Spectrographic lab analyst Bridget Johnson tests a ductile iron sample from the morning's production.X-Ray fluorescence is used to analyze slag samples from the furnaces' molten metal melt. Slag is the substance that rises to the surface of the melt. "Our Melting Department uses this information to check efficiency of the melting process," Hayes said. "This allows Melting to use the most cost efficient mix of materials to create a melt that has the desired properties."
The Carbon Sulfur Lab uses an instrument that oxidizes the carbon and sulfur in iron and steel samples to make it detectable in infrared cells.
The Sand Lab provides data on sand grain size, clay-sand mixture strength and other properties important to iron casting. It also analyzes sand-to-cement ratios in ductile iron pipe lining mixtures and documents lining compliance with American Water Works Association standards. The asphalt used in pipe coatings is analyzed for desired properties and environmental compliance.
Liquid samples, such as those taken from the plant water recirculation and cooling systems, are analyzed in the Environmental Lab. "Here, we analyze samples for elements such as lead, cadmium, zinc and copper," Hayes said. "The Environmental Lab works closely with Environmental Engineering to report all elements tracked by governmental authorities."
AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company, founded in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1905, is a manufacturer of ductile iron pipe, spiral-welded steel pipe, fire hydrants and valves for the waterworks industry and electric-resistance welded steel pipe for the oil and gas industry. AMERICAN's diversified product line also includes static castings and high-performance fire pumps.
Web: www.american-usa.com
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