products - solmax

In conformity with the normISO 9001ISO 14001

MANUFACTURING QUALITYASSURANCE MANUALUSA

SOLMAX.COM

PVC PRODUCTS

RE

V. 0

4.2

0

2

PROPERTY DECLARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

QUALITY CONTROL PLAN - PVC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

1. INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.PROGRAMSCOPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.RESPONSIBILITYANDORGANIZATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.1. QUALITY POLICY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.2. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

3.3. HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

3.4. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARTICIPANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3.4.1. VICE PRESIDENT OPERATIONS, QUALITY AND TECHNICAL SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3.4.2. TECHNICAL SERVICES DIRECTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3.4.3. QUALITY SYSTEM COORDINATOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3.4.4. PVC MANAGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3.4.5. PVC PRODUCTION PERSONNEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

4.PROJECTSREALIZATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4.1. QUALITY CONTROL MATERIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4.2. PRODUCTION MEETING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4.3. RELATIVE AND MINIMAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4.4. REPORTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

5.PRODUCTSRECEPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

5.1. DOCUMENTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

5.2. VISUAL INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

5.3. QUALITY CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

6.RESOURCESMANAGEMENT,ASSEMBLYOFTHEPVCSHEETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

6.1. PVC MACHINE CALIBRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

6.1.1. PROCEDURES AND METHODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

6.1.1.1. PEELING TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

6.1.1.2. SHEARING TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

6.1.2. MINIMAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

6.1.2.1. SAMPLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

6.1.2.2. MINIMAL FORCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

6.1.2.3. TYPE OF SHEARING RUPTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

6.1.2.4. TYPE OF PEELING RUPTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

6.1.2.5. NONCONFORMITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

6.1.3. DOCUMENTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

6.1.3.1. REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

TABLE OFCONTENTS

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6.2. WELDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

6.2.1. PROCEDURES AND METHODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

6.2.1.1. HIGH FREQUENCY FUSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

6.2.1.2. FUSION BY HEATING WEDGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

6.2.1.3. AIR FUSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

6.2.2. WELDS INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

6.2.2.1. VISUAL INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

6.2.2.2. AIR LANCE INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

6.2.2.3. INFRARED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

6.2.3. IDENTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

6.2.3.1. ROLL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

6.2.3.2. ASSEMBLY PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

6.3. DESTRUCTIVE TESTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13


6.3.1.1. NONCONFORMITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

6.3.2. MINIMAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

6.3.2.1. FREQUENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

6.3.3. DOCUMENTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

6.3.3.1. REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

6.4. REPAIRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14


6.4.1.1. INSERTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

6.4.2. DOCUMENTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

6.4.2.1. REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

6.4.3. IDENTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

7.PRODUCTSINSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

7.1. INSPECTION OF THE FINISHED PRODUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

7.2. NONCONFORMITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

7.2.1. NONCONFORMITY REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

7.3. IDENTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

8.PACKAGINGANDSHIPPINGOFTHEPRODUCTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

8.1. PARTICULAR PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

8.2. DOCUMENTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

8.3. IDENTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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1. INTRODUCTION

This manual provides an overview of the SOLMAX Manufacturing Quality Assurance Program for SOLMAX PVC products.

It is intended for use by SOLMAX customers to enhance their understanding of the quality system under which SOLMAX

PVC products are manufactured.

2.PROGRAMSCOPE

This document covers all the inspection procedures. These procedures allow Solmax International Inc. to ensure a high and

constant quality level in its prefabrication work in the plant.

These procedures are a general description of all the steps of a project.

3.RESPONSIBILITYANDORGANIZATION

Solmax International Inc. is strongly to the quality of the products and services offered to its customers, to environmental

compliance, and to the health and safety of its employees. These commitments result in rigorously respected working

procedures, measurable objectives, and by the following policies:

3.1.QUALITYPOLICY

Solmax International Inc. aims to offer its customers information, technical assistance and inplant custom-made

prefabrication services in the areas related to the geosynthetics use.

