The wastewater industry is essential in our communities to maintain safe and treated water. Treatment facilities use modern technology and infrastructure to ensure strict regulations are met, including advancements in protective enclosures that safeguard critical control systems from harsh, corrosive environments.
Protecting Electronics in Wastewater Environments
Wastewater environments contain various hazards such as dripping or splashing water, contaminants, or harsh weather conditions that can harm electrical control systems if not properly protected.
Benefits of Polycarbonate Enclosures
Remote Locations
Wastewater facilities use Remote Telemetry Units (RTUs) that are attached to the water tank. These units monitor water levels, water pressure, pump flow, and water quality and transmit data in real-time to the main control hub.
To ensure this data is received reliably and efficiently, the RTU’s should be protected from hazards like water, ice, temperature fluctuations and UV rays. All of these environmental factors can shorten the lifespan of electronics, causing unplanned interruptions to treatment plant operations.
Polycarbonate enclosures are proven to be the most reliable option for remote devices due to their unmatched durability, and ability to let radio waves pass through the enclosure wall with no signal disruption. To learn more about polycarbonate enclosure benefits for remote signals, read our case study here.
Integra’s Impact Line of enclosures is the most frequency-friendly enclosure on the market because it can be configured without any metal components (a common cause of signal interference). Using Integra’s integrated latch, integrated mounting flange and EZ hinge, you get a complete, NEMA 6P rated enclosure with no additional hardware or assembly required.
Our Impact line of enclosures can also be configured with low profile hinges which can be installed in tight spaces that can be problematic such as behind ladders or stairways alongside the water tank.
Hazard Protection
Depending on the type of material that is being treated in the wastewater, hazardous and corrosive minerals may be present in the area. All Integra enclosures are built with corrosion-resistant materials that greatly increase the longevity of the enclosure and the components inside. To ensure the chemicals and minerals found in your application won’t interfere with the integrity of your enclosures, reference Integra’s Chemical Resistance Chart.
Our polycarbonate enclosures carry a minimum NEMA 4X protection rating to handle spray downs, dripping water, rain, sleet, snow. In addition, polycarbonate is highly UV resistant and withstands temperature fluctuations ranging from -40° to 256° degrees Fahrenheit. No matter the environment, Integra’s polycarbonate enclosures will reliably protect sensitive electrical components.
Range of Sizes
Integra offers the widest range of polycarbonate enclosure sizes on the market ranging from 4x4x3 to 24x24x10.
Premium Line enclosures are the most versatile and customizable enclosures offered. Our unique T-Rail panel suspension system allows multiple panels to be placed at different heights.
Impact Line enclosures have integrated mounting flanges molded directly into the base offering enhanced rigidity and saving time on installation.
Genesis Line enclosures include our largest size of enclosures. These are ideal for applications that need to house large and heavy components. Equipped with our Multi-Max stiffener frame and a continuous piano hinge, Genesis enclosures can handle a wide range of component installations.
To determine the proper size enclosure to house your components, you can register for technical drawing access to view 3D models of all Integra enclosures.
Ease of Modification
One of the many benefits of Polycarbonate enclosures is the ease of modifying and drilling holes in the field. Unlike other enclosure materials that require specialty tools and protective equipment, polycarbonate drills easily without splintering. This is especially beneficial in remote applications like wastewater where specialty tooling may not be accessible.
To make installation even easier for our clients, Integra offers in-house CNC machining on any of our enclosures. Simply provide details on your desired cut-outs during the quoting process and Integra will deliver precise, reliable machined enclosures, ready to be populated.
Benefits of Stainless Steel Enclosures
Whether you’re looking for a cleaner look or custom sizing capabilities, stainless steel enclosures are a great option to house controls for pumps, centrifuges and other large treatment equipment.
Corrosion Resistance
Stainless Steel enclosures provide exceptional resistance to rust and corrosion. Unlike traditional steel that requires paint or powder coating, stainless steel corrosion inhibitors are inherent to the material, with no extra paint or coating needed. This ensures the longevity and reliability of the enclosure, reducing the risk of damage to the components.
Water Resistance
Lesser quality enclosures feature a rolled or knife edge flange, which can wear through the gasket and allow water to enter the enclosure. Integra’s stainless-steel enclosures are built with a flange collar around the door face to provide an adequate sealing surface for the polyurethane foam-in-place (FIP) gasket. In addition, the flange collar also acts as a drainage channel to guide water away from the door face. All Integra enclosures are UL NEMA 4X and IP66 rated to protect against ingress water, dirt and dust.
Sanitary
One of the most notable benefits of stainless steel is the fact that it is wash-down friendly and easy to maintain. Its non-porous surface deters the build up of mold and bacteria while easily wiping clean. Stainless steel can also withstand traditional cleaning agents and chemicals found in water treatment plants, make it an ideal solution for waste-water control enclosures.
Range of Sizes
Integra’s Standard Line of stainless-steel enclosures offer sizes ranging from 10x8x4 to 36x30x12. These wall mountable enclosures come standard with bolt-on tabs, rivet nuts, panel standoffs, and a quarter turn latch.
As the OEM Enclosure solutions provider, Integra can also custom manufacture stainless steel enclosures up to 90” inches tall with up to 5 doors. Contact us today to get a quote for high-volume wall mount, floor mount, and freestanding enclosures and consoles. To learn more about our stainless steel enclosure capabilities, view our custom metal enclosure page.
Ease of Modification
Stainless-steel enclosures can be built to meet the exact size, latch and hinge specifications of your application. In addition, Integra can make custom machine hole cut-outs for connectors and antennas or add artwork to display your logo.
Contact Us
Integra is committed to providing robust, user-friendly enclosure solutions to meet any application. To learn more about our products or to request a custom quote, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated customer service team today.
