The History Behind the Use of Stainless Steel in Municipal Waste Water Treatment Plants
Wastewater treatment is essential for a healthy environment. Wastewater treatment reduces pollutants to a level that does not overwhelm nature when it is released back into the environment. Stainless steel is the ideal material for wastewater management because it is resistant to corrosion and does not add toxic chemicals to the water. Stainless steel fixtures and equipment also require less maintenance and are easy to clean so there is no need for harsh cleaning agents. It also does not require chemical additives to maintain corrosion resistance. This helps keep an efficient and healthy environment. You can find more information on the benefits of stainless steel in Wastewater Management by checking out our eBook. Understanding the history behind the use of stainless steel in municipal wastewater treatment plants gives us a better insight into why stainless steel is the ideal choice in Wastewater Management today.
Stainless Steel Sets the Standard in Wastewater Management
Over the past 25 years, stainless steel piping has served as the standard material of construction for municipal wastewater treatment plants built in the United States. Since the 1960’s, over 1600 municipal wastewater treatment plants have been built using stainless steel piping, fittings, tanks, valves, and other equipment. One of the reasons stainless steel was chosen over galvanized was to reduce the higher maintenance and replacement costs associated with less corrosion-resistant materials. Stainless steel is normally perceived as a higher-cost material but when the total life cycle costs are considered, stainless steel is often the least expensive material option. This especially applies to environments that face specific challenges such as high temperatures and chemical exposure. Corrosion resistance is also an important factor as corrosion usually occurs in pipe crevices when there is a bend or join in panels. It is rare to find crevice corrosion in stainless steel.
Stainless Steel in the Wastewater Treatment Environment
It is important to note that 304 stainless steel provides good corrosion resistance for general-purpose applications. In comparison, 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum and thus is better at resisting pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-rich, acidic, and high-temperature environments. Stainless steel Types 304/304L and 316/316L are the principal materials used for bar screens, grit removers, weirs, bolting, slide gates, aeration basin, digesters, and sludge piping in municipal wastewater treatment plants today. Stainless steels are generally resistant to chlorine at the concentrations normally encountered in wastewater treatment plants. 316L stainless steel works better in chlorine environments because it is more resistant to corrosion from chlorine solutions. 304/316 stainless steel is reliable, durable, and resilient in environments where harsh chemicals and conditions are present such as wastewater treatment plants.
Success Over the Years
Types 304L and 316L stainless steel have been used extensively and very successfully for piping and a wide variety of other applications in wastewater treatment plants. The higher design properties for stainless steel and its very low corrosion rates allow for lighter weight construction. When using good housekeeping practices, it will further enhance the excellent performance offered by these materials. Check out our article on some general guidelines that should be followed to achieve maximum life under variable circumstances with your stainless steel products.
Stainless steels offer a very cost effective approach for the design of light weight components and piping systems. Although the initial capital costs may be greater than other material systems, stainless steel provides long term durability, lower overall maintenance costs, and cost savings over the long term.
SUNCOR STAINLESS: THE LEADING MANUFACTURER OF STAINLESS STEEL HARDWARE AND COMPONENTS.
To learn more about the world’s most complete and highest quality sources for stainless steel hardware and custom parts – visit our Suncor Stainless website. This Plymouth, MA-based company offers a variety of the highest quality stainless steel hardware for industrial, marine, architectural, commercial, government, and OEM markets.
For more information on our stainless steel hardware and custom parts, you may contact Suncor Stainless at 1-800-394-2222 or by completing the Contact Us Form.
Sources:
https://www.staffordmfg.com/blog/316-stainless-steel-for-wastewater-treatment/
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