To do so, the objectives of the company regarding quality must be implemented through its quality program. The

realization of the objectives lie with all the employees as well as the management personnel of the company.

Furthermore, all the employees must receive the directives and the training necessary to the implementation of the

company’s objectives regarding quality. Solmax International Inc. quality policy, as well as the general objectives,

are described in the quality manual.

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3.2.ENVIRONMENTALPOLICY

Solmax International Inc. conducts its business in a manner that protects the environment in the best possible way.

We strive for continual improvement of our environmental performance through the implementation, monitoring and

updating of our environmental objectives.

SolmaxInternationalInc.commitsto:

Manage its facilities in order to be in conformity with the applicable laws and regulations, while focusing on pollution

prevention and reduction of adverse environmental effects;

Identify, assess and limit the potential risks with respect to the environment and implement appropriate corrective

measures;

Promote and raise awareness, commitment and accountability of managers and employees with respect to

environmental protection;

Carry out verifications to confirm that its management practices comply with the objectives of the policies, laws and

regulations and the principles of sound environmental management, and to inform the Board of Directors, at

determined intervals of time, about the environmental situation of its operations.

3.3.HEALTHANDSAFETYPOLICY

It is Solmax International Inc.’s policy to operate in a safe and responsible manner in the respect to the health and

safety of its employees, customers, trading partners and the community which the company works with internationally.

Our commitment in health of safety for is taking over the increase of profit making or productivity.

The organization is responsible to comply to the health and safety policy. Furthermore, every employee, including

the subcontractors and contractors, are responsible to work in the respect, healthiness and safety of the working

places. This is an employment condition.

We must work safely to prevent and eliminate accidents.

The health and safety are integrated in all company levels.

We conform to all applicable laws and regulations.

Solmax International Inc. supports the activities of R&D that allows us to predict, measure and reduce the impact of

our activities on health and safety.

Solmax International Inc. will communicate rapidly and openly the status of the results in health and safety to the

communities and individuals that request it.

Solmax International Inc. integrates the aspects and impacts on health and safety in every financial decision that the

company makes.

All the products and services we offer to our customers are aligned with the health and safety policy of Solmax

International Inc.

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3.4.RESPONSIBILITIESOFTHEPARTICIPANTS

3.4.1.VICEPRESIDENTOPERATIONS,QUALITYANDTECHNICALSERVICES

The V.P. Operation, Quality and Technical Services is mandated to support, supervise and advise all the

participants regarding quality, production and health and safety in their function.

3.4.2.TECHNICALSERVICESDIRECTOR

The main role of the consists in the management of the quality system as well as the technical support related to

the implementation of the quality, environment and health and safety for all the personnel management system.

3.4.3.QUALITYSYSTEMCOORDINATOR

The coordinator must gather information from the PVC department in order to keep up to date the test data base

and allow the quality reports to the customers asking for them.

3.4.4.PVCMANAGER

The PVC Manager is authorized to implement the quality control program and to ensure that his requirements

concerning quality are not dependent on any damaging interest. Thus, he must ensure to maintain at all times

these requirements.

His role is mainly to inform the PVC production department on the particularities of a project, to verify randomly

the daily controls or tests as well as to ensure the approval of the finished product.

Finally, he must be convoked or informed of any irregularities in the implemented control process. He must then

warn the PVC production department in order for the latter to bring the required corrections.

He must also ensure, with the help of the other participants, that the nonconformities are identified and noted,

followed-up and ensure the conformity of the corrective measures taken.

3.4.5.PVCPRODUCTIONPERSONNEL

The PVC production personnel, under the supervision of the team leader, has the responsibility to ensure that all

the works realized in the plant respect the internal quality requirements as well as the ones required by the

customer. The directives coming from any other person in charge must be referred to the PVC Manager for

approval.

Only the PVC production personnel is authorized to supervise all the controls and trials required by this

document. He must, using the provided documentation, allow to retrace the follow-up of each realization.

He must not go forth in what exceeds his abilities or experience and if he is not certain of the implications of a

particular subject, he must take note of the questions without answering them immediately and refer to his

immediate superior as soon as possible.

