When wastewater travels through sewer lines, it can become anaerobic or septic (the dissolved oxygen can become depleted) as a result of the metabolic processes of microbes commonly found in the wastewater. Under anaerobic conditions, specific sulphate-reducing bacteria thrive and generate hydrogen sulphide (H2S) as a byproduct of their respiration.

H2S has a low solubility in wastewater and when it escapes from the wastewater and moves into the air, it is easily recognised by its characteristic offensive, rotten egg odour. It can also be responsible for severe corrosion problems and toxic conditions within wastewater conveyance and treatment facilities.

“Andrew Mentis has developed a range of corrosion-resistant floor grating and handrailing in galvanised, 304 stainless steel and 3CR12 options that are ideally suited to the extreme conditions found in wastewater treatment plants. All products in these ranges are designed and engineered to suit situations where the strength to weight ratio is important, such as wastewater treatment plants,” Elaine van Rooyen, marketing manager of Andrew Mentis, points out.

“The water and wastewater industry encompasses the mechanical and chemical processes used to remove pollutants from wastewater, for reuse in the environment. These processes can create a slippery environment for operators and technicians, with vapours, water and chemicals creating slick underfoot and handhold conditions near large machinery and tanks,” van Rooyen explains.

An emphasis on safety underpins the development of all Andrew Mentis floor grating and handrailing products. “Weakened handrailings and floor gratings, caused by corrosion and damp, can result in slips, trips or falls. In addition, due to the fact that broken handrailing or floor grating needs to be replaced, downtime is incurred, which negatively impacts on productivity,” van Rooyen says.

Galvanising or using stainless in a wastewater treatment plant is not only a safe and cost effective option, but it does not compromise the aesthetics of the environment.

Andrew Mentis’ Rectagrid RS40 floor grating is manufactured using a pressure locking system pioneered by the company. The locking characteristics guarantee the structural integrity of the product and further enhance its integrity in a corrosive environment.

“The transversals on the floor grating are positively and permanently locked to the bearer bars and the locking method at the intersections is designed to use the full depth of the bearer bar when calculating loads. This attention to detail ensures that the load bearing capacity is top of mind when design and manufacturing is undertaken,” according to van Rooyen.

Andrew Mentis’ stainless steel tubular handrailing is reputed for its corrosion and stain resistance qualities. “We have designed the stanchion base plates to allow moisture to drain from the stanchion itself, thus adding further credence to its corrosion-resistant benefits. These handrails are not only functional, but also resilient and durable,” Van Rooyen says.

The tubular handrailing system is complemented by a range of standard angles and matching accessories, with different bends and end closers adding to the versatility of the product. “Enhanced customer service was a driving factor, with the stanchions and bends forming part of a system of interlinking components that can be installed without the need for special tools,” Van Rooyen comments.

The stanchions are 42.9 mm diameter by 2.5 mm wall thickness specifications, and are also available in 3CR12, 304 and 316 stainless steel polished to a satin finish.

“Both Rectagrid and Mentis handrailing were selected for the Zeekoegat wastewater treatment plant and other treatment plants in the industry. We believe that each application deserves individualised attention and as such we customise products to meet specific application requirements, within specified client timeframes,” van Rooyen concludes.

ORROSION FOR FLOOR GRATING IN WWTW PIC 01 : Mentis floor grating and handrailing meet the arduous requirements in the WWTW sector.

CORROSION FOR FLOOR GRATING IN WWTW PIC 02 : Mentis' Rectagrid RS40 floor grating is manufactured using a pressure locking system pioneered by the company.

CORROSION FOR FLOOR GRATING IN WWTW PIC 03 : Mentis floor grating and handrailing are ideally suited for wastewater treatment plants.

CORROSION FOR FLOOR GRATING IN WWTW PIC 04 : Mentis' stainless steel tubular handrailing offers corrosion and stain resistant qualities