Allowing For Proper Drainage

For effective galvanizing, cleaning solutions and molten zinc must flow without undue resistance into, over, through and out of the fabricated article.

Failure to provide for this free, unimpeded flow can result in complications for the galvanizer and the customer. Improper drainage design results in poor appearance, bare spots, and excessive buildup of zinc. All of these are unnecessary and costly. Again, communication throughout the project is key.

Where gusset plates are used, generously cropped corners provide for free drainage. When cropping gusset plates is not possible, holes at least ½ inch (13mm) in diameter must be placed in the plates as close to the corners as possible (see Figure 7).

 

To ensure unimpeded flow of solutions, all stiffeners, gussets, and bracing should be cropped a minimum of ¾ inch (19mm) (see Figure 8).

 

Provide holes at least ½ inch (13mm) in diameter can be placed in the web within ¼ inch (6mm) of the end plate. To facilitate drainage, end plates should have holes placed as close to interior corners as possible (see Figure 9)