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University of Florida, USA

University in Florida uses Fibrelite’s steam covers to eliminate safety hazards near stadium

A top state university in Gainesville, Florida, has recently turned to Fibrelite for the replacement of 24” steam manhole covers on campus. The university had decided to seek an alternative to their existing covers due to their concerns regarding public and staff safety.

Traditional, cast iron steam manhole covers can reach extremely high surface temperatures due to the conduction of heat from within the manhole. Furthermore, removal of heavy, cast iron covers often puts the operator at risk of back and shoulder injuries.

Initially, the university decided to replace two manhole covers that were located near their football stadium to eliminate the hazards presented by hot steam manhole covers.

Original cast iron covers at the University were blocked because of their high temperatures due to steam
Large cast iron covers are both very heavy and extremely hot when exposed to steam within the manhole
This can be very dangerous

Since installing Fibrelite steam covers, the university has experienced significant reductions in heat transfer from the vault to the manhole surface. Further installations across the campus have now been scheduled as part of a replacement program for numerous 24″ steam covers.

Fibrelite installations are simple – a fibreglass skirt can be used as a preform and to set the frame at grade
A look from another angle

Fibrelite’s composite manhole covers – cool to touch!

The thermal gradient properties of Fibrelite’s composite steam covers significantly reduce the heat transfer from a steam vault to the surface of the cover. Typically, the surface temperature of the cover will be slightly above the ambient temperature at street level even when subjected to extremely hot temperatures on the underside. Fibrelite’s composite access covers have been tested to temperatures up to 400°F while still maintaining their “cool to touch” properties and ability to support vehicular loads.

New Fibrelite covers offer a “Cool to Touch” alternative to cast iron manholes in heavy foot traffic areas
Lightweight composite steam cover - Product code F65

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