pipe fusion ring and the fourth inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket.

22. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 21, wherein at least one of the first susceptor layer, the second susceptor layer, and the third susceptor layer is integrated with at least one of:

the first outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring;

the second outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring;

the third outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring;

the second inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket;

the third inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket; and

the fourth inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket.

23. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 21, wherein at least one of the first susceptor layer, the second susceptor layer, and the third susceptor layer is a susceptor ring disposed on at least one of:

the first outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring;

the second outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring;

the third outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring;

the second inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket;

the third inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket; and

the fourth inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket.

24. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 21, further comprising at least one temperature indicator disposed on at least one of:

the fusion pipe ring; and

the fusion pipe socket.

25. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 24, wherein the at least one temperature indicator comprises at least one thermochromatic dye.

26. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 21, further comprising:

at least one index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring; and

at least one index marker disposed on the fusion pipe socket.

27. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 21, wherein the fusion pipe ring further comprises:

a fifth outside surface region interposed between the front face and the first outside surface region.

28. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 27, further comprising at least one temperature indicator disposed on at least one of:

the fusion pipe ring; and

the fusion pipe socket.

29. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 28, wherein the at least one temperature indicator comprises at least one thermochromatic dye.

30. The fusion pipe joint assembly of claim 27, further comprising:

at least one index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring; and

at least one index marker disposed on the fusion pipe socket.

31. A fusion pipe ring comprising:

a front face;

a rear face;

an inside surface region;

a first outside surface region comprising a thermoplastic material threaded with an outside thread; and

a susceptor layer disposed on the first outside surface region.

32. The fusion pipe ring of claim 31, wherein the susceptor layer is integrated with the first outside surface region.

33. The fusion pipe ring of claim 31, wherein the susceptor layer is a susceptor ring disposed on the first outside surface region.

34. The fusion pipe ring of claim 31, further comprising at least one temperature indicator disposed on the fusion pipe ring.

35. The fusion pipe ring of claim 34, wherein the at least one temperature indicator comprises at least one thermochromatic dye.

36. The fusion pipe ring of claim 31, further comprising at least one index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring.

37. The fusion pipe ring of claim 31, further comprising:

a second outside surface region interposed between the front face and the first outside surface region.

38. The fusion pipe ring of claim 37, further comprising at least one temperature indicator disposed on the fusion pipe ring.

39. The fusion pipe ring of claim 38, wherein the at least one temperature indicator comprises at least one thermochromatic dye.

40. The fusion pipe ring of claim 37, further comprising at least one index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring.

41. A fusion pipe ring comprising:

a front face;

a rear face;

an inside surface region;

a first outside surface region having a first diameter threaded with an outside thread, wherein the first outside surface region adjoins the front face;

a second outside surface region having a second diameter less than or equal to the first diameter;

wherein at least one of the first outside surface region and the second outside surface region comprises a thermoplastic material; and

at least one of;

a first susceptor layer disposed on the first outside surface region; and

a second susceptor layer disposed on the second outside surface region.

42. The fusion pipe ring of claim 41, wherein at least one of the first susceptor layer and the second susceptor layer is integrated with at least one of:

the first outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring; and

the second outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring.

43. The fusion pipe ring of claim 41, wherein at least one of the first susceptor layer and the second susceptor layer is a susceptor ring disposed on at least one of:

the first outside surface region; and

the second outside surface region.

44. The fusion pipe ring of claim 41, further comprising at least one temperature indicator disposed on the fusion pipe ring.

45. The fusion pipe ring of claim 44, wherein the at least one temperature indicator comprises at least one thermochromatic dye.

46. The fusion pipe ring of claim 41, further comprising at least one index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring.

47. The fusion pipe ring of claim 41, further comprising a third outside surface region interposed between the front face and the first outside surface region.

48. The fusion pipe ring of claim 47, further comprising at least one temperature indicator disposed on the fusion pipe ring.

49. The fusion pipe ring of claim 48, wherein the at least one temperature indicator comprises at least one thermochromatic dye.

