7
HEATING
A controlled uniform temperature of approximately 250° F is
required to soften PVC Conduit. PVC plastic and other
thermosetting plastic materials may be reheated and reformed,
if necessary, without damage to the materials properties. Using
the procedure outlined below, Schedule 40 and Schedule 80
PVC conduit can be easily formed in the field without crimping,
flattening, or deforming. Forming ducts in the field, (such as “EB”
(Encased Burial)) must be carefully controlled to prevent the
deformation and swelling of the material’s very thin wall thick-
ness. It is recommended that “field bends” be limited to “DB”
(Direct Burial), Schedule 40 conduit or Schedule 80 conduit.
The correct forming temperature can be determined by opening
the cover long enough to lift one end of the conduit from the
rollers. When the conduit deflects readily without resistance and
takes on a glossy appearance, it is ready to be removed and
formed. Although ambient air temperature and wind conditions
will have an effect on the heating time, a general rule of thumb
may be applied when using the PVC Bender:
Allow approximately 30 seconds of heating time for each ½” in
pipe diameter size in order for the proper forming temperature to
be reached. Example: ½” OD should heat for 30 seconds while
a 2” OD should heat for 2 minutes to become ready for bending.
FORMING
NOTE: It is difficult to achieve bends tighter than four (4)
times the diameter of the pipe equaling the inside radius of
the bend (4 X Dia= Inside Radius) without controlled manu-
facturing conditions.
Rotate the conduit in the PVC Bender until softened, making
sure the entire length to be bent is evenly heated. If necessary,
slide the pipe back and forth inside the PVC Bender to heat the
entire area. When forming bends on pipe sizes ½” through
1-1/2” diameter, it is not necessary to use bending plugs. Once
the conduit is ready to be formed, it can be installed in place and
can quickly be set by cooling with a rag or sponge and cold
water. Should several identical bends be required, or if a specific
degree of bend or radius is necessary, a simple wood jig can be
fashioned for fast, identical bends. We recommend that any form
be made from non-heat conducting material.
TECHNICAL DATA