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4.PROJECTSREALIZATION 4.1. QUALITYCONTROLMATERIAL

The team leader is responsible for the quality material that s/he was given (tensiometer, sampler, measuring tape,

etc.).

If an equipment breakage happens, the team leader must take work actively in order to remedy the situation.

During the assembly of the PVC sheets, if the tensiometer is not available to execute the quality control tests,

s/he must immediately inform his immediate superior in order to remedy the situation. No PVC sheets

assembly must be permitted without the authorization of his superior, when the tensiometer does not function

properly.

4.2.PRODUCTIONMEETING

In case of a specific plant assembly project or for any modifications to the minimal requirements of this manual,

an information meeting must be held by the PVC Manager in the presence of the principal participants of the

project. This meeting should allow the establishment of the production mandate. Notably are discussed all

the particular procedures concerning the quality control during reception, preassembly, packaging and shipping of the

products.

4.3.RELATIVEANDMINIMALREQUIREMENTS

During each project preparation, the Technical Services or the PVC Manager must prepare a summary of the

customer’s requirements. This form is made from the plans and production work order and must include all the

relevant information in order for the PVC personnel to respect the requirements.

If the customer’s requirements are less strict than Solmax International Inc.’s ones, then the latter must prevail.

4.4.REPORTING

All the follow-up forms (used during the PVC panels production) must allow the history of the preassembly of the

used materials to be retraced. They must be clear and precise.

5. PRODUCTSRECEPTION

5.1.DOCUMENTATION

At the receipt of the goods, the unloading officer must note the following elements on the bill of lading:

The reception date;

The number of pallet shipped;

The number of rolls shipped;

The officer’s signature.

He must also prepare a sample of the raw material batches for laboratory tests ends. The material is being tested

internally by the authorized personnel according to Solmax International Inc.’s internal requirements. The results

of these tests are recorded in the PVC database and transmitted to the Quality System Coordinator.

The Logistics Manager must ensure that all the information written on the reception slip are conforming to the

expedition list of the supplier or the purchase order. The procurement agent records the information in the PVC

quality database through the detailed expediton list.

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At the receipt of the supplier’s quality control reports, the Quality Service Coordinator must validate them. This

verification consists of comparing the given results with those required by Solmax International Inc., as well as to

ensure that these reports correspond to the received products. Once everything is right, the raw material will be

approved.

These reports must be clearly identified and conserved during the period of the warrantee or in the archives for a

period of ten (10) years for the materials that are not covered by a warrantee specific to a project.

5.2.VISUALINSPECTION

A visual inspection of the state of the products must be done by the forklift operator. This procedure includes a

verification of the labelling and the packaging. Any detected anomaly must be noted on the bill of lading. The non

labelled rolls will be set aside and marked as nonconforming until their identification.

5.3.QUALITYCONTROL

The welding foreman verifies the material used during the production. The latter must ensure its general visual

aspect as well as the roll length. Any detected anomaly must be reported as defined by the nonconformity

procedure.

6.RESOURCESMANAGEMENT,ASSEMBLYOFTHEPVCSHEETS 6.1.PVCMACHINECALIBRATION

6.1.1.PROCEDURESANDMETHODS

A calibration of the PVC machines is done:

After a break of thirty (30) minutes or more;

After a maximum of approximately four 4 hours of production;

And/or when there is a change of material type.

This last condition is defined as being any variation of the PVC sheets type (reinforced or non reinforced) and

of the thickness.

This welding test is done by the authorized person, with a sample coming from the roll s/he will assemble (or

another roll having the same type of material).

Before carrying out this welding test, the welder must adjust his machine and heat up the heating element (the die).

Before starting production, the welder must wait for the trained and authorized technician to have obtained

satisfying results on the samples taken.

The performance of this sample during the test is analyzed and the maximal forces, as well as the obtained rupture

types (see rupture type US-EPA) are recorded in the database.

