Project overview
Customer:
Cedar Grove Composting Inc.
Location:
Maple Valley, WA
Challenge:
Cedar Grove Composting needed more durable pipe to replace a deteriorated compost process system—and everything had to be completed during a short period of time between composting seasons.
Solution:
We worked around challenges created by pipe delivery, production schedules and fusion equipment availability to supply materials, fabricate fittings and install a new HDPE pipe system ahead of schedule.
“[Ferguson Industrial] was able to provide valuable input in the design phase delivering economical solutions while maintaining superior customer support and service. The end results were an aeration system that will be durable and provide consistent airflow for decades to come.” — Ron Westmoreland
Products used:
- HDPE pipe
- Fabricated spools
- Electrofusion fittings and fusion welding equipment
Ferguson Industrial manufactured the manifolds and fittings for the distribution, vacuum and exhaust lines.
Ferguson advantages:
The finished product will not corrode, rust or promote microbial growth. Additional benefits include:
- Ability to leverage experience in landfill and composting facilities
- Value engineering
- State-of-the-art fabrication facility
- Providing technical expertise during the design phase and on-site during construction
“Though some challenges arise in any winter construction project, this project was able to be completed ahead of schedule due in part by the [Ferguson Industrial] team’s ability to increase their production schedule to accommodate an unforeseen construction pace that was actually ahead of schedule for a change.” — Ron Westmoreland
Project background and scope
As an industry-leading environmental solutions company, Cedar Grove harnesses the vitality of organic waste by recycling it into innovative products. The company also plays an important role in diverting organic waste from landfills. At two local facilities, Cedar Grove composts more than 350,000 tons of residential and commercial yard and food waste annually.
Cedar Grove needed to replace a deteriorated aeration system for their primary aerated static composting pads. The old pipe had begun to fail due to the corrosion and elevated temperatures created by the decomposing organic materials during the composting process.
Ferguson Industrial was selected as the primary HDPE supplier and fabricator to partner with Gary Merlino Construction due to proven experience with compost processing systems.
We offered superior quality, products and services to replace the system using HDPE pipe. As the selected supplier, we provided technical support during planning and identified the required products to complete the project.
“Both Cedar Grove and their contractor Merlino Construction have worked together on previous projects,” said Ron Westmoreland, manager at Cedar Grove Composting. “[Ferguson Industrial] was able to provide valuable input in the design phase delivering economical solutions while maintaining superior customer support and service. The end results were an aeration system that will be durable and provide consistent airflow for decades to come.”
Method
The project started in fall of 2017 and was completed by early spring in time for the compost season. Ferguson Industrial supplied the HDPE pipe, fabricated fittings and fusion equipment to replace manifolds, distribution pipe, vacuum and exhaust lines.
We stepped up our schedule to make sure the company hit their deadline. Westmoreland added, “Though some challenges arise in any winter construction project, this project was able to be completed ahead of schedule due in part by the [Ferguson Industrial] team’s ability to increase their production schedule to accommodate an unforeseen construction pace that was actually ahead of schedule for a change.”
The solution: Ferguson Industrial
By using HDPE pipe materials in their aeration pads, Cedar Grove Composting will save on the cost of replacement materials, maintenance and labor related to cleaning and replacing the aeration supply system in the composting process for decades to come.
Discover how your company can benefit from our supply chain management solutions, PVF supply and more at ferguson.com/industrial.