Thermite welding, often referred to as CAD welding, on Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) and products is a common practice in our industry today. This welding technique of using heat from an exothermic reaction to produce coalescence between two metals is most often used to bond the Ductile iron joints for cathodic protection or for the opportunity to add a cathodic protection system at a later date. In this Iron Strong Blog, we will discuss when, why, and how to properly CAD weld on DI pipe.
Celebrating Earth Day reminds us of the glorious surroundings we are provided with, bringing joy and happiness to our everyday lives. A variety of topographies span from rivers and streams to mountains and valleys. Even deserts and dry climate regions provide some of the most picturesque landscapes known to man. Earth Day is conveniently celebrated in the spring when flowers and trees burst with bountiful flowers and blooms. New life abounds as animals give birth to a new generation. A simple family picnic on a manicured lawn or trip down a mountain on a bike are just a couple of examples of pleasures we can enjoy.
Why is your bottom-line important to us? For more than three decades, I had the privilege to serve within the nation's largest investor-owned water utility. During that time, I clearly saw the advantage of a financially sound utility. Whether it be having the resources to invest in needed facilities, provide a work environment that would attract well-qualified people, or purchase needed supplies and equipment to operate the business effectively. These are just a few advantages of maintaining a strong bottom-line.
Over the last several months, I have encountered a few municipalities that have asked the question, does McWane Ductile manufacture TR Flex Restrained Joint Pipe differently than U.S. Pipe?
When 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.
Locking gaskets are the industry standard for dependable, reliable, and easy installation of Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) in 3-inch through 24-inch diameters. Locking gaskets for DI pipe have been around for more than 30 years and have been used in over one million push joint installations. However, as good as locking gaskets are in 3-inch through 24-inch, there were challenges involved when attempting to install in 30-inch and 36-inch diameter pipe. In this Iron Strong Blog, we will look at the various reason we do not make large-diameter locking gaskets for DI pipe.
As a junior and senior in college, I spent a lot of time asking those I looked up to in the workforce, such as my parents, friend's parents, and professors, what I should expect from my professional career. Majoring as a mechanical engineer, I was worried I would be required to remember and be fresh on every equation or theory in thermodynamics, materials science, and all my other brain-twisting courses. Luckily, the water industry found me, and it came paired with quite a few resources to help me excel as a young professional.
So, you have an existing water distribution system feeding a small hospital and a military post. Now you need to branch off the pipeline to feed another 30 new houses under construction nearby. How do you do it without interrupting service to the critical facilities already being served? In this Iron Strong Blog, we’ll discuss three common pipe tapping methods used in the water and wastewater industry and the variables to consider when choosing the best method for your waterworks project.
As the name suggests, Ball & Socket River Crossing Pipe manufactured by McWane Ductile is a severe application Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) product manufactured to meet the demanding requirements associated with crossing rivers, streams, and lakes. In this blog, we will discuss the various installation methods associated with Ball & Socket pipe and basic assembly instructions.
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