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Month: March 2013

2 Tips for Protecting Irrigation Sprinkler Heads at Sports Facilities

Posted on by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

protecting irrigation sprinklers

Prevention is paramount – how to keep your irrigation sprinkler heads from getting tackled.

Keeping your landscape irrigation sprinkler heads intact and functioning properly is one of the keys to having a great field for any game. There is nothing good about playing on a field where the grass is having challenges because it isn’t getting watered property. One of the main causes of a failing field can be associated with the unfortunate fact that irrigation sprinkler heads can be destroyed.

One of the key elements to making sure that your field is protected is proper planning. Make sure your irrigation sprinkler heads have a fighting chance on your field.


Install at the proper depth.
Make sure that irrigation sprinkler heads are installed at the proper depth per the manufacturer’s instructions. By installing sprinkler heads at the proper depth you not only protect the sprinklers from being damaged by mowing equipment you also help protect athletes from potential injury.


Adjust when necessary.
Check the installation depth of sprinklers every few years. Top dressing and other soil amendments build up over time causing the sprinkler installation depth to increase over time. Sprinklers that are installed too deep can develop problems over time such as leaking around the riser stem and non-rotation.

The experts at W.P. Law, Inc. are knowledgeable about your irrigation sprinkler heads and a variety of other issues that can arise for your system. Visit our professionals who can assist you with any kind of problems you may have with your own field irrigation.

Visit www.wplawinc.com/corporate-contact.

Industrial Strainers, What Type is Best?

Posted on by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

industrial strainers

Industrial strainers help keep industrial processes running smoothly.

Keeping debris from interfering with industrial processes and equipment is key issue for maintenance staff in many manufacturing plants. Industrial strainers can provide an economical and hassle free solution.

A frequently asked question is what type of strainer should I use? The general rule of thumb is, if you can see the particles with the naked eye, then you most likely can use a strainer. If you cannot see the particles then you need a filter. For the purposes of this blog we will only discuss strainers. The two most common types of industrial strainers are the wye strainer and the basket-type strainer. We will take a look at both types of industrial strainers and look at the advantages and disadvantages of both.


1. Wye Strainer: Wye strainers are very common and come in a variety of screen sizes and materials of construction. The finest recommended mesh size for most wye strainers is about 300 mesh. Many wye strainers do not have a mechanical seat allowing small particles can get around the screen. Wye strainers are less expensive than basket strainers and their small size allows them to be mounted in a variety of spaces and configurations.


2. Basket Strainer: Basket strainers are work horses and are well suited for fluids with a lot of debris. Basket strainers typically have a greater surface area than the same size wye strainer and they are easier to service and clean. Basket strainers need to be installed horizontally and typically take up more space than wye strainers. Basket strainers are available in simplex and duplex configurations. A simplex configuration is a single basket strainer installed inline and like a wye strainer, flow must be stopped before opening the housing to clean the screen. A duplex configuration has two basket strainers installed in parallel with fluid flow only going through one strainer at a time. The duplex configuration allows the operator to divert flow from one strainer to the other, thus allowing the screen to be cleaned without disrupting flow. While basket strainers cost more their ease of operation and ability to be service without stopping the process makes them worth the extra investment.

Regardless of the type of strainer you select, one thing to consider is the Cv Factor. The Cv Factor is the maximum flow through the strainer at 1 psi of pressure loss. Typically the higher the Cv rating on a strainer the better assuming you are comparing strainers with the same size mesh. The Cv Factor allows you to compare the different types of strainers as well as different manufacturers.

Visit the industrial strainer experts at W.P. Law, Inc. for more information.

Visit www.wplawinc.com/corporate-contact.

3 Plastic Piping Systems and Their Industrial Applications

Posted on by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

plastic piping

Industrial piping systems make the right connection.

Industrial plastic piping systems are ideal for handling highly corrosive fluids. These systems are often easier to install than comparable metal piping systems making them more cost effective.