6.1.1.1.PEELINGTEST

A peeling test consist in submitting a weld sample to a tensile strain on a tensiometer, trying to peel, i.e. to

open up the weld (see Figure 1). The rupture type and the maximal force are noted down.

9

This test gives an indication on the quality of the weld. For each material corresponds a normalized test

procedure, as indicated by Table 1.

6.1.1.2.SHEARINGTEST

The shearing test resembles the peeling test, but instead of trying to peel the weld, it is submitted to a

traction strain in the plane of the weld, that leads to the shearing of the weld strictly speaking (see Figure 2 ).

The type of rupture and the maximal force are noted down.

This test gives an indication on the real performance of the weld in use. For each material correspond the

normalized test procedure, as indicated in Table 1.

Figure1-PeelingTest

Figure2-ShearingTest

For all the executed tests (calibration or destructive), a sample of 10” X 6” is conserved by the quality

department, until the maturity of the warrantee of the contract, or for ten (10) years, according to the longest

conservation time of the two.

Table1:NORMALIZEDTESTS,PEELINGANDSHEARING

MATERIALS TEST STANDARD Speeds(mm/min)

(in/min)

Sample(mm)(in)

Distancebetweenjaws

(mm)(po)

Non reinforced

PVC sheets

Peeling

Shearing

ASTM D882 50 (2”)

500 (20”)

25 x 150 (1”x 6”)

25 x 150 (1”x 6”)

25 (1”)

50 (2”+welding)

Reinforced

PVC sheets

Peeling

Shearing

(Grab)

ASTM D751 300 (12”)

300 (12”)

50 x 150 (2”x 6”)

100 x 150 (4”x 6”)

25 (1”)

50 (2”+welding)

DIMENSION

TENSION TENSION

OVERLAP

WELDING ZONE

PVC SHEET

TENSION

TENSION

OVERLAP

WELDING ZONEPVC SHEET

10

6.1.2.MINIMALREQUIREMENTS

6.1.2.1.SAMPLES

The samples are taken at regular intervals on the length of the weld sample. The weld must be placed at the

center of each sample. For the non reinforced PVC sheets, five (5) samples must be taken for the shearing

and five (5) more for the peeling, as demonstrated by the following next figure.

6.1.2.2.MINIMALFORCE

The minimal force recorded during the calibration test must be equal or greater to the force required by the

customer or as indicated at the minimal specifications of the production work order.

6.1.2.3.TYPEOFSHEARINGRUPTURE

The observed rupture type must be indicated using the American Environmental Protection Agency

classification (US-EPA).

For the non reinforced PVC sheets, the accepted ruptures are those specified by the US-EPA, as stated by the

technical data sheet MFT-LAB-31 (see in annex).

For the reinforced PVC sheets, only the DEL type rupture (delamination in the reinforcement plane) or

BRK (breakage in the sheet outside the welding zone) are accepted.

6.1.2.4.TYPEOFPEELINGRUPTURE

The observed type of rupture must be indicated using the American Environmental Protection Agency

classification (US-EPA).

For the non reinforced PVC sheets, all the rupture types are accepted if they meet the minimal requirements.

For the reinforced PVC sheet, only the DEL type rupture (delamination in the reinforcement plane) or

BRK (breakage in the sheet outside the welding zone) are accepted.

6.1.2.5.NONCONFORMITY

If one of the obtained results (rupture type or resistance) is not conforming to the permitted requirements,

the trained and authorized technician must take a new weld sample after having modified the PVC machine

parameters. It should be tested the same way as the previous one. No production can start without obtaining

conforming results.

P1 C1 P2 C2 P3 C3 P4 C4 P5 C5

* # / +

11

6.1.3.DOCUMENTATION

6.1.3.1.REPORT

The calibration report is written directly in the PVC DB. It indicates:

The test number;

The product type;

The date and time;

The power and sealing time;

The name of the welder;

The maximal forces obtained (peeling/shearing);

The obtained rupture type (peeling/shearing);

The initials of the trained and authorized technician;

The welding machine number;

The tensiometer number.

The results of this report must be kept for a period of ten (10) years or according to the maturity of the

warrantee of the contract.

