I recently visited the mountainous central region of Brazil to attend an exposition of Cachaça in the state capital, Belo Horizonte. I’m interested in the production of this local distilled sugarcane spirit used to make the famous drink, Caprihna. Brazil’s State Minas Gerais, or Minas for short, is world renown for cachaça production, though other […]
Author Archives: Michael Schroer
Brewery FAQ, Fiberglass Grating, Frequently Asked questions, Polymer Concrete Drains, Special Projects, Stainless Trench Drains, Trench Drain Basics, Trench Drain Grates, Uncategorized
Considering Stainless Drains for Food Production
13
Apr
Apr
Stainless steel seems to be the ideal material for food processing facilities because of its inherent resistance to corrosion, cleaning chemicals, heat and bacteria growth. Plant managers prefer stainless steel grating instead of cast iron and galvanized steel because of the material’s longevity in corrosive environments. Besides having these benefits, stainless steel has a shiny, […]
Cast Iron Grates, Custom Systems, Decorative Grating, Destination Trench Drain, Frequently Asked questions, Special Projects, Trench Drain Basics, Trench Drain Grates, Uncategorized
Cast Metal Grating in Singapore Trench Drains
11
Apr
Apr
Last year I reported on common designs for bar grating found in Singapore but not necessarily the United States. Now, over a year later, I want to discuss the cast metal grating I saw during my visit. I personally prefer cast metal grating over bar or sheet metal grating. Part of this is prejudice because […]
Destination Trench Drain, Frequently Asked questions, Trench Drain Basics, Uncategorized
3 Ancestors to Modern Trench Drain
14
Feb
Feb
I’m not a historian on drainage systems (though it sounds interesting). I’ve been thinking about the history of trench drain. Where was the first trench drain crafted? What was the application? Was it seen as special for that location? Did it catch on or was it forgotten, only to be re-designed for the first time […]
Custom Systems, Destination Trench Drain, Frame and Grate Systems, Special Projects, Trench Drain Basics, Uncategorized
Singapore Trench Drain: Not Your Average Bar Grating
20
May
May
Hinged bar grating is cool, but it’s not offered in the United States. The ability to open a drain for cleaning (which this drain needs) is essential. If drain grates are locked into place with a locking mechanism or if the grates are the bolt-down style, opening the drain becomes more problematic. But when the […]
Custom Systems, Destination Trench Drain, Frequently Asked questions, Pre-Cast Concrete, Special Projects, Uncategorized
Visiting Singapore: A Look at Bar Grating
09
May
May
The climate is always warm and wet in Singapore, a small island nation in Southeast Asia with a bustling economy and a diverse and growing population. Geographically, Singapore is located 3 degrees north of the equator at the intersection of some pretty old trading routes. Singapore receives over 90 inches of rainfall a year. (Compare […]
Catch Basins, Frame and Grate Systems, Frequently Asked questions, General Installation, Home Trench Drain Projects, Plastic Drains, Polymer Concrete Drains, Special Projects, Trench Drain Basics, Uncategorized
Horse Barn Drain Install – Econodrain #4
27
Jun
Jun
In this case, a drain was previously installed and deemed later to be inadequate for several reasons. The owners decided to replace the old drain with a product called Econodrain #4. This trench drain system is formed and utilizes a disposable foam mold to shape the channel in concrete. Using a trench forming system is […]
Custom Systems, Fiberglass Grating, Frame and Grate Systems, Home Trench Drain Projects, Polymer Concrete Drains, Trench Drain Grates, Uncategorized
Fiberglass Grating Options for Trench Drains
22
Nov
Nov
Fiberglass Grating As the price of stainless steel increases, fiberglass is filling the gap. Fiberglass is a component that has been found to be very useful in many trench drain applications. This strong, lightweight material is easily fabricated into grating for standard and custom drain applications. It’s chemical and corrosion resistance puts it in a […]
Custom Systems, Destination Trench Drain, Slot Drains, Special Projects, Trench Drain Basics, Trench Drain Grates, Uncategorized
Trench Drain Sightings at Kauffman (Royal) Stadium – Kansas City, MO
27
Oct
Oct
I was in Kansas City on business, but it would have to wait. It had been 10 years since I had been to a professional baseball game and even longer since I had been to a game in my hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. The Oakland A’s, an old rival of the Kansas City Royals, […]
Cast Iron Grates, Driveway Drains, Frequently Asked questions, General Installation, Home Trench Drain Projects, Polymer Concrete Drains, Pre-Cast Concrete, Trench Drain Basics, Uncategorized
Cast Iron Finishing Options for Trench Drain Systems
09
Aug
Aug
Trench drain is becoming a bigger part of American hardscape and streetscape projects as North America continues to builds its infrastructure and becomes concerned about water quality and storm water control. Higher aesthetic demands are being made on trench drain grating on streets and sidewalks. Because of this, it is a common practice to “finish” […]