For more than 60 years, McElroy has committed to providing innovative, quality products and services. McElroy designs and manufactures a comprehensive line of fusion equipment for joining thermoplastic pipes including high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
The company offers a complete range of accessories that are designed to increase onsite productivity and efficiency. Its commitment to the industry includes an extensive training programme through McElroy University to ensure that operators and inspectors develop best practices in the quality and reliability of fused pipe systems.
Fusion machines for the water industry
Across the world, there is a tremendous need to expand water systems and replace existing, aged-out and leaking infrastructure. Thermoplastic pipe offers a non-corrosive, long-life solution, and when paired with a heat fusion technology offers a leak-free system without water losses.
McElroy machines and thermoplastic pipes are the optimal choices. McElroy designed its first fusion machine. The company portfolio has since expanded to cover pipe sizes from 0.5in copper tube size (CTS) to 2,000mm, which forms the most comprehensive range of any fusion equipment manufacturer.
Fusion equipment is available in various models, from rolling and tracked models to carriage-only models, to accommodate specific job site requirements.
Productivity optimisation accessories
McElroy believes in providing solutions to problems; therefore, in addition to fusion machines, McElroy provides a variety of accessories and productivity tools that can significantly improve the job site efficiency. Examples include its Pipe Stands and Low Profile Rollers, as well as the PolyHorse® and the MegaMc® PolyHorse pipe handling systems, which consist of a series of adjustable racks to store and help move and align pipe on job sites. These adjustable racks provide a less hazardous environment for handling pipe bundles and reduce manpower costs while enhancing job site productivity.
Quality assurance for fusion equipment
Quality testing and quality assurance can be a tremendous benefit to any job site. The McElroy DataLogger® gives operators the ability to record the parameters of the pipe fusion process to determine if proper procedures have been followed. Data elements such as time, temperature and pressure are recorded on this ruggedised tablet and the latest DataLogger also allows operators to scan data and capture photos and GPS coordinates.
The DataLogger can be used in combination with the Vault™ which is a secure web-based server that stores fusion joint data. This allows users to access their joints from any location with internet access and use a variety of analytical tools.
For quality testing, there are a variety of options available. McElroy’s Guided Side Bend Tester and In Field® Tensile Tester are two such tools that allow onsite qualitative testing to ensure joints meet the appropriate standard. If a laboratory-type test is required, McElroy also offers the McSnapper® to destructively test impact resistance.
Operator training courses
McElroy University provides training through a number of methods. Training is offered at its facilities in Tulsa, Oklahoma, through certified instructors throughout the US, online courses as well as onsite custom training per client request. Classes include operator qualification, troubleshooting and rebuilding and inspector training.
Each class includes a combination of classroom and hands-on sessions, followed by after-class testing to ensure that students understand the proper concepts and procedures.
Students who successfully pass the tests receive a McElroy University operator qualification which is valid for two years.
For more information about McElroy equipment, go to the company website.
