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What is a Water Loss Control Plan & What Importance Does Ductile Iron Pipe Play?
06/30/2023 In Products TechnicalMy local water utility recently contacted our home to inform us they were turning the water off from noon to 6:00 p.m. to repair a newly discovered water leak. This situation made me think about water loss, specifically how long the water line had been leaking, how many gallons of treated water was lost, and how a utility keeps up with water loss. This Iron Strong Blog describes the various components of a Water Loss Control Plan (WLCP) and the importance Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) plays in an overall water management strategy.
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Why Do Pipe Foundries Have Seasonal Shut Downs?
06/22/2023 In Environmental & Safety Our Company TechnicalCustomers may occasionally ask why manufacturing facilities are shut down. Let's face it; we live in an "I want the product, and I want it NOW world," and no one wants to hear about a shutdown. The following #IronStrong blog covers what occurs during a shutdown at McWane Ductile foundries and the main reason for the shutdown, which is ultimately "YOU," the customer.
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Why Is Safe Yield Important to the Water Utility?
05/26/2023 In Products TechnicalA major goal of a water utility is to increase its safe yield as it can directly relate to economic development, potential limiting of new customer connections, or quality of life in general when ample water supply is limited. In this #IronStrong Blog, we will discuss factors that affect safe yield and strategies to ensure it.
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How to Use the McWane Ductile Iron Pipe Submittal Builder
04/20/2023 In Products TechnicalHave you ever been asked to supply a submittal for one of your construction projects? As we all know, water, electricity, gas, and fiber optic are critical to infrastructure today, with many facets involved in each project. These installations must be constructed to adhere to the specifications required by the engineer and demanded by the owner. Most projects, whether public or private, require a preconstruction submittal package that ensures all product requirements are met. In this Iron Strong Blog, we delve into the creation and content of product submittals in more detail, providing step-by-step instructions for utilizing the McWane Ductile Submittal Builder.
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What is Tuberculation and Why Did it Happen in Iron Pipe?
04/13/2023 In Products TechnicalIn years past, gray cast iron pipe was originally sold with no lining or coating on the pipe's interior. After many years of study, it became apparent that the inside of cast iron pipe might be affected by certain types of water. In this Iron Strong Blog, we will describe tuberculation, why it happened in older iron pipe, and the modern solution for tuberculation.
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Hydrostatic Testing of Ductile Iron Pipe - The Diagnostic Version
03/03/2023 In TechnicalWhat do you do when your hydrostatic PROOF goes POOF? All too often, the tester becomes a prisoner of the gauge, wistfully hoping that somehow, someway, each time the pipeline is pumped back to the same pressure, it would bring a different or better result. On the other hand, in less than 2 hours, the McWane Ductile Double Bump Test (DBT) offers these benefits:
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How to Ensure Proper Installation of Ductile Iron Pipe During Cold Weather
12/15/2022 In Installation Products TechnicalFor many people, including us, Fall and Winter are favorite times of the year. There are several things to look forward to, from football tailgates and holidays with family to sled riding with the kids. However, along with the fun can come treacherous weather conditions such as freezing temperatures, freezing rain, snow, sleet, and ice. In this Iron Strong Blog, we will discuss several topics related to cold-weather Ductile iron pipeline (DI pipe) installations and how to ensure your utility isn’t stranded out in the cold.
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Ductile Iron Pipe Versus PVC - Writing the Wrongs
11/09/2022 In Products TechnicalMaterial comparisons, in whatever format presented, are a common and useful tool for evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of one product versus another. These evaluations can assist engineers and specifiers with selecting the proper material, yet must contain relevant and factual details so as not to be vague or misleading. Otherwise, they are no more than bad marketing literature. Such is the case with a recent publication from a plastic pipe manufacturer and their most recent comparison of PVC pipe to Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe)1. In this #IronStrong Blog, we pointedly call out several erroneous claims by “writing the wrongs” contained in the published chart below.
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How Does Ductile Iron Pipe Increase Energy Savings for a Water Utility?
11/03/2022 In Products TechnicalApproximately 85% of a utility’s capital investment is underground. Since water and sewer infrastructure plays such a significant role in the total energy consumption of municipalities, more emphasis must be placed on energy savings when selecting pipe materials. This Iron Strong Blog will describe factors that affect energy cost at water utilities and how to save money.
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Why Are the AWWA Standards Important to Ductile Iron Pipe?
10/14/2022 In Products TechnicalHave you ever wondered what’s behind the AWWA standards? What do they mean? And why do we need them? They’re listed all the time in specifications, mysterious numbers on plans. Have you ever reviewed them to know why they are important for working with Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe)? In this Iron Strong Blog, we will briefly cover some of the applicable standards for DI pipe and how they help you complete your job safely, successfully, and on time.
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