A fabricator of HDPE fittings since 1980, ISCO has once again proven to be the leader of the industry. “We wanted a way to differentiate our quality from all other fabricators of HDPE fittings,” says Jimmy Kirchdorfer, President of ISCO. “The McElroy DataLogger was the answer. Customers today not only want a quality product, they want a quality product along with the documentation to prove it.”

ISCO’s Stamp of Approval
In early 1997, ISCO introduced the McElroy DataLogger™ to its fabrication shop, adding a new dimension of control to an already quality-conscious operation.

The DataLogger is a computerized device that attaches to ISCO’s fabricating machines to record the details of each fusion weld. This documentation ensures consistency and efficiency during the manufacturing process, and contributes to maintenance protocols of the fusion equipment itself. “With the DataLogger as a tool, technicians have the ability and information to produced zero-defect fittings,” says Steve Thompson, Fabrication Manager at ISCO’s Louisville plant.

In practice there are three steps to documentation:

• First, the fabricator uses the DataLogger to record 20 specific conditions of the fusion joint, such as temperature, pressure, cooling time, as well as information such as date, time, operator, etc.
• Second, an ID number that corresponds to the dataloggers for that joint is permanently stamped into the fusion bead.
• Third, the entire set of data is uploaded to an ISCO database to provide historical data and tracking information.

Documentation provides value to the customer
ISCO’s quality control goes above and beyond the industry norm. When ISCO supplies a fabricated fitting to a customer, there is a permanent record from the DataLogger on file. “If someone comes back to us ten years after the sale and for some reason questions the quality of the fitting,” says Kirchdorfer. “All we need is the number from the fusion bead and we can provide all the documentation necessary to prove that a quality fusion joint exists in the fitting. I don’t know any other company in the industry that can provide that kind of assurance. Our customers rely on us for this standard of quality to protect themselves from potential system failures and liability.”

Quality Certification
In early 1998, ISCO received Factory Mutual Approval for HDPE fittings up to 18" in diameter. Factory Mutual (FM) is a certification for products to be used for fire-main applications. “FM Approval is by far the most stringent test for HDPE fittings,” says Jim Fletcher, Sales Manager of ISCO's Fittings Division. “We are one of only four companies in the country to achieve it.” A large investment was made by ISCO for an in-house pressure testing facility. This facility, along with ISCO’s unparalleled documentation of fusion procedures, was the catalyst toward receiving this certification.

“It’s easy enough to say ‘We build quality fittings,’” says Jimmy Kirchdorfer, “The difference at ISCO is that we have unparalleled documentation to prove it. It makes all the difference in the world.”

For more information, call ISCO at (800) 345-ISCO, or locate your regional sales representative.