50. The fusion pipe ring of claim 47, further comprising at least one index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring.

51. A fusion pipe ring comprising:

a front face;

a rear face;

a first inside surface region;

a first outside surface region having a first diameter threaded with an outside thread, wherein the first outside surface region adjoins the front face;

a second outside surface region having a second diameter less than or equal to the first diameter, wherein the second outside surface region adjoins the first outside surface region; and

a third outside surface region having a third diameter less than or equal to the second diameter, wherein the third outside surface region adjoins the second outside surface region;

wherein at least one of the first outside surface region, the second outside surface region, and the third outside surface region comprises a thermoplastic material; and

at least one of;

a first susceptor layer disposed on the first outside surface region;

a second susceptor layer disposed on the second outside surface region; and

a third susceptor layer disposed on the third outside surface region.

52. The fusion pipe ring of claim 51, wherein at least one of the first susceptor layer, the second susceptor layer, and the third susceptor layer is integrated with at least one of:

the first outside surface region;

the second outside surface region; and

the third outside surface region.

53. The fusion pipe ring of claim 51, wherein at least one of the first susceptor layer, the second susceptor layer, and the third susceptor layer is a susceptor ring disposed on at least one of:

the first outside surface region;

the second outside surface region; and

the third outside surface region.

54. The fusion pipe ring of claim 51, further comprising at least one temperature indicator disposed on the fusion pipe ring.

55. The fusion pipe ring of claim 54, wherein the at least one temperature indicator comprises at least one thermochromatic dye.

56. The fusion pipe ring of claim 51, further comprising at least one index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring.

57. The fusion pipe ring of claim 51, further comprising a fourth outside surface region interposed between the front face and the first outside surface region.

58. The fusion pipe ring of claim 57, further comprising at least one temperature indicator disposed on the fusion pipe ring.

59. The fusion pipe ring of claim 58, wherein the at least one temperature indicator comprises at least one thermochromatic dye.

60. The fusion pipe ring of claim 57, further comprising at least one index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring.

61. A fitting comprising at least one fusion pipe socket, the at least one fusion pipe socket comprising:

a front face;

a rear face;

an outside surface region;

an inside surface region comprising a thermoplastic material threaded with an inside thread; and

a susceptor layer disposed on the inside surface region.

62. The fitting of claim 61, wherein the susceptor layer is integrated with the inside surface region.

63. The fitting of claim 61, wherein the susceptor layer is a susceptor ring disposed on the inside surface region.

64. The fitting of claim 61, further comprising at least one temperature indicator disposed on the at least one fusion pipe socket.

65. The fitting of claim 64, wherein the at least one temperature indicator comprises at least one thermochromatic dye.

66. The fitting of claim 61, further comprising at least one index marker disposed on the at least one fusion pipe socket.

67. A fitting comprising at least one fusion pipe socket, the at least one fusion pipe socket comprising:

a front face;

a rear face;

an outside surface region;

a first inside surface region having a first diameter threaded with an inside thread, wherein the first inside surface region adjoins the front face; and

a second inside surface region having a second diameter less than or equal to the first diameter;

wherein at least one of the first inside surface region and the second inside surface region comprises a thermoplastic material; and

at least one of;

a first susceptor layer disposed on the first inside surface region; and

a second susceptor layer disposed on the second inside surface region.

68. The fitting of claim 67, wherein at least one of the first susceptor layer and the second susceptor layer is integrated with at least one of:

the first inside surface region; and

the second inside surface region.

69. The fitting of claim 67, wherein at least one of the first susceptor layer and the second susceptor layer is a susceptor ring disposed on at least one of:

the first inside surface region; and

the second inside surface region.

70. The fitting of claim 67, further comprising at least one temperature indicator disposed on the at least one fusion pipe socket.

71. The fitting of claim 70, wherein the at least one temperature indicator comprises at least one thermochromatic dye.

72. The fitting of claim 67, further comprising at least one index marker disposed on the at least one fusion pipe socket.

