PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: ACROBAT™ QUIKFIT®

The Acrobat with QuikFit carriage for 355mm to 630mm pipe brings an innovative solution to the challenges of fusing large-diameter polypropylene pipe in close-quarter working environments.

The innovative carriage is size specific and composed of lightweight, modular components so that the upper and lower jaws can be assembled around the pipe by hand. This eliminates the difficulty of lifting and fitting an entire carriage into a small space. It will fuse pipe in any orientation that is required on plumbing, mechanical and HVAC installations, including vertical and overhead.

There are two power options with the Acrobat that are designed to meet the maximum system pressure desired. The lightweight EP800AD HPU has a gauge pressure up to 800 PSI; the more powerful EP1500AD HPU can reach pressures up to 1,500.

The larger HPU is wheeled allowing operators to easily pull it through tight indoor areas even when the walls are already framed. Both HPUs offer low power consumption with a smart design that allows both the heater and facer to plug into the HPU, allowing the entire machine to draw power from only one receptacle.

Use the Acrobat Selection Tool to find the best Acrobat and HPU configuration for your jobsite.

ACROBAT SELECTON TOOL

Watch this animation to see how the QuikFit carriage is assembled.

QUIKFIT ANIMATION

FAQs

1. Do we need special stub-in holders for the Acrobat QuikFit? There are currently no stub end holders available for the QuikFit. If you need to fuse a short flange, our recommendation is to fuse the flange “pre-fab” before you arrive on the jobsite.

2. Can I use the Acrobat QuikFit to fuse HDPE? The QuikFit jaws are only available in metric sizes, so fusing metric HDPE is the only option at this point. It’s also important to assess your force capability needs to ensure the Acrobat QuikFit can provide the recommended interfacial pressure.

3. Is it possible to perform vertical fusions using the Acrobat QuikFit? Absolutely! This is another example of the versatility and flexibility of the Acrobat with QuikFit carriage.

4. What are the HPU power requirements and what generator specifications are required? 220 V, 30 A, around 5500 W, single phase.

5. What pipe sizes will this machine fuse? 355mm to 630mm.

6. Can I use a DataLogger 6 and 7 with the Acrobat QuikFit? Yes! The DataLogger port is on the HPU next to the pressure gauge.

7. What is the heater size range? There are three heaters for the entire size range for the Acrobat QuikFit. One heater for pipes 355mm to 400mm, one for 450mm to 500mm and one for 560mm to 630mm.

8. Can this machine be connected to another McElroy HPU? No. The QuikFit carriage and quick connects are specific to this machine and this HPU.

9. How quickly can I move the QuikFit from the completed joint to the next location? After waiting the appropriate cooling time for the standard and pipe you are using, it depends on the job setup. If allowable, you can leave the machine completely assembled and move it to the next fusion location. If your setup does not allow for that, you can break down the machine the minimum amount to be able to move it.

10. When fusing in the air, what is the best setup strategy? It really depends on your job and what is available. Feel free to reach out to us with your specific jobsite planning questions by emailing Jeff Turner at [email protected].

11. What is the smallest lift you’ve used?

There are single person lifts available that are approximately 36” wide by 6’ in length. If the weight rating is on the lower side, the operator can take the machine up first, install it, and then lift the HPU.