What material should a manhole cover be made of?
The use of stainless steel is particularly recommended in connection with drinking or waste water due to its outstanding corrosion-resistant and hygienic properties. Waste water also often contains aggressive chemical substances that can quickly lead to corrosion. Depending on the type of stainless steel, stainless steel offers high resistance to corrosion compared to concrete, cast iron or steel. Stainless steel is robust and resistant to mechanical stress and many environmental influences.
Your investment pays off
Even higher acquisition costs are amortised by minimal maintenance requirements, a long product service life and the elimination of expensive renovation measures. In areas of application with high hygiene requirements, the material impresses with its simple handling. It is easy to clean and disinfect without any permanent loss of quality. This is very important in order to comply with the hygiene standards in drinking water systems. Only in this way can the best quality of the valuable resource of drinking water be guaranteed. A plus point that should not be overlooked is aesthetics. Stainless steel manhole covers in particular have a modern and attractive appearance. This can be a relevant reason for a purchase decision, especially in urban areas and public spaces. Last but not least, stainless steel is a fully recyclable material and therefore protects resources.
But not all stainless steel is the same. Depending on the intended use and existing conditions, a precise distinction must be made when purchasing a manhole cover. Choosing the right type of stainless steel helps to ensure an efficient and long-lasting drinking water infrastructure.
Which stainless steel grade is suitable for a manhole cover
Only austenitic stainless steels are used in the water industry. According to DIN 10088-1, stainless steels are categorised into different groups. Chromium-nickel steels are listed in the V2A group. The most common grades here are 1.4301, 1.4541 and 1.4307. The V4A group includes chromium-nickel-molybdenum steels. These are characterised by even higher corrosion resistance than V2A steels. The best-known representatives here are the grades 1.4404 and 1.4571.
These stainless steel grades are characterised by their high corrosion resistance. They are resistant to many chemical compounds that can occur in water systems. This reduces the likelihood of material failure and enables a longer service life without cost-intensive maintenance work or regular refurbishment.
While 1.4307 (also known as AISI 304 L), for example, is already highly resistant to corrosion and is used convincingly in numerous water technology applications, 1.4404 (AISI 316 L) also offers increased corrosion resistance to liquids containing chlorides. For seawater or very aggressive chemicals, there are also special stainless steels (duplex steels) that can withstand these influences.
Stainless steel manhole covers can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes to meet individual requirements. They can be processed accordingly to fulfil customer design or functional requirements.
Our conclusion: Overall, a stainless steel manhole cover offers an unrivalled combination of durability, reliability and aesthetic appeal, making it a premium choice for use in the water industry. High quality stainless steel is ideal for use in municipal or industrial drinking and waste water systems where long service intervals and reliability are required. Choosing the right grade of stainless steel helps to ensure an efficient and long-lasting wastewater infrastructure.
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