TPi May 2019

Products & developments

Lightweight, modular machine for large-pipe fusion in tight spaces

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 in 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, a common core package 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 manoeuvrability, a heater/facer rolling cart to move everything easily from joint to joint, an HPU with DataLogger ® capability, and a shipping container. McElroy Manufacturing – USA fusion@mcelroy.com www.mcelroy.com

Fusing large pipe on plumbing and mechanical installations is intricate work, whether for new construction or building retrofits. Operators work around ducting, framing, stud walls and other obstacles, leaving little space to fuse pipe, especially when the pipe is 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 four-, three- and two-jaw configurations for an even smaller footprint. All of the fusion equipment, including the carriage, drill-powered facer, heater

McElroy has introduced new sizes to the Acrobat TM machine line that feature the QuikFit TM carriage, which 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 355 to 630mm (14" to 24") polypropylene pipe, are a response to demand in the industry for lightweight, large-diameter butt fusion equipment that would make overhead pipe installations more safe and efficient.

Acrobat with QuikFit carriage

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL May 2019

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