Pipeline welding course - training and certification

Pipeline welding course - preparation for installation work

Working with plastic piping requires a good knowledge of the materials and how they behave in different conditions, so the training becomes a valuable support for both those who are just starting out in the industry and those who already have experience in installing systems. The course organises knowledge of how the various solutions work and how they are affected by field factors, allowing you to find your way more freely through complex projects. Participants gain a broader picture of working with thermoplastics, and this makes it easier to take on further tasks in water, industrial or process projects. This makes the training part of everyday technical practice, as it clearly shows the logic behind the different types of joint.

Scope of training and its importance

The Pipeline Welding course introduces the principles of working with plastic pipes and fittings and how they behave under assembly conditions. The programme describes the elements that affect the joining process, such as the preparation of the ends, the geometry of the sections, the stability of the station and the operating parameters of the equipment. Content corresponding to situations frequently encountered in the execution of water networks, industrial networks and process systems, allowing a better understanding of the nature of the activities carried out in the field and in confined spaces. Understanding these relationships facilitates the evaluation of the process and helps to determine how the various factors affect the quality of the connections.

Where are the qualifications acquired applied?

The knowledge gained during the course is applied to many areas of plastic installation work, including:

tasks carried out in buildings where water systems are prepared and modernisation work is carried out,
activities carried out in industrial plants where process plant sections are created,
field work to adapt the cables to the installation conditions,
projects carried out by network service companies and pipeline system extension companies,
works carried out in the area of water management, such as transmission installations in treatment plants, treatment stations and local distribution systems,
tasks related to the operation and maintenance of process plants in various types of production facilities.

Such a wide range of working environments means that the qualifications gained during the training course open the way for participation in assignments carried out both in the field and in production or service spaces - depending on the specific industry.

Range of materials used during the course

During the training we use materials to analyse the different configurations encountered when working with plastic piping. The selection of components makes it possible to see how the pipelines react to the preparation before the connection is made and the importance of the geometry of the pipelines for the assembly operations. Among the materials used are:

pipe sections in several diameters for preparatory exercises,
fittings used in the creation of simple and complex layouts,
accessories to stabilise cables on the stand,
supporting elements that make it easier to assess the differences between the ways in which the ducts are prepared.

A kit prepared in this way allows you to see how the individual components behave in preparation for making the connections and how their properties may affect the subsequent process.

Theoretical part of the training

In the theoretical part, we discuss issues that structure the knowledge of the requirements for working with plastic piping. During the classes, we present the principles of interpreting technical documentation, methods of assessing the compliance of activities with standards and how to prepare the workplace in terms of work safety. It is also important to discuss the most common deviations from the parameters and factors that can affect the process during the practical part. This range of content provides a reference point for the issues discussed during the exercises.

Practical part of the training

In the practical part, we work on a bench that gives us the opportunity to see how the wires react to the preparation before the joint is made and how their behaviour changes with the settings of the machine. During the exercises, we focus on the guidance of the components, the stability of the clamping pressure and checking that the alignment of the materials maintains the correct process. An important part of the class is the analysis of the resulting joint - we assess its appearance, uniformity and compliance with the parameters adopted for testing. Practice also includes observing how the organisation of work at the bench influences the repeatability of the results, which helps to form habits useful for tasks carried out in the field.

Welding methods discussed in class

In the section on butt welding, we focus on working with sections that require precise positioning and stable guidance before the connection can be made. During the class, we look at the relationship between the position of the wires and the parameters set on the machine, as this relationship affects the uniformity of the tests. We also analyse situations where small deviations due to the positioning of the materials can change the appearance of the resulting joint, which helps to grasp the characteristic features of the method and to better understand its behaviour in practice.

For electrofusion welding, we focus on working with fittings equipped with a heating element, as their design determines how the process will proceed. We discuss the importance of preparing the duct surface before connecting the device and the role of the parameters assigned to the fitting that define the heating time and cooling rate. During the class, we also look at how checking the compliance of the technical data translates into the uniformity of the resulting joint, giving a better understanding of the specifics of working with this method.

