Lightweight
Density is approximately 2.7g/cm³, about one-third of carbon steel at approximately 7.8g/cm³.
Long-life aluminum covers for water-treatment facilities
Aluminum provides corrosion resistance through its protective oxide film, excellent formability, low density compared with carbon steel, recyclability and hygienic characteristics. World Bridge applies these properties to roof and cover solutions for water-storage and treatment facilities.
Corrosion Resistance
The protective oxide film provides strong resistance in sewage, wastewater and industrial wastewater environments.
Sustainable & Recyclable
Low melting point, high recyclability and non-toxic material characteristics support sustainable operation.
DESIGN FEATURES
Advantages of Aluminum & Benefits for Water-Treatment Applications
Summary of aluminum material properties and key benefits in water-treatment facilities.
✓ Corrosion Resistance
✓ Excellent Workability: Extrusion, Roll Pressing, Forging and Precision Cutting
✓ Lightweight Structure
✓ Highly Recyclable
✓ Mechanical Strength
✓ Non-Toxic & Hygienic
✓ Automated Factory Production & Easy Installation
✓ Long Service Life & Low Maintenance Cost
✓ High Heat Reflectivity
✓ Resistance to Corrosive Environments including H2S / NH3 / Mercaptan
✓ High UV Reflectivity
✓ Expandable Accessories including Inspection Hatch / Door / Manhole
PRODUCT CONFIGURATION
Design Criteria & Expected Service Life
Key design criteria and expected service life for aluminum covers used in water-treatment facilities.
AWWA D108-10
Aluminum Dome Roofs for Water Storage Facilities, First Edition · Page 9 is used as a reference for service-life design.
60+ Years · Key Benefits
Long service life and durability help reduce maintenance costs.
40+ Years · Comparison
Reference service-life comparison: Aluminum 40+ years, SMC 10–15 years, Membrane 8–10 years.
SERVICE LIFE
Aluminum Cover Service-Life Reference
Long-term durability of aluminum covers can be reviewed with the technical data in AWWA D108-10, Aluminum Dome Roofs for Water Storage Facilities (First Edition), Page 9.
With high durability and recyclability, aluminum covers are used as long-term roof solutions for water-storage facilities.
APPLICATION
Water-Storage Facility Application Images
Actual configurations and applications of aluminum covers for water-treatment and water-storage facilities.
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS / PATENTED TECHNOLOGY
Water-Treatment Facility Application Characteristics
Reflects aluminum material properties and the operating conditions required in water-treatment environments.
Corrosion Resistance & TightnessCorrosion resistance and tightness in environments containing H2S, NH3 and Mercaptan help reduce odors.
Heat & UV ReflectivityHigh UV and heat reflectivity supports roof-surface and internal temperature management.
ExpandabilityThe system can be configured for easy addition or modification of accessories such as Inspection Hatches, Entrances, Doors and Manholes.
TECHNICAL DATA
Complete Aluminum / SMC / Membrane Comparison
Comparison of the principal characteristics of Aluminum, SMC and Membrane systems by category.
| Item | Aluminum | SMC | Membrane |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Protective oxide film provides strong corrosion resistance to sewage, wastewater and industrial wastewater. Structural design considers dead, snow, live and wind loads with safety factors. | Unsaturated polyester resin + glass fiber, reinforcement and curing agent. SMC panels + aluminum-alloy frame. | Flexible membrane structure with initial tension applied to coated fabric, generally using fluororesin-based materials. |
| Mechanical Strength | Yield strength: panel 145MPa / main frame 245MPa | Yield strength 113MPa | Ultimate strength 40–70MPa |
| Specific Gravity | 2.7 | 1.6~2.0 | 1.0~1.5 |
| Service Life | 40+ years | 10–15 years | 8–10 years |
| Assembly Time | Excellent | Moderate | Moderate |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Poor | Poor |
| Airtightness | Excellent | Moderate | Moderate |
| Maintenance | Near-permanent service with minimal maintenance cost; low corrosion burden from UV and harmful gases. | Periodic coating required for UV protection; discoloration, deformation and cracking require management. | Shorter service life requires replacement and management of discoloration and deformation. |
| Thermal Performance | High thermal-barrier performance with approximately 5% heat transmittance and 95% reflectance. | Low thermal barrier; sensitive to external temperature changes. | Low thermal barrier; sensitive to external temperature changes. |
| Simplicity | Assembled structure; can be fabricated and installed in various forms including geodesic domes and rectangular covers. | Primarily rectangular type; geodesic dome fabrication is not available and dimensions are constrained. | Processing time is required for seam preparation and high-frequency bonding. |
| Durability | Excellent | Moderate | Poor |
| Environmental Performance | Recyclable at end of life with low disposal cost. | General waste at end of life. | General waste at end of life. |
| Cost | 100 | 80~90 | 60~70 |
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