McElroy Sidewinder Operator's Manual

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Operator's
Manual
Fusion Machine
®
SIDEWINDER
Patent No. 4,533,424
Manual: SW00301 Revision: M 05/17

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Summary of Contents for McElroy Sidewinder

  • Page 1 Operator’s Manual Fusion Machine ® SIDEWINDER Patent No. 4,533,424 Manual: SW00301 Revision: M 05/17...
  • Page 2 This product and other products could be protected by patents or have patents pending. All the latest patent information is available at patent.mcelroy.com...
  • Page 3 Introduction Thank You for purchasing this McElroy product The McElroy Sidewinder is a manually operated fusion machine for fusing 4" and smaller branch saddles, tapping tees and smaller saddle fittings onto all main sizes. Units with a sidewall clamping assembly will quickly and easily adjust to any size main.
  • Page 4 McElroy or has become damaged McElroy reserves the right to make any changes in or due to misuse, negligence or casualty, or has not been improvements on its products without incurring any operated or maintained according to McElroy’s printed...
  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Chain Clamp Procedure ........3-2 Cold Weather and Coiled Pipe Clamping Procedure ....3-2 COPYRIGHT © 2017, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2010 McELROY MANUFACTURING, INC. Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA All rights reserved All product names or trademarks are property of their respective owners.
  • Page 6 Fusion Machine Checklist ....... . . 6-1 Specifications Sidewinder Specifications ....... . . 7-1...
  • Page 7: Safety Alerts

    Follow all applicable federal, state, local, and industry specific regulations. McElroy Manufacturing, Inc. cannot anticipate every possible circumstance that might involve a potential hazard. The warnings in this manual and on the machine are therefore not all inclusive.
  • Page 8: General Safety

    Fusion Equipment Safety General Safety Safety is important. Report anything unusual that you notice during set up or operation. LISTEN for thumps, bumps, rattles, squeals, air leaks, or unusual sounds. SMELL odors like burning insulation, hot metal, burning rubber, hot oil, or natural gas.
  • Page 9: Electrical Safety

    Fusion Equipment Safety Electrical Safety Always ensure power cords are properly grounded. It is important to remember that you are working in a wet environment with electrical devices. Proper ground connections help to minimize the chances of an electric shock. Frequently inspect electrical cords and unit for damage.
  • Page 10: Overview

    Overview Theory of Heat Fusion The principle of heat fusion is to heat two surfaces to a designated temperature, and then fuse them together by application of force. This pressure causes flow of the melted materials, which causes mixing and thus fusion. When the thermoplastic material is heated, the molecular structure is transformed from a crystalline state into an amorphous condition.
  • Page 11: Nomenclature

    Overview Nomenclature Jaw clamp assembly Jaw clamp Knob Chain clamp assembly Chain vice clamp knob Pivot release master clamp knob Moveable jaw clamp knob Load cell pressure gauge Guide rods Drive screw knob Reaction spring Load Cell Moveable jaw Pivot release master insert assembly Heater guide Tailstock chain Chain hook...
  • Page 12: Pivot Release Master Insert Assembly

    Overview Pivot Release Master Insert Assembly There is one for 3" IPS to hold inserts for smaller sizes (included with sidewinder). Another for 4" outlet, branch saddles (purchased separately). TX00937-6-21-10 Master Fitting Insert This is the master insert for a 2" outlet, branch saddles and certain tapping tees.
  • Page 13: Line Pipe Bolster

    Overview Line Pipe Bolster The line pipe bolster is for chain clamp models only. It is installed on the opposite side of the pipe from the base of the chain clamp assembly. It is used for 1-1/4" to 8" pipe sizes. TX00941-6-21-10 Sidewall Inserts Sidewall inserts are for chain clamp models only.
  • Page 14: Heater

    If this occurs, disconnect power and have the heater repaired by an McElroy Authorized Service Center. The heater temperature is controlled by a microprocessor. It has a red indicator light on the handle at the bottom of the temperature scale.
  • Page 15: Heater Guide

    Overview Heater Guide The heater guide aligns the heater, so the melted area on the pipe will line up with the fitting when fusing. TX00936-7-30-10 2 - 6...
  • Page 16: Machine Setup

    IMPORTANT: When working in a confined area, remove the ball detent pivot pins from the jaw clamp. Place the lower jaw under the pipe, then position the Sidewinder on top of the pipe. Align the jaws and pivot pin holes and insert the pivot pins.
  • Page 17: Chain Clamp Procedure

    Chain Clamp Procedure Loosen the sidewall clamp knobs and remove the chains from the chain hooks. Place the Sidewinder on the pipe in the desired vertical or horizontal position. Center the line bolster on the pipe opposite the Sidewinder. Bring the chains around the pipe and bolster and lock in the chain hooks.
  • Page 18: Operation

    Operation Read Before Operating Before operating this machine, please read this manual thoroughly, and keep a copy with the machine for future reference. The fusion procedures in this manual are for use with polyethylene pipe. If fusing other thermoplastic pipe materials, refer to the pipe manufacturer's suggested procedures or appropriate joining standard.
  • Page 19: Attaching Machine To Pipe

