In a drainage system, whether for pedestrian, vehicle access or industrial areas, drainage channels are the first element to pay attention to in design and purchase phase. The choice of drainage gutters is not only influenced by the load class and the dimension of the drainage system, but also by durability, strength, simplicity and cost of installation as well as aesthetics. SABdrain polypropylene drainage channel, when compared to alternative solutions, provides the best possible solution with regard to the above-mentioned characteristics.
SABdrain polypropylene channels wide range: load classes, dimensions and accessories
There are two main types of SABdrain channel bodies: channels with plastic edges and channels with steel edges. This first classification is complemented by the Sabdrain A15 kit, a do-it-yourself solution for all those who need to install a drainage channel themselves. In addition to these main differences there are further elements that might help in the choice between channels: load classes and grids, dimensions and accessories.
1. SABdrain drainage channel in polypropylene.
Load classes and grids
With reference to the regulation EN1433, SABdrain offers a wide range of load classes ranging from class A15 for pedestrian areas to F900 for drainage system installation in airports or areas under heavy loads. You can also choose between a wide range of grids, including ‘L’-shaped slot grids also suitable for installation in the surrounding areas of prestigious locations:
- PAGF grid (glass-fibre reinforced polyamide);
- PP grid;
- Cast iron grid;
- Cast iron grid with heel-guard;
- Galvanized steel grid 30*10 mm;
- Galvanized steel grid 30*30 mm;
- Galvanized steel grid with “L” slot.
Dimensions and accessories
SABdrain drainage channels are able to achieve record-breaking internal dimensions with the 500×500 channel while the smallest dimension available is 100×50 mm. Available accessories that complete the range are the following:
- Manholes;
- Debris collection basket;
- Four-way connectors;
- Drain end cap;
- Blank end-plugs and with off-take of Ø40, Ø90, Ø110 e Ø160.
Installation of Sabdrain polypropylene channel: ease and cost savings
Besides the wide range of products, one of the main advantages of SABdrain is for sure the simplicity of installation. The interlocking male/female system allows channels to be installed at a 2° side angle and to follow non-linear ducting sections. In addition, the channels are designed for 90° lateral interlocking without the need to purchase additional accessories or extensions to achieve a right angle in the canalization section.
In addition to these installation features, polypropylene is extraordinarily light, which considerably facilitates installation operations. Compared to concrete channels, SABdrain ones are not only lighter but also less expensive overall, reducing the incidence of labour and equipment required for transport and installation on site. While the performance characteristics are the same, the weight differences are significant:
- PP channel 250x250mm (external dimensions) : 25 kg
- Polymer concrete channel 295x260mm (external dimensions) : 60 kg
- Concrete channel 330x335mm (external dimensions): 141 kg
To provide a concrete indication of the impact of weight on transport and installation costs, we can compare one linear metre of PP channels and one linear metre of concrete channels. As shown in the figure n. X, the total cost of transporting and installing one metre of polypropylene channel is €81.3 compared to €131.8 for concrete one, with an overall saving up to 40%. When splitting off the various expenses, transport costs and the cost of the channel have the highest impact on the total amount. In addition, thanks to SABdrain channels, the speed of laying operations can be accelerate for almost the double: 6 metres of concrete channels per hour compared to 10 metres for polypropylene ones.
2. Laying of SABdrain polypropylene drainage channel.
The performances of SABdrain channels: Chemical resistance and increased roughness
The chemical resistance of polypropylene is an essential feature for all uses involving the drainage of aggressive substances such as soaps and oils, as mentioned in the article on drainage channels in service stations. SABdrain channels are ideal for the following uses:
- Parkings;
- Roads and highways;
- Service and fuel distribution areas;
- Cycling and pedestrian path;
- Industrial areas;
- Ports;
- Airports;
- Chemical industry plants;
- Slaughterhouses;
- Landfills;
- Vehicle entrance tracks (mechanic’s shop, garage, etc.);
- Shower and beach properties.
Salt is one of the main culprits in the decline of concrete channels in roads, where it is used in winter to prevent ice formation, and in sites near the sea. Especially in these cases, it is extremely important to install channels made of resistant materials that guarantee a long service life for the entire drainage system.
The low internal roughness of the polypropylene SABdrain channel facilitate the internal flow of water. As we have already mentioned above, this characteristic allows the same performance to be achieved using plastic drainage channels with smaller internal dimensions than we would have to use if we used concrete or polymer concrete channels.
Here an example. With a channel fill of 80% and a slope of 1%, the following flow rates are obtained
- PP channel 200×200 (internal dimension): 47 l/s;
- Polymer concrete channel 220x200mm (internal dimension): 48 l/s;
- Concrete channel 250x200mm (internal dimension): 48 l/s.
3. The internal roughness of the most common types of drainage channels on the market.
In conclusion, SABdrain channels are a high-performance product with a wide available range and suitable for installation in prestigious locations or drainage systems where substances and chemicals flow. Have a look at the SABdrain section and contact us to find out more.
