Our friends over at the Alliance for PE Pipe did a wonderful job creating a new video introducing PE Pipe.  Its meant as a way to encourage professionals, planners, and others to “Re-Think” Pipe and all of its applications.   If you are thinking about installing new piping systems, no matter what industry or application, you owe it to yourself to take a closer look at HDPE.  Check out the video below and then head over to pepipe.org to dive even deeper.

Utility Satisfaction Ratings for PE Mains - Image Courtesy of Jana Laboratories Report

Polyethylene (PE) Pipe systems have been in use for over 50 years now for potable water applications throughout the world.  Since the first systems were installed in the early 1960′s there has been an exciting evolution of the specific materials and processes used to produce PE pipe.  In addition to increased technological capabilities for manufacturing and installation, the industry as a whole has been invested in ensuring the evolution of PE pipe to be the absolute best it can be.

The result of all this hard work and applied research?  Based on a recent study by Jana Laboratories of over 208 Utilities across America, the satisfaction levels with PE Pipe systems (installed over the past 20 years) is over 93%.   That is a huge number!  With a lifetime expectancy of well over 100 years, this means PE Pipe is probably one of the best infrastructure investments a utility can make.

The combination of the long lifetime of Polyethylene Pipe in addition to a 100% leak free system means that PE Pipe is the best choice for potable water distribution available.  Not only because of the financial implications, but also for the environment.

• Click Here to Download “Polyethylene (PE) Pipe Performance in Potable Water Distribution Systems – Past, Present & Future by Jana Laboratories

Materials such as concrete and steel have proven to be less than ideal for the longevity needed in municipal water delivery systems.  In particular, resistance to chlorine and chloramines needed to ensure water safety.  Of course there are alternatives to these materials such as Polyethylene Pipe that are proving to provide a much better alternative.

Don’t take it from us though.  Instead we direct you to an independent study recently completed by Jana Laboratories titled “Impact of Potable Water Disinfectants on PE Pipe“.  In the report, Jana conducts case studies on four separate water utilities throughout the United States in conjunction with models developed to project performance at their operating conditions.   They found that in each case the performance projections are well in excess of 100 years!

This report helps to validate what we here at High Country Fusion have been advocating for well over a decade now.  Polyethylene Pipe is truly the best material for potable water applications.  It lasts longer, its better for the environment, and it provides a better investment overall for individuals and the communities they live in.  We hope you enjoy reading the report as much as we did.

• Click Here to Download the Report from Jana Laboratories

McElroy 1600 Fusion Machine

The MegaMc™ 2065 machines will butt fuse pipe sizes from 20” OD to 65” OD (500mm to 1600mm). Designed for the largest of pipe applications, this machine has been used around the world as large-diameter polyethylene pipeline projects grow in every industry.

It allows for butt fusion of most fittings without special holders. Mitered inserts are available for fabricating ells. McElroy’s unique semi–automatic control system requires only one operator. Hydraulic power assists all fusion functions including the complete operation of the jaws, pipe lifts, heater and facer.

Recently, McElroy developed the 4-jaw 1600 machine to tackle large pipe jobs, with 30,000 lbs. of clamping force per jaw for improved gripping and rerounding of pipe. With 88,000 lbs. of fusion force, operators will find they have extra force in reserve to overcome drag. The 1600 boasts a road-approved 102″ width, extendable hydraulic outriggers/levelers for stabilization and an improved facer design that is 40% faster. Like the 2065, hydraulic power assists all fusion functions including complete operation of the jaws, pipe lifts, heater and facer.

• Click Here to Download the McElroy MegaMc 2065 and 1600 Fusion Machines Brochure

McElroy MegaMc 1648 Rolling Fusion Machine

The MegaMc™ 1648 Machine will butt fuse pipe sizes from 16” OD to 48” OD (450mm to 1200mm). It was designed to serve the large diameter needs of the water and sewer industry. Growth in the water industry has fueled the demand for the 1648.

The machine allows for butt fusion of most fittings without special holders or removal of the outer jaw. Mitered inserts are available for fabricating ells. McElroy’s unique semi–automatic control system requires only one operator. Hydraulic power assists all fusion functions including the complete operation of the jaws, pipe lifts, heater and facer.

• Click Here to Download the McElroy MegaMc 1648 Rolling Fusion Machine Brochure

McElroy MegaMc 1236 Rolling Fusion Machine

The  MegaMc™ 1236 and TracStar® 900 machines will butt fuse pipe sizes from 12” IPS to 36” OD (340mm to 900mm). Above ground or in the ditch, these all new machines bring the flexibility of the smaller machines to MegaMc large-diameter fusion. These fusion machines have all the advantages of their predecessors with additional features for in-ditch, close-quarter work.

The carriage has 4-jaws with a removable 3-jaw carriage and is capable of top loading the heater and facer to maximize functionality within limited space.

The TracStar 900 is mounted on independently controlled, self propelled tracks and features a wireless remote driving control. Both models are hydraulically powered to assist all fusion functions, including the operation of the jaws, pipe lifts, heater and facer. The machines allow for butt fusion of most fittings without special holders or removal of outer jaw. Mitered inserts are available for fabricating ells.

The Automatic TracStar 900 controls and monitors the heat, soak, fuse and cool cycles. It has a built-in datalogging feature that keeps a record of each fusion joint, which allows you to verify joint integrity.

• Click Here to Download the MegaMc 1236 and TracStar 900 Fusion Machines Brochure

McElroy TracStar 630 Fusion Machine

The re-designed MegaMc™ 824 and the new TracStar® 630 machines will butt fuse pipe sizes from 8” IPS to 24” OD (225mm to 630mm). Above ground or in the ditch, these revolutionary machines bring the flexibility of the smaller machines to MegaMc large-diameter fusion. It is the first fusion machine of this size specifically designed for in-ditch, close-quarter work with all the advantages of a track or rolling machine.