Here are three commonly used thermoplastics that are used in various industrial plastic piping systems:


PVC: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is the most commonly used thermoplastic piping material and accounts for over 85% of the footage of all thermoplastic piping. PVC has been successfully used in applications such as chemical processing, industrial plating, chilled water distribution, deionized water lines, chemical drainage, water distribution and irrigation. PVC possesses very good physical properties and chemical resistance to acids, alkalis, salt solutions, and many other chemicals. PVC should not be used with polar solvents such as ketones, some chlorinated hydrocarbons, and aromatics. The maximum service temperature for PVC is 140o F. PVC is joined by solvent cementing, threading, or flanging.


CPVC: At 70o F, Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) has similar physical properties to PVC and its chemical resistance is similar to or generally better than that of PVC. CPVC has a maximum service temperature of 210o F and has proven to be an excellent material for handling hot corrosive liquids. CPVC is also used in hot and cold water service and similar applications above the temperature range of PVC. CPVC is joined by solvent cementing, threading, or flanging.


PE: Polyethylene (PE) is the second most widely used thermoplastic piping material. PE is classified into three types. Type I PE has a low density, is relatively soft and flexible, and has low heat resistance. Type II PE has a medium density, is slightly harder, is more resistant to higher temperatures and has increased tensile strength. Type III PE is a higher density material offering maximum physical properties. Type III PE is also referred to as HDPE or high density polyethylene. Due to its toughness and superior physical properties, Type III PE is the preferred piping material. PE piping is most frequently used in gas and water distribution systems.

When it comes to selecting the proper industrial thermoplastic piping system for your application, the experts at W.P. Law, Inc. can help guide you to the right match for your project.

Visit www.wplawinc.com/corporate-contact.

3 Common Questions about Sewage Lift Pump Stations

Posted on by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

sewage lift pump station

Did you ever wonder how sewage lift pump stations work?

Water treatment and sewage lift pump stations are important parts of having a water system that is healthy and functional. There are many people who have challenging questions regarding these special applications and here are some of the most common.


1. What information should about my application should I collect before selecting a pump for my system? Pumps are a highly engineered product and selecting the proper pump for an application requires some specific information. First of all it is important to understand what kind of liquid you will be pumping. Information such as Specific Gravity, percent solids, spherical diameter of these solids and the temperature of the fluid are all critical pieces of information. You will also need to know the position of the pump in relation to the fluid, the elevation from the pump to the discharge point, the flow rate requirement in gallons per minute (gpm) and the pressure requirement in pounds per square inch (psi). In addition to these items you will need to know what electrical power is available in terms of voltage and phase.


2. What is the difference between a centrifugal pump and a trash pump?
In reality they are both types of centrifugal pumps, however the trash style is created with a volute and an impeller that will allow the passage of large predetermined sized solids.


3. When sizing a pump is bigger always better?
The short answer in no. A pump that is oversized for an application will typically not operate at the pump’s best efficiency point (BEP). Not only does this lower efficiency consume more power, but operating a pump near the ends of the pump curve will shorten the life of the pump motor and could potentially cause the motor to burn up.

Like any industry there are a lot of questions you may find yourself asking and it is challenging to find a good solid resource who can properly help you. The experts at W.P. Law, Inc. can help. They have a team of knowledgeable staff that can guide you through any problem or question you have about sewage lift pump stations.

Visit www.wplawinc.com/corporate-contact.

How Does It Work? Sewage Pump Stations Help Keep Our Water Supply Clean

Posted on by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

sewage pump station

Sewage pump stations maintain a clean world.

You may not have thought about this before, but sewage pump stations are largely to be credited for your quality of life. One of the greatest parts about the world we live in today is the fact that we can have clean water.

The remarkable ingenuity that the generations of people before us have worked to establish has given us a world where we can live without fear of disease and other contaminants. But what does it take to get there? How is it that sewage pump stations work and mange to take some of the most disgusting water imaginable and turn it back into something clean and safe?

Sewage pump stations play an important role in achieving this amazing accomplishment. Water from these stations is pumped to treatment plants where it is cleaned and purified. The treatment of the water takes three processes.

1. First the solids and oils are removed from the water.
2. Next the water is moved to where all biological matter is removed.
3. Finally the water is disinfected.

Once the water has completed all of these the water is pumped back out into the natural places from where it originally came, such as lakes and rivers.

For more information about how sewage pump stations work visit the water treatment specialists at W.P. Law, Inc. who are available to answer your questions.

