Underground Construction - October 2017 - 28

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5 Ways

To Use the McElroy® Datalogger® 6

Training Tool
Using the McElroy DataLogger 6 as a training tool is an excellent
way to integrate the practice of data logging into your fused pipeline
operations. National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation found that
to be the case three years ago when they first started using the DataLogger specifically to train new operators.
The device helps their students learn how a fusion joint is made
and the importance of the fusion shift sequence which is illustrated
in a real-time fusion graph. Visual interpretation of the graph allows
them to determine if they fused with the correct heat soak times,
heating pressure, open/close times, fusion pressure and cool times.
The DataLogger 6 also supports a group-learning environment.
Every action on the user-friendly interface could be cast on classroom monitors at National Fuel's training center, giving all students
the ability to clearly see each step of the fusion process. By using the
device on the front-end with training, the stage was set to adopt data
logging as a critical part of their fusion operations.

Testing for Qualified Fusion Operators
An intuitive interface design offers step-by-step instructions to
guide operators through each step of the fusion process on an easyto-use touchscreen. And since all of these processes are recorded, it
was found to be a great tool for testing and qualifying certified fusion
operators. Fusion trainers used the device to review each employee's

more than two dozen new machines that were equipped with a data
port for the DataLogger.
"There was nothing wrong with it except we didn't have the
port so we went through a program over the last three years and we
replaced every piece of McElroy equipment we had," said Michael
Argauer, National Fuel Training Manager.
Their first job with a DataLogger 6 this year was a 6-mile gas
distribution modernization project in Hinsdale, NY, using 8-inch
DR 9 high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. As the operator fused
each joint, two onsite inspectors viewed the fusion graph to make
sure the key parameters of the fusion process were correct. Operators
photographed each joint and captured jobsite conditions with the
device's dual cameras. They inputted pipe information instantly with
a barcode scanner and were also able to pinpoint the GPS location
of each joint so pipeline owners will have a record of where the joint
was fused as well as its final resting place in the ground.

Quality Control in the Cloud
In addition to reviewing the fusion graph on the job in real-time,
the joint reports from the DataLogger 6 were uploaded to the Vault™,
a secure online server, where they were sorted and analyzed in the
Cloud by job, operator and machine. In an office miles away, their
training supervisor was able to easily review the joint reports. In
addition to on-site inspection of the fusion, they now had a way to
confirm that all fusion parameters were met.
"Each individual joint is looked at four times one way or another
before it is put in the ground," Argauer said.
Once the job was complete, they had a complete record of each
joint for safekeeping.

Validation

fusion records to determine if students had mastered all the sequences to produce a leak-free joint according to standard.

In the Field
After seeing how useful the DataLogger 6 was for training and
qualification, National Fuel committed to using it in the field to
ensure pipeline integrity. They found the data logging to be so important to their operation that they turned to UPSCO to replace all
of their McElroy fusion equipment so that they would have a fleet of

So why is data logging so important to today's most innovative
pipeline operators and contractors? Assurance, accountability and
validation of the integrity of the pipeline. It fosters high-quality
operators with the skills necessary to build pipeline infrastructures
that will reliably serve their customers.
"We have positive assurance of the quality of the construction,
we know it's done right and the DataLogger saves all that information," said Tom Canaan, National Fuel District Manager. "We can
track the fusions and it gives us an assurance that the fusion was
done properly."
Data logging satisfies the growing number of governing agencies
today who are requiring data logging as part of their quality control
standards on all of their fusible pipe infrastructure. It also adheres
to new standards, like ASTM F3124, which governs the collection of
data for pipe fusion in plastic piping systems.
Learn more about the value data collection can bring to your
fusion jobsite at mcelroy.com

MMI and DataLogger are registered trademarks of McElroy Manufacturing, Inc.
Vault is a trademark of McElroy Manufacturing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Underground Construction October 2017

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Underground Construction - October 2017

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