The carriage has 4 jaws with a removable 3-jaw carriage and is capable of top loading the heater and facer to maximize functionality within limited space.

The TracStar 630 is mounted on independently controlled, self-propelled tracks and features a wireless remote driving control. Both models are hydraulically powered to assist all fusion functions including the operation of the jaws, pipe lifts, heater and facer. The machines allow for butt fusion of most fittings without special holders or removal of outer jaw. Mitered inserts are available for fabricating ells.

The Automatic TracStar 630 controls and monitors the heat, soak, fuse and cool cycles. It has a built-in datalogging feature that keeps a record of each fusion joint, which allows you to verify joint integrity.

• Click Here to Download the McElroy 824 and TracStar 630 Fusion Machines Brochure

McElroy TracStar 500 Fusion Machine

McElroy’s TracStar® 500 will butt fuse pipe sizes from 6” IPS to 20” OD (180mm to 500mm). It was the first fusion machine in the world to be mounted on a track system, making it mobile in almost any terrain. Considered the flagship of McElroy machines, its success spawned the entire TracStar line of fusion equipment.

The TracStar 500 incorporates the interchangeable 500 carriage with McElroy’s patented Centerline Guidance System. Two fixed and movable clamping jaws result in precision pipe alignment for higher quality fusion joints.

The Automated TracStar 500 is also available with automated control and monitoring over the heat, soak, fuse, and cool cycles. This automated system guides the operator through a step-by-step procedure for fusing pipe. It has a built-in datalogging feature that keeps a record of each fusion joint, which allows you to verify joint integrity.

The Pit Bull 500 is used for special applications where the tracked vehicle is not needed. These machines can fabricate segmented ells with optional mitered inserts and are DataLogger® compatible.

• Click Here to Download the McElroy TracStar Fusion Machines Brochure

McElroy 618 Tracked Fusion Machine

McElroy’s 618 line of fusion machines will butt fuse pipe sizes from 6” IPS to 18” OD (180mm to 450mm). They come in multiple model configurations to meet the demands of your pipeline project. One of our best sellers, the Rolling 618 bridges the gap between small and large diameter pipe fusion.

All units incorporate the interchangeable 618 four-jaw carriage, which can be easily removed for in-ditch fusion. For tight installations, the outer fixed jaw and skid can be removed from the carriage converting it to a 3-jaw carriage for an even more compact fusion unit. These machines can fabricate segmented ells with optional mitered inserts and are DataLogger® compatible.

The TracStar 618 offers a self-contained, self-propelled, track-mounted vehicle that can handle grades up to 30%. It is the number one choice on the jobsite for its ease of maneuverability and productivity gains.

New to the TracStar 618 is an option that allows automated control and monitoring over the heat, soak, fuse, and cool cycles. The Automated TracStar 618 system guides the operator through a step-by-step procedure for fusing pipe. It has a built-in data logging feature that keeps a record of each fusion joint, which allows you to verify joint integrity.

The Pit Bull 618 is used for special applications where the wheeled or tracked vehicle is not needed.

• Click Here to Download the McElroy 618 Fusion Machines Brochure

McElroy 412 Tracked Fusion Machine

McElroy’s 412 line of fusion machines will butt fuse pipe sizes from 4” IPS to 12” DIPS (110mm to 340mm). They come in multiple model configurations to meet the demands of your pipeline project. The Rolling 412 changed the industry when introduced as the first fully self-contained fusion machine in the world. The TracStar 412 added all-terrain mobility to the unit setting a new industry standard.

Rolling, TracStar®, and Pit Bull® machines incorporate the interchangeable 412 4-jaw carriage, which can be easily removed for in-ditch fusion. For tight installations, the outer fixed jaw and skid can be removed from the carriage converting it to a 3-jaw carriage for an even more compact fusion unit. These machines can fabricate segmented ells with optional mitered inserts and are DataLogger® compatible.

The TracStar 412 offers a self-contained, self-propelled, track-mounted vehicle that can handle grades up to 30%. It is the number one choice on the jobsite for its ease of maneuverability and productivity gains.

New to the TracStar 412 is an option that allows automated control and monitoring over the heat, soak, fuse and cool cycles. The Automated TracStar 412 system guides the operator through a step by step procedure for fusing pipe. It has a built-in datalogging feature that keeps a record of each fusion joint, which allows you to verify joint integrity.

The Pit Bull 412 is used for special applications where the wheeled or tracked vehicle is not needed.

Industry experts’ input helped create the powerful mix of features that make the DynaMc Auto an excellent option. A hydraulically powered facer trims the pipe ends, while an electronic control unit has USB technology for downloading reports in a faster format.

The new DynaMcâ„¢ HP (Hand Pump) machines butt fuse pipe with a hand-powered pump and are available in 2- and 4-jaw models.

Worthy of the DynaMc name, the HP is a true dynamo, giving the operator a powerful fusion unit in a small package. With a detachable easy-lift cradle, the HP machine is easily maneuvered into tight spaces. The HP’s electric facer is sturdy and powerful, with the option of being loaded from either side of the machine for improved convenience.

The DynaMcâ„¢ EPs (Electric Pump) use a common, modular DynaMc EP Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) and are available in 2- and 4-jaw models. The EP HPU utilizes a standard manual carriage manifold that is powerful enough to tackle thick-walled pipe. A strong electric facer can be loaded from either side of the carriage, offering flexibility when fusing pipe in tight confines.

• Click Here to Download the McElroy 412 Fusion Machines Brochure