Bridge Preservation with Desiccant Dehumidifiers

Bridges are one of the biggest investments a country will make. It is vital that these important assets have a long useful life. This then efficiently maximizes the capital investment.

Desiccant dehumidifiers are the perfect solution to maximize the lifespan of bridges and other large metal structures. By controlling the relative humidity of the air, the effects of corrosion can be eliminated both in anchor chambers, cables and steel box sections in roadways and towers.

How to Create an Ideal Environment for Cables and Anchor Chambers?

Desiccant dehumidifiers must be installed in enclosed environments, which can include sections of the steel infrastructure of the bridge.  Sometimes dry air is applied directly to the metal surface.

Humidity conditions should be below 45% relative humidity, to prevent corrosion effects on any type of metal surface.

Advantages of the Dehumidification System for Preserving Bridges:

  • Cables stay strong for a lifetime.
  • Increases structural life.
  • It eliminates the need for anti-corrosion protection paint on internal surfaces.
  • Easier maintenance, due to corrosion prevention.
  • Low power consumption.

A prime example of this type of installation is Europe’s longest combined road and rail bridge, the Øresund Bridge, connecting Denmark and Sweden. This bridge is protected by Fisair dehumidifiers.

The bridge travels almost 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the Swedish coast to the artificial island Peberholm in the middle of the strait. The crossing is then completed by the 4-kilometre (2.5-mile) Drogden tunnel from Peberholm to the Danish island of Amager.

Prevent the Effects of Corrosion with Fisair Dehumidifiers

The Fisair dehumidifiers are installed to protect the bridge from the effects of corrosion, which can cause damage to the bridge structure, cost millions of dollars/euros to repair, and ultimately make the structure unsafe, endangering human life.
With Fisair units, specially designed for this application, it is easy to keep the bridge corrosion-free, for an extended service lifetime.

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