July 2024 Vol. 79 No. 7
Business
Business News
Ravan Air
RAVAN AIR, a nationwide underground and aerial inspection company, has adopted SewerAI's AutoCode, a smart technology platform, to revolutionize underground inspections with more data and sharper accuracy, at an accelerated rate of analysis.
SewerAI’s AutoCode is a cutting-edge AI-powered platform that automates data collection and analysis during underground inspections. This innovative system uses advanced sensors and machine learning algorithms to generate highly detailed reports with increased accuracy and at a significantly faster pace.
The platform can report on a single specific condition or generate a comprehensive catalog of issues identified during the inspection, all at an impressive rate of tens of thousands of linear feet per hour. This significantly reduces analysis time and delivers findings to clients much faster.
By implementing SewerAI’s technology, RAVAN AIR can complete inspections with greater efficiency, leading to faster turnaround times, reduced project costs and the highest level of accuracy in data collection and analysis. This minimizes human error and ultimately provides clients with actionable insights for informed decision-making and better risk assessment.
RAVAN AIR is a leading nationwide underground and aerial inspection company, leveraging cutting-edge equipment and technologies to deliver the most current, detailed and reliable inspection services across diverse industries including oil and gas, utilities, government and industrial. Its Advanced Integrated Resources ensure clients receive comprehensive data and insights, empowering them to make informed decisions about their assets.
Backed by a team of experts and industry certifications (including NASSCO PACP, MACP and LACP), RAVAN AIR prioritizes safety and goes the extra mile to exceed expectations on every project. It is also an authorized supplier for Pennsylvania’s COSTARS Cooperative Purchasing program.
Oxford Plastics
Oxford Plastics, a leading UK manufacturer of innovative site safety equipment, reached a major milestone with 10 leading contractors and utilities in New York City adopting its cutting-edge LowPro 15/10 Trench Cover System.
The LowPro 15/10 is a lightweight, composite pedestrian/vehicle trench cover solution gaining widespread use for its ability to significantly reduce operational costs and timelines, versus traditional methods. On average, it delivers $200 in savings per job, while improving site safety with its anti-slip surface.
The latest company to implement it is Elecnor Hawkeye, a subsidiary of global infrastructure giant Elecnor Group. Other major contractors and utilities that have adopted the LowPro 15/10 in NYC, over the past year and a half, include Con Edison, National Grid, Danella Construction, Harris Water Main & Sewer Contractors, Corzo Construction, Skanska, Atlantic Construction, and Balkan Construction.
"Hitting this milestone … is a tremendous source of pride for our team,” said Peter Creighton, Business Development director at Oxford Plastics. “The LowPro 15/10's versatility across construction, utilities, transport and events is driving rapid growth as contractors and utilities, alike, realize the benefits of our innovative trench cover system."
With a focus on reducing carbon footprint, noise levels, and environmental impact, Oxford Plastics offers versatile and innovative solutions for the construction and utility industries. Its flagship products include LowPro 23/05 composite road plate and LowPro 15/10 pedestrian trench cover with ADA ramps.
PPI
The 2023 winners of the Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc.’s (PPI), Projects of the Year range from the largest residential project in New York State to use a geothermal heat-pump system, to constructing a fish habitat with HDPE conduit made from recycled content.
Here are the winning projects in each of the five PPI divisions: Building & Construction, Drainage, Energy Piping Systems, Municipal & Industrial, and Power & Communications.
PPI Building & Construction Division Project of the Year
1 Java Street Geothermal System, Brooklyn, NY; Versaprofiles Products, Inc., Saint-Lazare-de Bellechasse, Canada
The 1 Java Street project is the largest mixed-use development in New York State to incorporate a ground source geothermal system for heating and cooling. When completed in 2025, there will be more than 800 residential apartments, plus retail spaces, in the revitalized city block of Brooklyn waterfront property.
The geothermal system included 321 vertical boreholes drilled 499 feet into the ground, spaced 15 feet apart with a 1 ¼ inch-diameter, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) PE4710 pipe inserted into each. A total of 326,000 feet was used in the boreholes with another 31,000 feet of HDPE pipe in various diameters used for lateral distribution.
PPI Drainage Division Project of the Year
University of Alabama Stadium SubAir Drainage System; Prinsco, Willmar, Minn.
Upgrading the turf at the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide stadium also required a non-typical underground drainage system. Because it is common for the Tide to be in playoff games, the decision was made to have a system that would also provide heat to support grass growth in the cooler months. Hundreds of feet of both perforated and non-perforated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) Goldflo dual-wall pipe, from Prinsco, was used.
PPI Energy Piping Systems Division Project of the Year
Baton Rouge Zoo; Evonik Corporation, Piscataway, NJ
To replace the badly corroded steel gas pipeline that was suspended over a canal at the entrance of the Baton Rouge Zoo, the Gas Utilities District #1 used 1,000 feet of PA12, a high-performance thermoplastic polyamide pipe that could handle a MAOP of up to 250psi.
Because of its strength and flexibility, the pipe was able to be installed underground using horizontal directional drilling (HDD), which reduced costs and enhanced safety, both during installation and operation.
PPI Municipal & Industrial Division Project of the Year
South Claiborne Potable Water Transmission Line, New Orleans; AGRU America, Inc., Georgetown, SC
New Orleans’ aging infrastructure has led to numerous boil orders, unstable water pressure, and roadway/pavement damage from water main breaks. To rectify these issues, the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans launched an 11-project effort in 2023 to replace its 100- to 120-year-old water transmission mains with a modern piping system.
By using CompressionFit trenchless technology and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe, the utility estimated an overall 25 percent savings compared with other methods.