73. A fitting comprising at least one fusion pipe socket, the at least one fusion pipe socket comprising:

a front face;

a rear face;

an outside surface region;

a first inside surface region having a first diameter threaded with an inside thread, wherein the first inside surface region adjoins the front face;

a second inside surface region having a second diameter less than or equal to the first diameter, wherein the second inside surface region adjoins the first inside surface region; and

a third inside surface region having a third diameter less than or equal to the second diameter, wherein the third inside surface region adjoins the second inside surface region;

wherein at least one of the first inside surface region, the second inside surface region, and the third inside surface region comprises a thermoplastic material; and

at least one of;

a first susceptor layer disposed on the first inside surface region;

a second susceptor layer disposed on the second inside surface region; and

a third susceptor layer disposed on the third inside surface region.

74. The fitting of claim 73, wherein at least one of the first susceptor layer, the second susceptor layer, and the third susceptor layer is integrated with at least one of:

the first inside surface region;

the second inside surface; and

the third inside surface region.

75. The fitting of claim 73, wherein at least one of the first susceptor layer, the second susceptor layer, and the third susceptor layer is a susceptor ring disposed on at least one of:

the first inside surface region;

the second inside surface region; and

the third inside surface region.

76. The fitting of claim 73, further comprising at least one temperature indicator disposed on the at least one fusion pipe socket.

78. The fitting of claim 73, further comprising at least one index marker disposed on the at least one fusion pipe socket.

77. The fitting of claim 77, wherein the at least one temperature indicator comprises at least one thermochromatic dye.

79. A method for forming a fusion pipe joint, the method comprising the steps of:

seating a fusion pipe ring into a fusion pipe socket;

wherein;

the fusion pipe ring comprises;

a first front face;

a first rear face;

a first inside surface region; and

a first outside surface region comprising a first thermoplastic material threaded with an outside thread;

the fusion pipe socket comprises;

a second front face;

a second rear face;

a second outside surface region; and

a second inside surface region comprising a second thermoplastic material threaded with an inside thread configured to engage with the outside thread of the fusion pipe ring; and

a susceptor layer is disposed between the first outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring and the first inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket;

inserting a pipe through the fusion pipe ring, wherein the pipe comprises;

a third inside surface region; and

a third outside surface region comprising a third thermoplastic material;

screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a first position;

heating the susceptor layer by induction to a temperature sufficient to melt at least a portion of the susceptor layer, at least a portion of the fusion pipe ring, at least a portion of the fusion pipe socket, and at least a portion of the pipe; and

screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a second position.

80. The method of claim 79, further comprising the step of:

cooling the melted portion of the susceptor layer, the melted portion of the fusion pipe ring, the melted portion of the fusion pipe socket, and the melted portion of the pipe.

81. The method of claim 79, further comprising the step of:

indicating the temperature with at least one temperature indicator disposed on at least one of the fusion pipe ring and the fusion pipe socket.

82. The method of claim 81, wherein the at least one temperature indicator comprises at least one thermochromatic dye.

83. The method of claim 79, wherein the step of screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a first position further comprises the step of:

aligning a first index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring with a second index marker disposed on the fusion pipe socket.

84. The method of claim 83, wherein the step of screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a second position further comprises the step of:

aligning the first index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring with a third index marker disposed on the fusion pipe socket.

85. A method for forming a fusion pipe joint, the method comprising the steps of:

seating a fusion pipe ring into a fusion pipe socket;

wherein;

the fusion pipe ring comprises;

a first front face;

a first rear face;

a first inside surface region; and

a first outside surface region comprising a first thermoplastic material threaded with an outside thread;

the fusion pipe socket comprises;

a second front face;

a second rear face;

a second outside surface region; and

a second inside surface region comprising a second thermoplastic material threaded with an inside thread configured to engage with the outside thread of the fusion pipe ring; and

a susceptor layer is disposed between the first outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring and the first inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket;

inserting a pipe through the fusion pipe ring, wherein the pipe comprises;

a third inside surface region; and

a third outside surface region comprising a third thermoplastic material;

screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a first position;

heating the susceptor layer by induction to a first temperature sufficient for the susceptor layer to flow;

screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a second position; and

heating the susceptor layer by induction to a second temperature sufficient to melt at least a portion of the susceptor layer, at least a portion of the fusion pipe ring, at least a portion of the fusion pipe socket, and at least a portion of the pipe.

