McElroy targets zero emission pipe fusion with Perkins Engines

McElroy targets zero emission pipe fusion with a drop-in, fully integrated battery solution developed with Perkins Engines

At Conexpo, Peter Haddock caught up with Geoff Koch to look at how fusion technology is evolving and the challenge of electrifying a high power, constant load application.

Geoff: “Fusion is a process for joining thermoplastic pipe, and when it’s done, you have a monolithic pipeline that’s as strong as the pipe itself.

“Those pipelines can last up to 100 years, so getting that process right is critical. This is why we have designed products like our TracStar 900i, which until now could only be powered by a 3.6-litre Perkins 904 diesel engine.

“Thanks to some clever engineering, the new battery power unit can fit within the same package space as the diesel engine, while still delivering the constant power to our heaters we need to operate the fusion process.

“And everything works in the same way whether you have a diesel or battery power solution. We’ve even put the power charger connection in the same place as an operator would refuel it with diesel.

“As the first track-powered electric fusion machine on the market, it will certainly support our customers to reduce both noise and emissions on their projects.”