10 Applications of Cast Iron Manhole Covers

Nothing tops cast iron when it comes to finding a high-strength covering solution for manholes. A crucial part of setting up drainage systems, manhole covers perform a number of important functions, including – access for stormwater and drainage sewers, proper sewage ventilation with a channel for gases to escape, and safely-laid sewer and stormwater lines at a convenient height. 

Cast-iron is a more widely acceptable choice for manhole covers than steel also because of its low cost, higher grade casting quality, and inexpensive ductile iron machining. Manhole cover plate casts made from ductile iron are used for many applications as listed below: 

Checks Unauthorized Access

Manhole covers plug openings to underground recesses, preventing unauthorized substances from getting in. Be it sludge, solid waste, or muddy rainwater, you wouldn’t want any of it to pour down upon sewage lines, electrical wiring, or other utility lines housed inside. Cast iron manhole covers ensure that the utility chambers below-ground are protected from such nuisance in all weathers. 

Beautifies the Streets

Citizens naturally feel secure in an environment where treacherous openings to the ground below are sealed with cast iron manhole covers. Such a feeling of security can be enhanced even more if an aesthetically pleasing quality is to be found in the ensemble. With culturally relevant accent touches to solid-weighing, cast iron manhole covers in public places, we are looking at a whole new dimension of spatial beautification. 

There are a range of covers to be found in nature motif etchings, simple geometric designs, embossings of municipal corporation names, initials of the names of famous personages, and more such quirky motifs. 

Endures Pedestrian and Cycle Weight

Light duty covers are 2.5 tonnes of weight or lesser. Suitable for light pressure, the covers, weighing around 10-15 Kn/ 1-1.5 tonnes are ideal for withstanding pedestrian and cyclist weight on service roads and pathways where vehicular traffic runs relatively low. 

There are a range of light-duty manhole covers and frames available in different shapes, moulded in casts of iron and ductile iron, ensuring great durability and weather resistance. Alternatively, composite light manhole covers of 33% steel and 70% aluminium prove easier to remove and replace while ensuring the similar weather-resistance and solidity as iron. 

Composite light-duty covers for manholes are widely chosen for minimizing risks of back injury and also allow chip-embedding on the surface and frames to conveniently convert manhole covers into “smart covers”. 

Serves as Fire Collar for Underground Utility Lines

‘Fire collars’ are fitted at a point where pipes enter a compartment floor or wall. Manhole covers in some cases perform similar functions. As pipeworks are particularly vulnerable at the event of a fire, the manhole recess cover serves as a convenient buffer for offsetting flames and smoke in such cases and scenarios.

Serves as Inspection Covers in Car Parks 

Car parks, connecting roads, and pedestrian areas undergo medium vehicular pressure in the form of two-wheelers, stationed cars, and the occasional cargo. Medium weight manhole covers with a load capacity between 125 KN/ 12.5 tons to 250 KN/ 25 tons are ideal for this scenario to guard utility inspection chambers that house plumbing duct works, electrical wiring, or other types of maintenance crawl spaces. 

Besides the new-age fibre reinforced concrete covers, medium-duty covers for manholes are also carved with durable cast iron and ductile iron. You may find them in a variety of shapes, sizes, and surface decorations. 

Keep Reading :- How Are The Best Industrial Inspection Covers Easing Production Processes?

Withstands Weight in Industrial Area 

Double sealed manhole covers are rock-hard and suitable for withstanding 400 KN/ 40 tonnes to 900 KN/ 90 tonnes of weight. Designed especially for heavy-industry spaces like shipbuilding factories, dockyards, locomotive manufacturing units, steel production yards, and aerospace units, heavy duty manhole covers can hold out against heavy vehicular movement. 

Available in a range of different sized, double-sealed, round, rectangular, and triangular frames in cast iron and ductile iron, heavy duty manhole covers are ideal for guarding access chambers below highways where heavy traffic is a day-long occurrence. 

Serves as a Corrosion-resistant Cover

Corrosion is a primary factor driving the deterioration of infrastructure. Although prevalent, it is estimated that about 30 percent of annual repair and maintenance costs could be saved if optimal corrosion management practices could be employed. Cast iron manhole covers are an essential component to that end.

Ventilates Underground Sewers (Perforated cover – manhole)

A perforated cast iron manhole cover proves extremely suitable for ventilating out foul gases accumulating in the underground recesses from sewage pipes. Sewage gases are foul smelling and in some cases, toxic. These include hydrogen sulphide, ammonia,methane, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. 

Provides Grip for Walkers

Cast iron manhole covers are less slippery to walk on, compared to steel or plastic-mixed composite covers. Pedestrians and vehicle owners are likely to find this property extremely convenient after a rainshower. 

Used as Drain Cover in Patios

Patios in most homes are ambiently spruced with luxuriant greenery. While some choose to place potted plants, others line shrubberies hung in baskets along the railings. Whatever the case, drain covers with a finish that blends in with the surroundings is key to patio covers. Patio covers feature blocks or slabs with infills, making them perfectly visually harmonious with the surroundings. 

All in all, cast iron covers are a great option to keep manholes in the public vicinity aesthetically aligned and optimised in terms of functionality.