Stainless Steel Facility Drainage: Types, Benefits & Uses

Drainage is essential for all facilities, regardless of industry. They help manage wastewater by providing clean, sanitary spaces that are free from bacteria, mold, and other issues. 

While many may assume that any drainage system will do, that’s not the case.

The type of drain you choose matters—and so does the material used to make the drainage system.

You want to get a drain that offers durability and cleanliness, which is why stainless steel facility drainage is the best drainage option.

WHAT IS STAINLESS STEEL DRAINAGE? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Stainless steel is a steel alloy containing a minimum of 10.5 percent chromium, which gives stainless steel enhanced durability, including corrosion resistance. It can also be enhanced further by adding other elements like nickel and molybdenum. 

These properties make stainless steel extremely damage-resistant, among other things, and makes it the ideal option for industries that require durability and strength.

TYPES OF FACILITY DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

There are a few different types of stainless steel drains. While some offer a wider variety of applications, others are more limited:

Point Drains

Point drains, also called single point or gully drains, are often associated with showers but can also be installed in small places, like commercial kitchen freezers and cold rooms.

They require a four-way slope to be effective and are connected to pipes below the surface, which help to move wastewater to a designated outlet. 

Trench Drains

Trench drains are common in and around many facilities. These systems, also called channel drains, are linear systems with wide channels covered by a grate cover. The grates add additional maintenance requirements and can make maintaining sanitation levels difficult.

Slot Drains

Slot Drains are similar to trench drains but feature significantly slimmer channels, which do not require any cover. FoodSafe Drains specializes in sanitary slot drain systems, offering three models:

• 10,000 Series: An NSF/ANSI/3-A certified, Load Class E system with clean-in-place capabilities. 
• 6,000 PLUS Series: Is NSF/ANSI/3-A certified, with a Load Class C rating and clean clean-in-place capabilities. 
• 6,000 PLUS-R Series: Offers the same benefits as the 10,000 Series.

Floor Sinks: Floor sinks are larger point drains designed to handle significant amounts of wastewater runoff. 

5 BENEFITS OF STAINLESS STEEL DRAINGE

There are many benefits to having a stainless steel drainage system in your facility. These benefits include:

1. Durability

Stainless steel is an incredibly durable material designed to withstand a great deal. One notable aspect of its durability is a stainless steel drain's ability to withstand heavy loads. It is also resistant to impacts, abrasions, and other structural stresses. This durability ensures that stainless steel drains last a long time. 

2. Corrosion Resistant

Besides its durability, stainless steel is also favored for its chemical and environmental corrosion resistance. T304 and T316 stainless steel contain high percentages of chromium, which gives it corrosion resistance by forming a passive oxide layer on the surface of the metal. 

3. Sanitary Properties

Sanitation is important in many industries. Stainless steel's smooth surface prevents the growth of mold, bacteria, and other harmful contaminants, which makes it easier to clean for a sanitary facility. It is also a nonporous material, which ensures that there will be no absorption of liquids, chemicals, or odors that could compromise the system's hygiene. 

4. Aesthetics

While aesthetics isn't a primary concern or necessity, stainless steel is one of the most aesthetically pleasing systems you can get. It offers a sleek and polished finish that is very modern and works well with virtually any style. These looks make it an excellent option for places that need drainage but don't want something unattractive. 

5. Temperature Resistance

The durability of stainless steel also extends to temperature resistance. A stainless steel drain can withstand extreme temperatures without compromising its structure and integrity. This makes it suitable for facilities that rely on high temperatures for various processes.

FACILITIES THAT CAN BENEFIT FROM STAINLESS STEEL DRAINAGE

Any facility can gain something from the various benefits of stainless steel drainage. There are some, however, where stainless steel drains are ideal:

Food and Beverage Facilities

The food and beverage industry holds facilities to extremely high standards regarding cleanliness and sanitation. A stainless drain is one of the many requirements for any facility in these industries, as they require all the benefits that stainless steel offers. Some specific food and beverage facilities include:

• Food production and processing centers
• Bakeries
• Breweries and wineries
• Meat processing and packaging
• Dairy production
• Pet food
• Grocery stores
• Restaurants 
  

Laboratories 

Because laboratories have to follow strict hygienic practices, incorporating a stainless steel drainage system could make this process much easier. The reason being, stainless steel drains help prevent the growth of bacteria and can also endure the corrosiveness of chemicals that are often used to produce pharmaceuticals or deep clean the facility itself. 

Hospitals

Similar to laboratories, hospitals work with corrosive substances and are required to keep environments sterile. As such, hospitals could be one of the best places for stainless steel facility drainage systems because they would provide valuable resources and help hospitals meet hygienic standards. Another benefit is that stainless steel drains are easy to clean and can help prevent the spread of contamination.

FOR THE ULTIMATE DRAIN, CHOOSE STAINLESS STEEL

When looking for a drain, you want to choose a system of the highest quality, no matter what industry or facility it is for. 

Opting for quality will ensure you have a durable system that will last a lifetime, and stainless steel facility drainage offers that. 

A stainless steel system has so many benefits that any facility can benefit from durability, corrosion resistance, aesthetics, and more. While it may cost more to install, you'll save in the long run with the minimal maintenance it would require. 

Contact FoodSafe Drains today to learn more about the Slot Drain's many applications.