| During the 1920s, ACIPCO was a leader in the development of centrifugal pipe casting. The centrifugal casting process consists of spinning a metal mold about its horizontal axis while molten metal is introduced into the mold. The centrifugal force of the rotating mold distributes the metal evenly, forming the pipe simultaneously and uniformly without the use of a center core.
ACIPCO produces centrifugally cast ductile iron pipe in sizes 100mm - 1600mm. All pipe is produced in 6m lengths. Pipe is also manufactured in sizes 4"-64" per AWWA specifications.
Centrifugal casting is done on deLavaud machines that use metal molds. These casting machines are among the most modern in the world, designed for high production efficiency, good working conditions, and superior product quality.
Since the inception of ductile iron in 1949, ACIPCO has been a leading pioneer in research toward production and application of ductile iron in the piping field. This material has outstanding mechanical properties approaching the ductility and strength of steel combined with the age-old corrosion resistance of cast iron.
To develop the optimum strength and ductility potential of ductile iron, pipe is fully annealed in heat-treating furnaces. These furnaces are equipped with instrumentation for accurate temperature control for best metallurgical structure.
Ductile iron pipe, along with ductile iron fittings, is made under the strict specifications of the American National Standards Institute, the American Water Works Association, and the International Standards Organization. Joints of various types are supplied to meet service and installation conditions for ease of installation and dependability under a variety of service conditions. Joints for pipe per ISO specifications include: Fastite® Push-on joint, Lok-Ring® Restrained Joint, Fast-Lok® Restrained Joint, and flanged joint. Joints for fittings per ISO specifications include: Fastite Push-On Joint, Lok-Ring Restrained Joint, Fast-Lok Restrained Joint, flanged joint, and Mechanical Hookbolt Joint. |
Centrifugal casting in No. 3 deLavaud Plant, where pipe is manufactured in the 450mm-1000mm size ranges.
Pipe being processed on a conveyor run in the Central Lining and Pipe Coating Building where cement linings are applied. |