6.2.WELDS


The high frequency or heating wedge fusion methods are used for the welds (longitudinal and transverse

welds) between the PVC sheets. The equipment used is static and the PVC sheets are moved on a

conveyer. The production is done “continuously”, in an automated way. In order to ensure the best possible

adherence of the weld, the welder must verify the cleanliness of the edges of the PVC sheets and must clean

them if necessary.

6.2.1.1.HIGHFREQUENCYFUSION

During the welding process, the polarized molecules are agitated by an electric field. By inversing its polarity

several million times per second, the field leads to a rapid modification of the orientation of the molecules.

This agitation between the molecules manifests itself by an increase in the material temperature. When,

under a certain pressure, this temperature exceeds the fusion point of the PVC sheet, a fusion of the two

surfaces in contact occurs producing a permanent joint.

6.2.1.2.FUSIONBYHEATINGWEDGE

During the realization of a weld by heating wedge, a certain pressure and temperature, greater than the

PVC sheet fusion point, are applied to allow the fusion of the two surfaces in contact and thus produce a

permanent joint.

6.2.1.3.AIRFUSION

During the realization of a repair on a PVC panel, a hot air welding gun is used for the welding.

12

6.2.2.WELDSINSPECTION

6.2.2.1.VISUALINSPECTION

A visual inspection is done continuously on the welds by the assistant welder (right after the die). This

inspection is done on 100% of the weld’s length. Any imperfect adhesion, perforation, tear or other defect

that could be detected will be repaired (see section 6.4).

6.2.2.2.AIRLANCEINSPECTION

If required by a customer, an inspection with an air lance can be done by a third person. This inspection is

done on 100% of the length of the welds. Any imperfect adhesion, perforation, tear or other defect that could

be detected will be repaired (see section 6.4).

6.2.2.3.INFRARED

If required by a customer, an infrared inspection can be executed by an independent system. This inspection

is done on 100% of the longitudinal welds. Any imperfect adhesion, perforation, tear or other defect that

could be detected will be repaired (see section 6.4).

6.2.3.IDENTIFICATION

6.2.3.1.ROLL

For each project, all the available information on the rolls used must be noted down by the welder and

conserved in the file (see PVC data base). This information must at least include:

The type of material;

The project name;

The panel number;

The batch identification number;

The roll number;

The length used;

The preassembly date.

The rolls already started but not finished are identified with their original identification numbers (Batch No.

and Roll No.), the length used and the material type. At the end of each project, the list of the rolls used must

be drawn up and included in the project file.

6.2.3.2.ASSEMBLYPLAN

For each project, the welder must note an assembly plan for each panel, identifying it by the roll number.

The assembly plan is verified by the team leader, then validated and computerized by technical services. It is

conserved in the project file, in electronic format.

6.3.DESTRUCTIVETESTS


The destructive tests are peeling and shearing tests executed on samples prepared during the production to

verify the resistance of the welds in place, and ensure they still meet the customer’s or Solmax International Inc.’s

specifications.

The requirements concerning the type of ruptures and the force obtained are the same as for the calibration,

except if stated otherwise.

13

The procedures used are also the same as those described to test the samples during the calibration of the

welding device.

If more than one (1) sample on five (5) does not pass the test, the test will be considered as nonconforming.

6.3.1.1.NONCONFORMITIES

If a nonconformity case occurs, the panel will be identified as nonconforming and the PVC Manager will be

informed. The nonconformity will be treated as defined by the nonconforming products control procedure.

6.3.2.MINIMALREQUIREMENTS

6.3.2.1.FREQUENCY

A sample prepared with the same type of material as the one produced must be destructively tested at the

maximal frequency of one (1) per panel or one (1) per 915 linear meters of welding.

6.3.3.DOCUMENTATION

6.3.3.1.REPORT

The results of the destructive tests are directly written in the PVC DB. They include:

The test number;

The panel number;

The number of the welded PVC sheets;

The date and time;

Parameters of the weld;

The maximal forces obtained in peeling and shearing;

The rupture type;

The initials of the technician;

The welding device number;

The tensiometer number.

