IPS Sintofoil Membrane Quality Control

Quality Control

PRELIMINARY NOTES

It is essential to ensure that the system is installed by skilled, trained operatives to achieve optimal performance at the first attempt. The works will be executed by contractors approved by the manufacturer or the distributor.

4.1 QUALITY CRITERIA

When tested according to MOAT 27: 5.1/2/3/4, the Sintofoil seam strength is expected to meet the following minimum values:

Shear, 200 mm/m.
Control:	90 N/cm(*)
28 days at 80°C:	91 N/cm(*)
7 days in water at 60°C:	92 N/cm(*)
(*): rupture outside of the weld
Peel,T specimen
Control:	67 N/cm
28 days at 80°C:	67 N/cm
Air pressure
Air pressure	pass

Field tip: A valid weld usually results in membrane rupture, not weld delamination.

4.2 CHECK DURING WELDING

The welding area is to be constantly monitored. Correct settings will show top and bottom membranes smoothly pressed, with "glazing" (10mm wide approx.) and slight material softening appearing at the seam edge.

Material softening and wrinkling, with eventual smoke indicates over heating: this will cause scorching and carbonisation of the membrane.

Absence of "glazing" indicates under-heating: this will cause low seam performance

4.3 CHECK OF COMPLETED SEAM

All seams will be probed on a daily basis. Probing will not be carried out before the membrane has cooled down to temperature.

If a seam portion opens up when probed, it will be repaired immediately.

4.4 REPAIR

If mechanical damage occurs to the membrane or if a seam is found defective after probing, repair will be undertaken by welding a patch of new material over the fault.The patch will have round corners and will be larger than the damaged or defective area by at least 50mm in any direction.

Should cleaning be necessary, clean water and scouring powder will be used.The area will be rinsed and wiped dry prior to repairing.

4.5 QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAMME

The items part of the quality control check list re welding are as follows:

Applicator's qualification

Adequate equipment and power supply

Trials to obtain correct settings

Visual check during welding

Daily seam probing

Daily repairs

REFERENCES

References