The project called for 4,400 feet of 48-inch and 1,150 feet of AGRU HDPE pipe, installed by Municipal Advisory Board member, Murphy Pipeline Contractors. Especially important to this low-lying section of New Orleans was the pipe’s corrosion resistance, flexibility, durability, and lower seismic susceptibility than other piping materials, such as concrete or steel.
PPI Power & Communications Division Project of the Year
Lake Conroe (Texas) Fish Habitat Project; Petroflex North America, Ltd, Gainesville, TX
To construct an aquatic habitat for the fish in Lake Conroe, 7,000 feet of 1-1/4-diameter high-density polyethylene (HDPE) conduit made from recycled products was used.
These synthetic branches will accumulate algae and plankton to feed the numerous species of fish in the lake. The HDPE conduit has been found to be superior to the use of small trees, limbs, and brush because it will not deteriorate and can be easily configured into various shapes.
In other news, PPI established its new Board of Directors
Seasoned industry veteran Gary Morgan, of Borealis, continues as Chair of the Board. Actively participating in PPI activities during the past 22 years, he has a diverse background in the plastics industry. He began his career designing extrusion equipment for 15 years followed by managing the R&D department for a major PEX tubing manufacturer.
His experiences also include roles in quality assurance and managing plumbing codes and standards before taking his current role of application development engineer for Borealis Compounds Inc.
Other returning members are:
- Jim Johnston, McElroy Manufacturing, Vice Chair
- Doug Keller, LyondellBasell, Past Chair
- Kate Olinger, Uponor, Treasurer
- Dell Doyle, Dow Chemical Company, Advisory Council Representative
- David M. Fink, PPI staff representative
Joining the PPI board, as chairs of PPI divisions, in 2024 are:
- Bill Melvin, Legend Valve, Building & Construction Division Chair
- Craig Douglass, Fratco, Drainage Division Chair
- Mike Leathers, Pipeline Plastics, Energy Piping Systems Division Chair
- Heath Casteel, Performance Pipe, Municipal & Industrial Division Chair
- Christian Herrild, Teel Plastics, Power & Communications Division Chair
PPI is the major North American association representing the plastics pipe industry.
The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) is the major North American trade association representing the plastic pipe industry and is dedicated to promoting plastic as the materials of choice for pipe and conduit applications. PPI is the premier technical, engineering and industry knowledge resource publishing data for use in the development and design of plastic pipe and conduit systems. Additionally, PPI collaborates with industry organizations that set standards for manufacturing practices and installation methods.
Martin Equipment/John Deere
John Deere Construction & Forestry dealer Martin Equipment celebrated the groundbreaking of a brand-new facility in Cedar Rapids. Construction on the new facility, located at 7708 6th St. SW, is expected to be completed in summer 2025.
Equipped with advanced technology and expanded service capabilities, the new facility will feature extensive parts inventory, a state-of-the-art service center staffed by highly trained, certified technicians, and a spacious showroom and customer reception area.
“We’re thrilled to begin work on our new facility in Cedar Rapids,” said DeLene Martin Bane, president of Martin Equipment. “We’re proud to be a part of the community, and our investment in this new state-of-the-art building provides our hard-working and dedicated employees the opportunity to more efficiently serve our amazing customers and the greater Cedar Rapids area.”
The new facility will boast more than double the footprint of the existing location. With over 21,500 square feet of space, it includes a 60-percent increase in service bays, plus large-capacity cranes to easily accommodate efficient work on production class equipment. It will also feature full-service cylinder bench and repair, along with full-service hose making capabilities.
“Our customers can expect the same level of expertise we’ve been trusted to deliver for decades,” said Grant Leslie, Cedar Rapids general manager. “The new building, with increases in both our parts and service departments, will enable quicker service times and overall higher levels of customer support.”
The expanded space aids the dealer’s ability to support big iron at an even higher level with storage capacity for in-stock parts increasing by more than 300 percent.
Counties covered by the new Cedar Rapids facility include Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Keokuk, Linn, Poweshiek, Tama and Washington counties.
Martin Equipment is a fourth-generation, family- and woman-owned John Deere Construction & Forestry dealer headquartered in Goodfield, Illinois. The company’s commitment to legendary service began in 1926 when it was founded by Samuel F. Martin in Roanoke, Illinois, and has since expanded to nine locations across Iowa, Illinois and Missouri.
For nearly 10 decades, the Martin name has been known for unwavering customer commitment. In 2020, Martin Equipment secured certification as a Women's Business Enterprise by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, signifying a commitment in continuing to attract and retain a more diverse workforce.
Horse Power Site Services
Horsepower Site Services received a 2023 Safety Award from the Carolinas Associated General Contractors (CAGC). This prestigious recognition underscores Horsepower Site Services' unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in the construction industry.
The CAGC Safety Awards program evaluates member firms based on their safety performance, comparing them to other entries within CAGC and nationally. Each participating firm receives a detailed scorecard reflecting its standing, highlighting areas of excellence and opportunities for improvement. The data for this assessment is derived from the company's OSHA 300 log, providing a comprehensive view of their safety record from the previous year.
Participation in the CAGC Safety Awards program is a significant milestone for member firms, as it not only reinforces the importance of safety but also showcases a firm's unwavering commitment to protecting its workforce and clients.
"We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Carolinas AGC," said Walter Barbee, General Manager of Horsepower Site Services. "Safety is essential to our operations and has been highlighted in our top six critical success factors to success. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who prioritize safety daily to ensure a secure work environment for everyone involved."
Founded in 2009, Horsepower Site Services is a privately owned, site development contractor headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. Providing a broad spectrum of private, commercial, and municipal earthwork and utility services throughout the Carolinas, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and customer satisfaction, Horsepower Site Services delivers exceptional results on every project.
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