86. The method of claim 85, further comprising the step of:

cooling the melted portion of the susceptor layer, the melted portion of the fusion pipe ring, the melted portion of the fusion pipe socket, and the melted portion of the pipe.

87. The method of claim 85, further comprising the steps of:

indicating the first temperature with at least one first temperature indicator disposed on at least one of the fusion pipe ring and the fusion pipe socket; and

indicating the second temperature with at least one second temperature indicator disposed on at least one of the fusion pipe ring and the fusion pipe socket.

88. The method of claim 87, wherein:

the at least one first temperature indicator comprises at least one first thermochromatic dye; and

the at least one second temperature indicator comprises at least one second thermochromatic dye.

89. The method of claim 85, wherein the step of screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a first position further comprises the step of:

aligning a first index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring with a second index marker disposed on the fusion pipe socket.

90. The method of claim 89, wherein the step of screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a second position further comprises the step of:

aligning the first index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring with a third index marker disposed on the fusion pipe socket.

91. A method for forming a fusion pipe joint, the method comprising the steps of:

seating a fusion pipe ring into a fusion pipe socket;

wherein;

the fusion pipe ring comprises;

a first front face;

a first rear face;

a first inside surface region;

a first outside surface region having a first diameter threaded with an outside thread, wherein the first outside surface region adjoins the front face; and

a second outside surface region having a second diameter less than or equal to the first diameter;

wherein at least one of the first outside surface region and the second outside surface region comprises a first thermoplastic material;

the fusion pipe socket comprises;

a second front face;

a second rear face;

a third outside surface region;

a second inside surface region having a third diameter threaded with an inside thread configured to engage with the outside thread of the fusion pipe ring, wherein the second inside surface region adjoins the second front face; and

a third inside surface region having a fourth diameter configured to mate with the second outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring;

wherein at least one of the second inside surface region and the third inside surface region comprises a second thermoplastic material; and

a susceptor layer is disposed between at least one of;

the first outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring and the second inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket; and

the second outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring and the third inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket;

inserting a pipe through the fusion pipe ring, wherein the pipe comprises;

a fourth inside surface region; and

a fourth outside surface region comprising a third thermoplastic material;

screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a first position;

heating the susceptor layer by induction to a temperature sufficient to melt at least a portion of the susceptor layer, at least a portion of the fusion pipe ring, at least a portion of the fusion pipe socket, and at least a portion of the pipe; and

screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a second position.

92. The method of claim 91, further comprising the step of:

cooling the melted portion of the susceptor layer, the melted portion of the fusion pipe ring, the melted portion of the fusion pipe socket, and the melted portion of the pipe.

93. The method of claim 91, further comprising the step of indicating the temperature with at least one temperature indicator disposed on at least one of the fusion pipe ring and the fusion pipe socket.

94. The method of claim 93, wherein the at least one temperature indicator comprises at least one thermochromatic dye.

95. The method of claim 91, wherein the step of screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a first position further comprises the step of:

aligning a first index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring with a second index marker disposed on the fusion pipe socket.

96. The method of claim 95, wherein the step of screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a second position further comprises the step of:

aligning the first index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring with a third index marker disposed on the fusion pipe socket.

