Since the early 1950’s McElroy has been designing and manufacturing PE fusion equipment, a line which has grown into the world’s
largest selection - unequaled in design innovation, reliability and adherence to rigid ISO manufacturing standards.
Welding of PE pipe involves heating and softening both ends of the pipes to be joined and then compressing them together to
complete the fusion. Pipe fusion machines consist of clamping devices, to hold the pipes in place, and a heating element or plate
to generate a sufficient amount of thermal energy to effectively melt both pipe ends prior to compression – a process that makes
the fusion joint stronger than the pipe itself in both tensile and pressure properties. The clamping devices also slide
perpendicular to the pipe’s orientation to apply the compression force needed while the joint cools.
The evolution of PE and HDPE fusion processes and equipment has culminated in a technique that can be relied on for making unfailing
joints for pipes carrying the most volatile and hazardous of fluids. In fact, McElroy has been instrumental in producing
machinery that minimizes the potential for installation errors thus virtually eliminating the possibility of out-of-specification joints.
No other manufacturer offers as wide a variety of fusion equipment from hand tools, like the MiniMc - for pipe sizes from ½” CTS to 1” IPS,
to the mammoth MegaMc machines for pipe sizes from 20” O.D. to 65” O.D. These monsters allow for butt fusion of most fittings without
special holders. Mitered inserts are also available for fabricating ells. McElroy’s unique semi-automatic control system requires
only one operator while hydraulic power assists all fusion functions including the complete operation of the jaws, pipe lifts, heater and facer.
Following is a list of ASTM and AWWA specifications that apply to PE and HDPE pipe for applications in the gas and water utility industries.
- ASTM D2513 Standard Specification for Thermoplastic Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing and Fittings
- ASTM D3035 Standard Specification for for Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe (DR-PR) Based on Controlled Outside Diameter
- ASTM D3261 Standard Specification for Butt Heat Fusion Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Fittings for Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe and Tubing
- ASTM F714 Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe (SDR-PR) Based on Outside Diameter
- ANSI/AWWA C901, AWWA Standard for Polyethylene (PE) Pressure Pipe and Tubing, 1/2" (13mm) through 3" (76mm), for Water Service
- ANSI/AWWA C906, AWWA Standard for Polyethylene (PE) Pressure Pipe and Fittings, 4" (100mm) through 63" (1,600mm), for Water Distribution and Transmission
SECOR has been an authorized sales, training and service center for McElroy for over 20 years. Well versed in real-world problem solving,
SECOR is fittingly equipped to provide a level of expertise in PE and HDPE pipe fusion technology unequaled in the industry.
SECOR’s expertise spans the following technologies.
- PE and HDPE Fusion Theory
- PE Pipe System Design
- Pipe Bursting
- Pipe Relining
- Firewater Systems for Plants
- Dredging Operations
- Geothermal Piping Systems
- Pipe Installation
- Gas Distribution Systems
- Water Distribution/Infrastructure
- Sanitary and Storm Sewer Systems
- Coiled Pipe Installation
- Trenchless Technology
- Training
- Fusion Machine Set-up
- Fusion Machine Running Procedure
- Fusion Machine Maintenance
- Fusion Machine Safety
