McElroy introduces new sizes to the Acrobat™ machine line which feature the revolutionary QuikFit™ carriage that allows operators to meet the challenges of fusing large-diameter polypropylene pipe in close-quarter working environments. “Acrobat with QuikFit carriages provide a solution through a modular single-size jaw design that is going to make a huge difference in how Read more
polypropylene pipe
McElroy introduces new sizes to the Acrobat™ machine line which feature the revolutionary QuikFit™ carriage that allows operators to meet the challenges of fusing large-diameter polypropylene pipe in close-quarter working environments.
“Acrobat with QuikFit carriages provide a solution through a modular single-size jaw design that is going to make a huge difference in how large-diameter polypropylene pipe is installed,” said Paul Donaldson, Manager of Mechanical Engineering at McElroy. “The beauty of this design is that it simplifies the fusion process to help serve the needs of the plumbing, mechanical and HVAC industry.”
The new machines, which fuse 355mm to 630mm (14” to 24”) polypropylene pipe, was in response to a demand in the industry for lightweight, large-diameter butt fusion equipment that would make overhead pipe installations more safe and efficient. Fusing large pipe on plumbing and mechanical installations is intricate work whether it’s new construction or a building retrofit. Operators work around ducting, framing, stud walls and other obstacles, leaving little space to fuse pipe, especially when fusing pipe many feet in the air. If the fusion machine is heavy and bulky, it makes the job difficult or even impossible.McElroy took on the challenge by custom designing the Acrobat with QuikFit carriage to break down into multiple components to reduce weight and size. The ability to assemble the upper and lower jaws of the carriage around the pipe by hand eliminates the need for extra equipment and manpower that would be required to lift and fit an entire carriage into a cramped space. The carriage is half the weight of alternative machines and can be arranged in 4-, 3- and 2-jaw configurations for an even smaller footprint.
All of the fusion equipment, including the carriage, drill-powered facer, heater and hydraulic power unit (HPU), can be loaded on a single scissor lift platform. The flexibility of the machine allows it to fuse pipe in any orientation that is required on plumbing, mechanical and HVAC installations, including vertical and overhead.
The Acrobat is offered in single pipe sizes to eliminate the need for inserts which also keeps the machine lightweight. Each Size Package includes the jaws, heater and lightweight facer blade holders. To complete the machine, there is a common Core Package that can be paired with any of the sizes which helps reduce costs. It includes the cylinder assemblies, clamp assemblies, carriage skid, facer stand, a detachable facer motor for easy maneuverability, a heater/facer rolling cart to move everything easily from joint to joint, an HPU with DataLogger® capability and shipping container.
The Acrobat with QuikFit carriage is another example of McElroy’s dedication to the industry by designing machines to meet the unique challenges seen in the field. McElroy offers the world’s most complete line of fusion equipment with sales, service and support worldwide. Equipment is purchased through an international network of distributors. To find a location, go to www.mcelroy.com/en/distributorlocator.htm.
Irving, Texas—The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) has announced the creation of the Polypropylene Pressure Pipe Steering Committee within its Building and Construction Division (BCD). This new group will focus entirely on polypropylene pressure pipe, and is a significant development for PPI in supporting this industry. PPI is the major North American trade association representing Read more
Irving, Texas—The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) has announced the creation of the Polypropylene Pressure Pipe Steering Committee within its Building and Construction Division (BCD). This new group will focus entirely on polypropylene pressure pipe, and is a significant development for PPI in supporting this industry. PPI is the major North American trade association representing all segments of the plastic pipe industry.
The Steering Committee focuses on two types of polypropylene pressure pipes: PP-R, polypropylene random copolymer, and PP-RCT, polypropylene random copolymer with modified crystallinity and temperature resistance. Both types of pipes are approved for potable hot and cold water plumbing systems, hydronic heating and cooling systems, as well as other applications.
PP-R and PP-RCT pipes are available in metric sizes ranging from 16 to 355 mm and IPS schedule 80 sizes ranging from 1/2 to 6 inches. The minimum hydrostatic pressure ratings are 160 psi at 73ºF (1105 kPa at 23ºC) and 100 psi at 180ºF (690 kPa at 82ºC) for plumbing applications, but pipes with different dimension ratios (DRs) can have higher or lower pressure ratings, as needed by the customer.
The recent formation of the Polypropylene Pressure Pipe Steering Committee (P4 SC) reflects the rapid growth and continuing acceptance of polypropylene pressure pipe in the North American market.
According to PPI President Tony Radoszewski, CAE, “PPI has been a strong advocate and technical resource for many types of plastic pipe systems since its formation in 1950, including new materials as they develop. While not new in Europe, polypropylene pressure pipes are relatively new in North America, and PPI can serve members by helping to grow this market in a technically correct and responsible manner. Pipe producers see the value in this industry collaboration. In fact, the number of polypropylene producer members at PPI has tripled since this Steering Committee was initiated in late 2017.”
The P4 SC fits well with the BCD focus on plastic pressure pipe and tubing systems used within buildings and on building premises for applications such as plumbing, water service, fire protection, hydronic heating and cooling, snow and ice melting and ground source geothermal piping systems.
The mission of PPI’s Building & Construction Division is to promote the expanded acceptance and use of high-reliability plastic pressure pipe and tubing systems in building and construction environments by providing research, education, and code and standard development with a focus on delivering sustainable and safe plastic system solutions that enrich people’s lives.
According to PPI’s BCD Director of Engineering Lance MacNevin, P.Eng. “Our first activity was to publish a new PPI webpage dedicated to PP-R and PP-RCT piping systems. This webpage – https://plasticpipe.org/building-construction/bcd-pp.html – contains technical information, lists of advantages and applications, plus links to PPI member firms that produce PP-R and PP-RCT systems.”
In addition to coordinating industry research programs, developing technical publications, and creating educational information about these systems, the PPI technical staff participates within the standards development organizations (SDOs) ASTM, CSA, and NSF, code bodies IAPMO and ICC, as well as other organizations such as ASPE, CACP, PMAC and RPA.
MacNevin continued, “The new committee will engage in a wide range of activities. For instance, supporting industry efforts to update and harmonize product standards ASTM F2389 and CSA B137.11; coordinating and publishing research on proper uses of PP systems for plumbing and hydronic applications; developing online calculators for design of PP piping systems; and creating educational content about PP materials.”
New Technical Document Now Available
The first publication related to polypropylene (PP-R) pressure pipe is PPI TN-57 Proper Integration of Copper Tubing and Components with PP-R Piping Materials for Plumbing Applications, which was published in June 2018. The purpose of this technical document is to provide information regarding proper integration of copper tubing and components with random copolymerized polypropylene (PP-R) piping materials for plumbing applications. “This document is a great example of the kind of educational content the P4 SC and PPI can generate to help the industry as a whole,” MacNevin commented. The direct link to this document is https://plasticpipe.org/pdf/tn-57.pdf
Additional information can be found on the Plastics Pipe Institute’s website: www.plasticpipe.org.