    Operation Attaching Machine to Pipe Refer to the "Machine Setup" section for attaching the machine. Place the machine on the pipe in the desired vertical or horizontal position. Tighten the clamp knobs until the pipe conforms to the clamping inserts. NOTICE: Do not overtighten when clamping on the pipe.
  • Page 20: Tighten Fitting Cap

    Operation Tighten Fitting Cap If the fitting has a cap, tighten the cap before installing in pivot release master insert assembly. TX00925-7-30-10 Installing the Fitting Insert fitting into pivot release master insert or movable jaw without clamping on it. Release the drive screw and push the fitting down to the pipe.
  • Page 21: Inserting Heater

    Operation Inserting Heater The heater is not explosion proof. Operation of heater in an explosive atmosphere without necessary safety precautions will result in ¡PELIGRO! serious injury or death. If operating in an explosive atmosphere, the heater should be brought up to temperature in a safe environment, then unplugged before entering the explosive atmosphere for fusion.
  • Page 22: Fusing Fitting To Pipe

    Operation Fusing Fitting to Pipe After removing the heater, immediately bring the fitting down to the pipe, apply fusion pressure. Maintain pressure until cooling time is complete. NOTICE: Failure to follow pipe manufacturer's heating time, pressure and cooling time can result in a bad joint. TX00931-9-22-10 Disengage Pivot Release Master Unscrew pivot release clamp knob to disengage pivot release...
  • Page 23: Preventative Maintenance

    Maintenance Preventative Maintenance To insure optimum performance, the machine must be kept clean and well maintained. With reasonable care, this machine will give years of service. Therefore, it is important that a regular schedule of preventive maintenance be kept. Store machine inside, out of the weather, whenever possible. TX00428-8-10-95 Washing the Machine The machine should be cleaned, as needed with a soap and...
  • Page 24: Remove Dirt

    Maintenance Remove Dirt Remove dirt from jaw and insert serrations, drive screw, and clamp knob eyebolts. TX00865-1-30-96 Clean and Lubricate Bearings All clamp knobs are equipped with thrust bearings to reduce friction and improve efficiency of the clamping screw. Wash the clamp knob bearing assembly with a solvent and then lubricate with a 30W or lighter oil.
  • Page 25: Clean Split Nut

    Maintenance Clean Split Nut ® Spray the threaded surface of the split nut with WD-40 on a daily basis to maintain smooth action of the drive screw. TX00947-5-10-96 Clean Chain Clean the side fusion chain with a stiff bristled brush and oil generously.
  • Page 26: Check The Hydraulic Fluid Level

    To check the hydraulic fluid level or to replace Gauge: First attach the Sidewinder to some 2-4” IPS Polyethylene pipe. Load saddle fitting into pivot release master. Loosen drive screw until piston is as far out of the load cell as it can go.
  • Page 27 Maintenance Use wrench to remove existing gauge. Add or remove hydraulic fluid until the level is approximately 1/2” from the top of the port. Reinstall gauge with Teflon tape applied to threads. Check to see if the needle indicates pressure as the gauge is being screwed on. If so, remove the gauge and use a clean rag to remove some hydraulic fluid.
  • Page 28: Checking Installation

    Maintenance Checking Installation When the gauge is installed, return the Sidewinder to the vertical position. Disengage drive screw from threads and lower the saddle fitting onto the pipe. Turn the drive screw to move the piston down. The gauge should indicate pressure within a half turn of the drive screw knob.
  • Page 29: Dry Gauge Calibration

    Using pliers, pull the needle off the gauge, making sure to pull the needle straight out. Pressurize calibration equipment to a major increment in the operating range of the Sidewinder. Place the needle on the gauge at the known increment, making sure the needle has snapped into place.
  • Page 30: Adjusting Heater Temperature

    If this occurs, disconnect power and have the heater repaired by an McElroy Authorized Service Center. The heater has a red indicator light on the handle at the bottom of the temperature scale.
  • Page 31: Maintenance Checklist

    Maintenance Checklist Fusion Machine Checklist Item to Check Satisfactory Needs Repair Comments Repair UNIT Machine is clean All pins and snaprings are in place All nuts and bolts are tight All placards and handles are in place All clamp knobs turn freely All hardware is on the basic machine Machine is free of leaks Hydraulic gauge reads correctly...
  • Page 32 Specifications Sidewinder Specification: Designed for 4" and smaller branch saddles, tapping tees and smaller fittings Dimensions: Chain Clamp: Width: 12.5" (318mm) Length: 12.5" (318mm) Height: 26.5" (673mm) Weight: 28 lbs (13Kg) Compact Chain Clamp: Width: 12.5" (318mm) Depth: 12.5" (318mm) Height: 21.4"...
  • Page 33 About this manual . . . McElroy Manufacturing continually strives to give customers the best quality products available. This manual is printed with materials made for durable applications and harsh environments. This manual is waterproof, tear resistant, grease resistant, abrasion resistant and the bonding quality of the printing ensures a readable, durable product.

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