McElroy’s Digital Innovations Offer Peace Of Mind From Start To Finish
As the world shifts toward more sustainable and cost-effective infrastructure, butt-fused high-density polyethylene (HDPE) has become the material of choice for many piping applications, from natural gas and municipal water distribution to wastewater and more. Thermoplastic HDPE pipe offers a lack of corrosion, multiple trenchless installation options, and high level of quality assurance, making it a popular choice for both new installations and projects to replace aging infrastructure.
McElroy is the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of thermoplastic pipe fusion equipment. Founded by Art and Panny McElroy in their Tulsa, Oklahoma garage in 1954, McElroy’s machinery has cemented itself as the number one choice on fusion sites around the world. In addition, McElroy’s focus on quality assurance is a cornerstone of its machine and accessory lineup.
Since its inception, McElroy has offered several quality assurance tools that work alongside its industry-leading fusion machine lineup. From proven testing tools like the In Field® Tensile Tester and Guided Side Bend Tester to the cutting-edge innovations of the DataLogger® 7, McElroy’s QA suite is tailored to fit the unique and specific needs of each project, delivering an added level of oversight and peace of mind that each fusion joint is ready to perform.
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS
The DataLogger 7 is one of the most valuable tools on any fusion jobsite. This ruggedized fusion tablet captures pertinent fusion data, documenting parameters like heat soak times, heating pressures, fusion pressures, cool time, and more.
Over the last few years, McElroy has expanded its suite of technological offerings, including them in its ever-growing list of DataLogger functionalities available to users, device owners, and contractors alike.
For McElroy’s TracStar® iSeries line, all fusion functions take place through the DataLogger tablet, and the benefits extend beyond record-keeping and oversight. When using a TracStar iSeries machine, operators are given the choice of three different levels of control: : Level 1’s manual operation, Level 2’s semi-automatic fusion, and Level 3’s fully automatic, software-controlled fusion functions. McElroy’s “Enhanced Guided Workflow” automates the machine’s shift sequence and walks operators through the heating and fusing times with on-screen prompts on the DataLogger.
BEFORE THE FIRST FUSE
For new or less experienced machine operators, the DataLogger 7 tablet also includes an option for Trainer Mode. This function can be used to speed up the training process and help new or inexperienced operators quickly familiarize themselves with the machine’s functions and processes. Trainer Mode also lets users practice the fusion process without the need for a machine.
Recently, McElroy added the Equipment Inspection App to its digital lineup, allowing machine owners to manage and maintain their fleets. A well-maintained machine provides peace of mind before it first reaches the jobsite.
The Inspection App is available for both iOS and Android devices, but is best viewed using the DataLogger 7 tablet. The app seamlessly guides users through the inspection process with pre-populated checklists for machines and components. To even further streamline operations, the app allows users to create customized inspection surveys for any piece of equipment they own – not just the machines in their McElroy fleet.
LOOKING AHEAD
The pipe fusion industry is a fast-growing one, and it’s constantly shifting to meet the changing needs of modern infrastructure. McElroy is committed to remaining at the forefront of fusion technology and providing tested, trusted machinery that will improve the world’s infrastructure one joint at a time.
To learn more about pipe fusion and McElroy, visit https://www.mcelroy.com.