Visit www.wplawinc.com/corporate-contact.

3 Ways Pump Stations Help Communities

Posted on by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

pump station

Pump stations make the world go ‘round.

Pump stations are one of the major marvels of the modern world. While we take it for granted, the water system that we utilize and the treatment we can give to waste water is unprecedented in history. Our ability to ensure a relatively consistent level of clean and safe water is remarkable in comparison to past generations and less fortunate areas of the world.

Pump stations play an important part of this process. In addition to adding functionality and ease to our lives, the following are some of the main ways pump stations help communities.


1. Drinking water: Without working pump stations our communities would not have clean water.


2. Living Conditions: Pump stations help to keep our environment safe and clean. If it wasn’t for the wastewater being diverted away from homes, schools, businesses, and offices, our world would be a much different place than it is today.


3. Preventing Illness: Right now you rarely have to worry about diseases that are typically associated with contaminated water, but without pump stations, you would be exposed to harmful substances.

During the separation period of the purification process water travels through the plant and is processed. When this occurs it is released back into natural water systems where it can benefit communities.

If you have further questions about pump stations let W.P. Law, Inc.’s trained and certified experts assist you with any of your pump station needs.

Visit www.wplawinc.com/corporate-contact.

Looking for a Residential Fountain? Pondless Water Features Offer a Great Option

Posted on by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

flower in fountain

Changing the landscape with a perfect addition, pondless water features

If you are looking to add some style to your home, and reduce noise to your living area a residential fountain using a pondless water feature is the way to go. These have become very popular among not only home owners, but also business owners because the system is very low maintenance and has enough flexibility that it can be customized to match your own personal tastes.

Although there are many pondless water systems you can purchase on the market from a variety of resources; you can also build one on your own. These come in kits that feature nearly all of the components you will need to create the design you are looking for. The only exception to this is the rocks and stones, which you can find at just about any landscape company or supply store.


• Location: Location is one of the most important considerations when installing a pondless water feature. This will be key to getting the results you desire.


• Preparation: You will need to select an area that features access to both electricity and water.


• Installation: You will need to install the pondless water feature making sure to follow all instructions and manufacturer recommendations.


• Fill: Finally you will need to fill and decorate with rocks.

There are a variety of commercial fountains that you can choose from and a host of styles and sizes. Visit the fountain specialists at W.P. Law, Inc. for more information and advice on which would be the best fit for you and your space.

Visit www.wplawinc.com/corporate-contact.

When Should I Aerate My Lawn?

Posted on by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

lawn aerate

Aeration helps provide a healthy lush lawn.

Grasses fall into two different categories: warm-season and cool-season. Warm-season grasses start active growth in summer. Aerate a warm-season lawn in late spring to early summer, During this time the rapid growth will quickly fill in the holes you create.

Cool-season turf comes out of dormancy in early fall and grows vigorously during the lower temperature. Just remember to plan your aeration to allow four weeks of growing time prior to frost.


Warm-season turf types – aerate these in the spring or early summer:

• Bahia grass
• Bermuda grass
• Centipede grass
• St. Augustine grass
• Zoysia grass


Cool-season turf types – aerate in fall:

• Creeping bent grass
• Fescue
• Kentucky bluegrass
• Rough bluegrass
• Rye grass (annual, perennial)


How to aerate in different soil types

Clay soil is compacted easily and should be aerated at least once a year. You can aerate a sandy lawn once a year, or on alternate years. In dry climates, aerating twice a year will enhance turf growth and health. If your lawn is used for parking cars, or have a lot of foot traffic you should aerate annually.

• Aerate just prior to fertilizing or reseeding your lawn. Doing this creates openings for nutrients and seed to enter soil.
• Weeds should be controlled prior to aerating, because aerating can spread weed seeds and weed roots.
• Wait at least a year to aerate new lawn, so that grass is well established.
• Aerate when soil is moist, but not saturated.
• Avoid aerating during drought or high heat. If you aerate in these conditions, you’ll stress the lawn by allowing heat to dry soil.

For more information about lawn aeration and other products and services to keep you landscape looking its best contact W.P. Law, Inc. or visit www.wplawinc.com/corporate-contact.

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