Stainless Structurals is involved in many different projects for water control because of the corrosive nature of these environments. The production of animal protection products like manatee gates also increases.
Profiles: | 12 inch and 15 inch C-Channels |
Material: | 316/L |
Execution: | Laser Fused |
Industry: | Water Control and Gate Construction |
Location: | Lake Okeechobee, Florida |
Manatee Protection
In 1967, the federal government listed the West Indian Manatee as an endangered species due to the fact that manatees enter the various canals and waterways in Florida and other coastal states. Even with over 40 years of protection from the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the widely known Endangered Species Act of 1973, manatees still remain on the endangered species list today.
Dangerous For Animals
Throughout the Okeechobee Waterway in Florida there are several canals, dams and spillways constructed to prevent salt water intrusion.
Early constructions of these structures were built with hydraulic gates and canal locks. So one major issue with these gates is, that the closing gates could trap or crush the manatees by causing death.
Manatee Gates – Highly Effective Protection Systems
More recently, engineers have designed manatee protection systems that prevent the gates from closing if manatees are present. There are also other protection systems using sound waves that give off a signal to the manatee to clear the area. However, the main objective of these new gate devices is to protect the endangered manatees.
Stainless Structurals was recently involved in a large manatee gates project. These gates are installed in and around salt and brackish water. There is no better material to prevent corrosion and that will also last for many years than stainless steel. For this particular project, we produced laser fused stainless steel channels in both 12 inches and 15 inches.
All in all, laser fusion is the only process available to produce these large sizes of channels. The grade of choice was 316/L for its improved corrosion resistance over 304/L. In total, we shipped over 84,000 pounds of laser fused profiles for this project to construct manatee gates.
Stainless Structurals: Customizable for Any Project
Manatee gates are just one of many custom applications for stainless steel special shapes. The many unique projects we have had the pleasure of providing materials for are always impressing us. This project in particular is pleasing because we know our material is helping to save endangered species lives. One can use our products not only in water control, but also in almost every industry including industrial, construction, architectural, and many more. When you think corrosion prevention and durability, think stainless. Contact us today for help on your next stainless steel idea.