97. A method for forming a fusion pipe joint, the method comprising the steps of:

seating a fusion pipe ring into a fusion pipe socket;

wherein;

the fusion pipe ring comprises;

a first front face;

a first rear face;

a first inside surface region;

a first outside surface region having a first diameter threaded with an outside thread, wherein the first outside surface region adjoins the front face; and

a second outside surface region having a second diameter less than or equal to the first diameter;

wherein at least one of the first outside surface region and the second outside surface region comprises a first thermoplastic material;

the fusion pipe socket comprises;

a second front face;

a second rear face;

a third outside surface region;

a second inside surface region having a third diameter threaded with an inside thread configured to engage with the outside thread of the fusion pipe ring, wherein the second inside surface region adjoins the second front face; and

a third inside surface region having a fourth diameter configured to mate with the second outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring;

wherein at least one of the second inside surface region and the third inside surface region comprises a second thermoplastic material; and

a susceptor layer is disposed between at least one of;

the first outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring and the second inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket; and

the second outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring and the third inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket;

inserting a pipe through the fusion pipe ring, wherein the pipe comprises;

a fourth inside surface region; and

a fourth outside surface region comprising a third thermoplastic material;

screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a first position;

heating the susceptor layer by induction to a first temperature sufficient for the susceptor layer to flow;

screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a second position; and

heating the susceptor layer by induction to a second temperature sufficient to melt at least a portion of the susceptor layer, at least a portion of the fusion pipe ring, at least a portion of the fusion pipe socket, and at least a portion the pipe.

98. The method of claim 97, further comprising the step of:

cooling the melted portion of the susceptor layer, the melted portion of the fusion pipe ring, the melted portion of the fusion pipe socket, and the melted portion of the pipe.

99. The method of claim 97, further comprising the steps of:

indicating the first temperature with at least one first temperature indicator disposed on at least one of the fusion pipe ring and the fusion pipe socket; and

indicating the second temperature with at least one second temperature indicator disposed on at least one of the fusion pipe ring and the fusion pipe socket.

100. The method of claim 99, wherein:

the at least one first temperature indicator comprises at least one first thermochromatic dye; and

the at least one second temperature indicator comprises at least one second thermochromatic dye.

101. The method of claim 97, wherein the step of screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a first position further comprises the step of:

aligning a first index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring with a second index marker disposed on the fusion pipe socket.

102. The method of claim 101, wherein the step of screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a second position further comprises the step of:

aligning the first index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring with a third index marker disposed on the fusion pipe socket.

103. A method for forming a fusion pipe joint, the method comprising the steps of:

seating a fusion pipe ring into a fusion pipe socket;

wherein;

the fusion pipe ring comprises;

a first front face;

a first rear face;

a first inside surface region;

a first outside surface region having a first diameter threaded with an outside thread, wherein the first outside surface region adjoins the front face;

a second outside surface region having a second diameter less than or equal to the first diameter, wherein the second outside surface region adjoins the first outside surface region; and

a third outside surface region having a third diameter less than or equal to the second diameter, wherein the third outside surface region adjoins the second outside surface region;

wherein at least one of the first outside surface region, the second outside surface region, and the third outside surface region comprises a first thermoplastic material;

the fusion pipe socket comprises;

a second front face;

a second rear face;

a fourth outside surface region;

a second inside surface region having a fourth diameter threaded with an inside thread configured to engage with the outside thread of the fusion pipe ring, wherein the second inside surface region adjoins the second front face;

a third inside surface region having a fifth diameter less than or equal to the fourth diameter configured to mate with the second outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring, wherein the third inside surface region adjoins the second inside surface region; and

a fourth inside surface region having a sixth diameter less than or equal to the fifth diameter configured to mate with the third outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring;

wherein at least one of the second inside surface region, the third inside surface region, and the fourth inside surface region comprises a second thermoplastic material; and

a susceptor layer is disposed between at least one of;

the first outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring and the second inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket;

the second outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring and the third inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket; and

the third outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring and the fourth inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket;

inserting a pipe through the fusion pipe ring, wherein the pipe comprises;

a fifth inside surface region; and

a fifth outside surface region comprising a third thermoplastic material;

screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a first position;

heating the susceptor layer by induction to a temperature sufficient to melt at least a portion of the susceptor layer, at least a portion of the fusion pipe ring, at least a portion of the fusion pipe socket, and at least a portion of the pipe; and

screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a second position.