This report is kept during a minimal period of ten (10) years or according to the maturity of the warrantee of

the contract.

6.4.REPAIRS


The nonconformities detected during the execution of the quality control program are repaired and verified

according to the procedure, except for the nonconforming welds (for nonconforming welds, see 6.3.1.1).

6.4.1.1.INSERTS

Any imperfect adhesions, perforations, tears and other defects must be repaired by fusing an insert using a

hot air jet. This insert must exceed the defective zone by a minimum of 2-3” around the defect.

All the repairs must be visually inspected by a trained and authorized technician other than the one who

executed the repairs, in order to assess the quality of the work.

14

6.4.2.DOCUMENTATION

6.4.2.1.REPORT

The repairs report should indicate:

The repair number;

The location of the repair;

The date of the repair;

The reason of the repair;

The technician’s initials;

The QC technician’s initials.

This report is kept in the file during a minimal period of ten (10) years or according to the maturity of the

warrantee of the contract.

6.4.3.IDENTIFICATION

Each repair by insert must be clearly indicated in the assembly plan by the welder and the technician must

fill in the repairs report sheet.

15

7. PRODUCTSINSPECTION

7.1.INSPECTIONOFTHEFINISHEDPRODUCTS

Each finished product is controlled by the team leader in order to verify if all the customer’s and Solmax International Inc.’s

specifications were met.

7.2.NONCONFORMITY

Any nonconforming product is treated, identified, analyzed, rectified and documented in accordance with the

nonconforming products control procedure.

7.2.1.NONCONFORMITYREPORT

When a nonconformity report is necessary, it must indicate all the relevant details to the analysis and resolution

of the nonconformity, such as:

The inspected product;

Produced and inspected quantity;

Inspection date;

Name of the technician of the PVC Manager;

Detected Nonconformity;

Inspection details.

This report is archived during a minimal period of ten (10) years.

7.3.IDENTIFICATION

All the inspected products are clearly identified using a conformity label.

8. PACKAGINGANDSHIPPINGOFTHEPRODUCTS

8.1.PARTICULARPRECAUTIONS

The finish and solidity of the loading pallet must be verified attentively before loading the fabricated PVC panels

on them.

Before sending the preassembled panels, the team leader must verify the identification of the content of the pallet vs.

the information on the documents and the solidity of the packaging.

8.2.DOCUMENTATION

The conformity certificates including the in plant quality control results are transmitted to the customer in a final

report. An electronic copy is conserved by the quality department for a duration of at least ten (10) years.

For the horticulture products, the certificates are transmitted to the customer only if required.

8.3.IDENTIFICATION

All the panels manufactured must be clearly identified and must include the following information:

Name of the project;

Material type;

Panel dimension;

Panel number;

Weight.

16

Types of breaks(US-EPA)

TOP SHEET

Peal Shear

ACCEPTEDBREAK

BOTTOM SHEET

BREAKDESCRIPTION

CLASSIFICATIONCODETYPES OF BREAKS

DIRECTION OF PEEL

WELD

CLAMP

BREAK IN SHEETING ATCLAMP EDGE

BREAK IN SHEETING

BREAK IN SEAMEDGE

BREAK IN SHEETINGAFTER SOME ADHESIONFAILURE BETWEEN THE SHEETS

CL

BRK

AD-BRK

AD FAILURE IN ADHESIONBETWEEN THE SHEETS

FTB

FTBSE

FTB

NON-FTB

SINGLE-TRACK GEOMEMBRANE WELD

YES YES

YES YES

YES YES

YES YES

YES NO

a

a FTB=“FILM–TEARBOND”

ANNEX

SOLMAX.COM

OIL & GAS CONTAINMENTSYSTEMS

OURLOCATIONS

HEADQUARTERVARENNES, QC | CANADA

Solmax is not a design professional and has not performed any design services to determine if Solmax’s goods comply with any project plans or specifications, or with the application or use of Solmax’s goods to any particular system, project, purpose, installation or specification.

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