Complementary techniques discussed during the training

The course also covers other solutions used in installation practice that arise depending on the geometry of the system and type of material, including:

Sleeve welding - used for smaller diameters, where control of heating time and insertion depth remains important,
socket welding (polyfusion) - used in PP indoor installations, requiring precise adjustment and repeatability of parameters,
saddle welding - enabling branches to be made without interfering with the entire section of the pipeline,
welding with electrofusion saddles - used for making connections in existing installations.

By discussing these techniques, it is possible to better understand in which situations specific solutions are used and how the choice of method affects the installation process.

Training venue

Classes are held in a training centre equipped with workstations for working with plastic wires and fittings. Thanks to our mobile facilities, we also deliver courses at locations agreed with the customer, including both company premises and other locations adapted to the operation of the equipment used during the classes.

Qualification structure according to EN 13067

We carry out the certification in accordance with EN 13067, which means that the qualification document refers to specific parameters for working with welded pipelines. The certificate issued includes several elements defining the qualification:

the method to be qualified (butt or electrofusion),
the test material (PE, PP, PVC or PVDF),
diameters covered,
type of installation - transmission networks or process systems,
position for which entitlements are granted.

This set of parameters specifies the tasks for which the document can be used.

Division of competencies in pipeline work

Pipeline welding training distinguishes between two independent qualification profiles, as these relate to different areas of plastic installation work. This distinction allows the programme to be tailored to the duties of the job, while clearly defining the tasks assigned to each role.

The welder profile refers to work carried out directly on pipes and fittings, where correct handling and the ability to react to changes occurring during testing are essential. In this area, we focus on activities related to the preparation of components, control of their positioning and evaluation of the results obtained during practical exercises.

The supervision profile covers the process control activities and documentation associated with working with plastic pipelines. We discuss how to analyse technical data, how to observe test runs and how to interpret the information entered in the protocols. The supervisory qualification is useful for organisations that need people to ensure correct operations and compliance with the requirements of the installation.

Post-training examination and certification

At the end of the course, we carry out a final assessment covering topics from the theoretical and practical parts. Participants demonstrate how to read the parameters, prepare the pipes for testing and interpret the results obtained on the bench. This allows you to verify your readiness to work with plastic installations in conditions similar to those encountered on site.

UDT certification

Once you have passed, you can take an examination before a board of the Office of Technical Inspection. The document issued by the UDT confirms the qualifications needed for the implementation of water, industrial and technological installations and specifies the methods, materials and diameters covered by the licence.

TÜV certification

Those planning to participate in projects abroad can obtain TÜV certification in accordance with European and international standards. Such proof of competence is widely recognised in the industry and makes it easier to join projects carried out under demanding working conditions.

Welcome to the training course on pipeline welding

Feel free to contact ERGON about organising a training course and setting a convenient date. We will provide you with details of the programme, the scope of the certification and the possibility of holding the classes at the centre or at your company. Together we will adapt the form of the course to the specifics of the planned installation activities.

FAQ:

What materials are used in the classes?

During the class we use pipes and fittings in several diameters, allowing us to trace the differences in the preparation of the pipes before making the connection. We also use stabilising accessories and aids to make it easier to assess material alignment on the bench. Participants work in configurations that reflect real field installations, allowing a better understanding of the process. The entire set-up has been selected so that the various stages of working with different types of connections can be analysed.

Does the training cover different pipe diameters?

Yes, the training includes work on several diameters, allowing the participants to see how the routing and preparation of the pipes changes. This enables participants to adapt the technique more freely to different types of installation.

Who can take part in the course?

The course is aimed at both newcomers to installation work and those who have already had contact with the installation of plastic piping. The programme is designed so that participants can learn at a pace that suits their experience. The training includes installers, employees of contractors and those preparing to work in the field. This group structure promotes the exchange of experience and allows for a better understanding of the realities of working on different types of installations.

What is the difference between the roles of welder and supervisor?

The welder is responsible for preparing the wires, operating the equipment and analysing the appearance of the resulting joint. The supervisor focuses on assessing the compliance of the activities with the documentation and keeping technical records. The two positions operate in different work areas, but complement each other.

In which industries are these qualifications useful?

The skills acquired in the training are used in the implementation of water, industrial and process installations. They also prove their worth in manufacturing plants and in network maintenance and extension companies. The qualification is valued in the area of water management, where work is needed on water treatment plants, treatment plants and local distribution systems.

Preparing to work on pipeline welding - specific training