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How To Use an OD Tape (Outside Diameter Tape) to Measure Ductile Iron Pipe
07/12/2024 In Installation TechnicalJimmy texts Bill, "I can't get into the virtual meeting." Bill replies, "You need to click on the link I sent you." Jimmy responds, "Where is the link?" A frustrated Bill answers, "In the email about the meeting." A confused Jimmy asks, "On my computer? Bill answers again, "Yes! Is your computer on?" Jimmy fumbles to turn on his computer and texts Bill again, "OK, it is now. How do I get to the meeting?" Does this situation sound familiar to you? Have you ever explained something to someone only to realize that they knew less about the subject than you had previously assumed? In this episode of Iron Strong, we'll cover how to use an OD (Outside Diameter) Tape when measuring Ductile iron pipe.
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Gaskets, Goblins, and Ghouls, Oh My! A Cure from the Ditch Doctor
10/31/2024 In How Products Q&A TechnicalWelcome to our Halloween edition of #IronStrong," where we’ve compiled the spooky challenges haunting construction builders and pipeline contractors. From tricky terrain to mysterious leaks and unforeseen obstacles, we’re here to illuminate the “scary” aspects of water pipeline installations that can send chills down a project manager's spine.
See the “Ditch Doctor” advice column and a link to our blog, “Exorcising Restraint." We dissect a few daunting issues and present real-world solutions and insights to help brave contractors turn their nightmares into success stories. Grab your flashlight (and tools) as we guide you through the shadows, ensuring your next project is well-prepared to face any “frightening” twist that may lie ahead.
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TR FLEX PIPE: The Truth About Availability and Pressure Ratings
11/14/2024 In Products TechnicalMisleading information has recently circulated regarding the availability of TR Flex® restrained joint pipe and fittings, creating a flurry of questions and uncertainty for engineers and utilities about its service performance and integrity. How can an engineer design a project without knowing the facts? After reviewing the information in this #IronStrong Blog, one can better understand future expectations.
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Busting the Myth on Ductile Iron Pipe Lead Times
03/23/2023 In Products ServicesUnfortunately, the waterworks and water utility industry were not spared from the shortages of finished products essential to maintaining and expanding drinking water systems nationwide. This Iron Strong Blog will discuss McWane Ductile’s present delivery window to the waterworks community and will correct myths and misconceptions that our Ductile iron pipe products are currently unattainable.
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How Do Engineers Impact the Waterworks Industry?
02/26/2022 In Our Company ProductsIt’s National Engineers Week (EWeek). Founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers in 1951, EWeek is dedicated to promoting careers in engineering and technology and to developing a diverse, well-educated future engineering workforce. This #IronStrong Blog post highlights the importance of engineers and their impact on the waterworks industry.
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What is the McWane Ergo Cup?
01/31/2023 In Environmental & Safety Our CompanyErgonomics is an applied science concerned with designing and arranging objects people use so that people and things interact most efficiently and safely. Reducing the risk of injury through proactive programs is one of the many ways we strive to enhance the ergonomics of our product production. At McWane Ductile and McWane corporate-wide, health and safety are the top priorities, hence the Ergo Cup.
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Crossing the Shawsheen River - A Customer Spotlight
05/04/2023 In ProductsThe Town of Andover, located in the northeastern corridor of Massachusetts, provides water service to over 10,000 customers in a network of approximately 257 miles of water mains, the oldest dating back to 1886. This #IronStrong blog tells how the Andover Water Division solved a significant water loss issue due to a breach in one of their important mains feeding a commercial/industrial area.
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How Does Ductile Iron Pipe Go to Market? Understanding the Bidding Process
07/09/2021 In Our Company ProductsHow do you go to market? This isn’t a question we get often, but it comes up from time to time. Sometimes we're asked by a vendor we work with who is trying to understand McWane Ductile better. Sometimes a candidate asks the question during an interview or a new sales representative asks while we’re onboarding. Other times we have a hard-working team member at one of our manufacturing facilities trying to understand further what and where the product they make goes and how it gets there. In this blog, we will look at the different bidding processes we encounter on a day-to-day basis that allow us to take Ductile iron pipe to market.
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Why Is Using the Right Design Criteria Important in Calculating Restraint Requirements?
11/19/2021 In Installation TechnicalWhen I first started my engineering career, I was placed in charge of coordinating the relocation of water transmission and distribution pipelines to accommodate the construction of an interstate highway through a city of approximately 180,000 residents. Many times, these projects required pre-poured thrust block restraints due to the amended connections between new and old waterlines in a short timeframe so as not to leave customers inordinately out of water for long periods of time.
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Horizontal Directional Drilling With Ductile Iron Pipe
01/27/2020 In Installation TechnicalHave you ever heard the saying, “To the man who only has a hammer in the tool kit, every problem looks like a nail? (Abraham Maslow)” In the water utility industry, some folks may feel this way when faced with a pipeline installation that must circumvent natural or human-made obstacles, especially water crossings. So, if going around or above is not an option, then what? How about below?
In today’s modern world, there are more tools available to install water pipelines, such as open trench/cut, above-grade pier systems, and Horizontal Directional Drilling or HDD. In this blog, we’ll discuss the benefits of using Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) for HDD and provide some considerations and tips for your pipeline installation
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