FRP heat resistant gutters for metal manhole covers
Water ingress into steam vaults via manhole covers is a common problem in the steam industry. Aggressive salts and chemicals have serious adverse affects on the concrete used in the construction of the vaults. This results in the periodic rebuilding of the vaults/vault ceilings.
Fibrelite, together with a leading District Energy company in the United States, have developed a heat resistant gutter that can be installed under traditional metal manhole covers to prevent this problem. The gutter design collects any surface water that penetrates the cover before it reaches the concrete structure. The water is collected via a hose connection and drains away safely. A FRP non-structural lid is also supplied that is placed on the gutter preventing any liquid from entering the vault from the street. This includes condensation that develops on the underside of the covers.
Like the Fibrelite manhole covers, the composite materials used are resistant to very high temperatures.