12 Feb The Future of Water Control: Stainless Steel vs. Cast Iron
The Future of Water Control: Stainless Steel vs. Cast Iron
Water control gates are essential in many industries, from municipal water treatment to hydroelectric power plants. For decades, cast iron gates were the standard—but today, stainless steel gates offer a far better solution. Whipps, Inc. has revolutionized gate technology with the Series 900 stainless steel gates, providing unmatched performance, reliability, and longevity. Here’s why stainless steel is the future of water control.
1. Stainless Steel is Stronger & More Reliable
Stainless steel has more than twice the strength of cast iron, making it far more resistant to pressure, stress, and long-term wear. In addition, stainless steel gates incorporate UHMW seat/seals, which eliminate metal-to-metal contact. This means they won’t “freeze” in place like cast iron gates, ensuring smooth operation—even after years of inactivity.
2. Superior Corrosion Resistance & Durability
One of the biggest problems with cast iron gates is corrosion. Over time, exposure to water, chemicals, and harsh environmental conditions causes cast iron to rust and deteriorate. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is naturally corrosion-resistant, ensuring decades of reliable use. Whipps, Inc. has tested our UV-stabilized UHMW seat/seals through 25,000 open/close cycles in abrasive conditions, proving their ability to withstand harsh environments with minimal wear.
3. Faster Manufacturing & Delivery
The production of cast iron gates is a slow process involving casting, cooling, and machining—leading to long lead times. Stainless steel fabrication, however, is significantly faster and more efficient, meaning you get your gates delivered sooner. This is especially important for large-scale projects where delays can be costly.
4. Self-Adjusting Seals for Leak Prevention
Unlike cast iron gates, which require manual adjustments that can lead to increased leakage and wear, stainless steel gates from Whipps, Inc. feature a self-adjusting seal system. This system maintains continuous pressure against the slide, ensuring a tight, leak-proof seal without requiring field adjustments.
5. Lower Maintenance & Easy Repairs
Stainless steel gates require far less maintenance than cast iron gates. They don’t need to be painted, and their seat/seals can be replaced on-site without removing the gate. If a cast iron gate’s seating surface is damaged, the entire gate must be removed and sent back to the manufacturer—a costly and time-consuming process.
6. More Flexible & Customizable
Stainless steel gates can be fabricated in virtually any size, making them ideal for custom projects. Cast iron gates, on the other hand, require expensive mold modifications for non-standard sizes. Additionally, stainless steel gates can be mounted in multiple configurations, including wall mounts, pipe flanges, and embedded channels.
Do You Need a Stainless Steel Gate?
The advantages of stainless steel gates over cast iron gates are undeniable. With superior strength, corrosion resistance, faster production, self-adjusting seals, and lower maintenance costs, stainless steel is the clear choice for modern water control systems. Whipps, Inc. is proud to offer the most advanced stainless steel gate technology in the industry. Contact us today to learn more about how our gates can improve your operations!