104. The method of claim 103, further comprising the step of:

cooling the melted portion of the susceptor layer, the melted portion of the fusion pipe ring, the melted portion of the fusion pipe socket, and the melted portion of the pipe.

105. The method of claim 103, further comprising the step of indicating the temperature with at least one temperature indicator disposed on at least one of the fusion pipe ring and the fusion pipe socket.

106. The method of claim 105, wherein the at least one temperature indicator comprises at least one thermochromatic dye.

107. The method of claim 103, wherein the step of screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a first position further comprises the step of:

aligning a first index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring with a second index marker disposed on the fusion pipe socket.

108. The method of claim 107, wherein the step of screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a second position further comprises the step of:

aligning the first index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring with a third index marker disposed on the fusion pipe socket.

109. A method for forming a fusion pipe joint, the method comprising the steps of:

seating a fusion pipe ring into a fusion pipe socket;

wherein;

the fusion pipe ring comprises;

a first front face;

a first rear face;

a first inside surface region;

a first outside surface region having a first diameter threaded with an outside thread, wherein the first outside surface region adjoins the front face;

a second outside surface region having a second diameter less than or equal to the first diameter, wherein the second outside surface region adjoins the first outside surface region; and

a third outside surface region having a third diameter less than or equal to the second diameter, wherein the third outside surface region adjoins the second outside surface region;

wherein at least one of the first outside surface region, the second outside surface region, and the third outside surface region comprises a first thermoplastic material;

the fusion pipe socket comprises;

a second front face;

a second rear face;

a fourth outside surface region;

a second inside surface region having a fourth diameter threaded with an inside thread configured to engage with the outside thread of the fusion pipe ring, wherein the second inside surface region adjoins the second front face;

a third inside surface region having a fifth diameter less than or equal to the fourth diameter configured to mate with the second outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring, wherein the third inside surface region adjoins the second inside surface region; and

a fourth inside surface region having a sixth diameter less than or equal to the fifth diameter configured to mate with the third outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring;

wherein at least one of the second inside surface region, the third inside surface region, and the fourth inside surface region comprises a second thermoplastic material; and

a susceptor layer is disposed between at least one of;

the first outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring and the second inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket;

the second outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring and the third inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket; and

the third outside surface region of the fusion pipe ring and the fourth inside surface region of the fusion pipe socket;

inserting a pipe through the fusion pipe ring, wherein the pipe comprises;

a fifth inside surface region; and

a fifth outside surface region comprising a third thermoplastic material;

screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a first position;

heating the susceptor layer by induction to a first temperature sufficient for the susceptor layer to flow;

screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a second position; and

heating the susceptor layer by induction to a second temperature sufficient to melt at least a portion of the susceptor layer, at least a portion of the fusion pipe ring, at least a portion of the fusion pipe socket, and at least a portion the pipe.

110. The method of claim 109, further comprising the step of:

cooling the melted portion of the susceptor layer, the melted portion of the fusion pipe ring, the melted portion of the fusion pipe socket, and the melted portion of the pipe.

111. The method of claim 109, further comprising the steps of:

indicating the first temperature with at least one first temperature indicator disposed on at least one of the fusion pipe ring and the fusion pipe socket; and

indicating the second temperature with at least one second temperature indicator disposed on at least one of the fusion pipe ring and the fusion pipe socket.

112. The method of claim 111, wherein:

the at least one first temperature indicator comprises at least one first thermochromatic dye; and

the at least one second temperature indicator comprises at least one second thermochromatic dye.

113. The method of claim 109, wherein the step of screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a first position further comprises the step of:

aligning a first index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring with a second index marker disposed on the fusion pipe socket.

114. The method of claim 113, wherein the step of screwing the fusion pipe ring into the fusion pipe socket to a second position further comprises the step of:

aligning the first index marker disposed on the fusion pipe ring with a third index marker disposed on the fusion pipe socket.