Introduction
For Mälarhöjdens ishall, Surespan designed and manufactured a groundbreaking ice rink floor hatch to address the unique challenges of ice rink maintenance, specifically the disposal of ice skimmed by ice resurfacing machines after games. Ice rinks require robust, reliable access solutions capable of supporting the weight of heavy machinery while ensuring safe, efficient ice removal. Surespan’s innovative floor hatch not only meets these demands but also introduces a transformative design that outperforms traditional solutions, simplifying ice disposal and enhancing operational efficiency. This project showcases Surespan’s expertise in delivering bespoke, high-performance solutions for ice rink facilities, setting a new benchmark for the industry
About Surespan
With over 30 years of experience, you can rely on Surespan to offer a market-leading bespoke access solution. To find out more information, visit our website or contact our helpful advisors.
Products Supplied
Surespan supplied a double-leaf ice rink floor hatch, constructed from durable Grade 316L stainless steel for superior corrosion resistance—essential in the moisture-rich environment of an ice rink. The hatch was engineered as a critical access point for disposing of ice skimmed by ice resurfacing machines, streamlining post-game maintenance at Mälarhöjdens ishall. Covering a large structural opening, the hatch is available in configurations of 2400 x 2400 mm, 2400 x 2040 mm, and 2400 x 360 mm, providing versatility for industrial applications.
Key features include:
- Massive Weight Capacity: Designed to handle a 7-tonne axle load (3.5 tonnes per wheel), refined from an initial 20-tonne specification, based on the ice resurfacing machine’s maximum weight of 6380 kg when full of water, meeting the approved 35kN loading capacity. This ensures the hatch can safely support the heavy machinery used in ice rink maintenance.
- Innovative Damage Prevention: Features a unique flap-like door design, visible in manufacturing images, that withstands high loads and prevents damage to both the hatch and the ice resurfacing machine, offering a solution unlike anything seen before in ice rink applications.
- Safety Enhancements: Coated with Surespan’s ‘SureGrip’ anti-slip powder coating for safe access in wet or icy conditions, ensuring personnel safety during ice disposal tasks.
- Operational Flexibility: Equipped with an electrically driven single power pack, manual hand pump, and remote control options, including three keyfobs, for seamless operation and ease of use by maintenance teams.
- IP66 Rated: Offers exceptional protection against dust and water ingress, ideal for the harsh, wet conditions of an ice rink environment.
This hatch’s innovative design and robust construction make it easier to dispose of ice after games, reducing downtime and improving efficiency for Mälarhöjdens ishall’s operations. Additionally, the use of Grade 316L stainless steel minimises the need for frequent replacements, aligning with the facility’s sustainability goals by reducing long-term environmental impact.
Project Process and Innovation
Surespan’s commitment to excellence was evident throughout the project, from initial consultation to final installation. The process began with detailed discussions to understand the specific needs of Mälarhöjdens ishall, particularly the requirement for an efficient, sustainable ice disposal system for ice resurfacing machines. Surespan collaborated closely with Fastighetskontoret and Peab, producing approval drawings before manufacture commenced, ensuring alignment with the venue’s exact specifications.
During manufacturing, Surespan conducted rigorous quality checks at every stage, testing the hatch’s loading capacity to confirm its 35kN (7-tonne axle load) performance under real-world conditions. Videos and photographs were provided to the client throughout the process, offering transparency and building confidence in the product’s reliability. The hatch’s innovative flap-like door design, visible in the attached images, was a game-changer—engineered to withstand the massive weight of ice resurfacing machines while preventing damage, a feature that distinguishes this solution from traditional ice rink hatches. This design not only enhances safety but also streamlines ice disposal, setting a new industry standard for ice rink access solutions.
Surespan’s meticulous approach ensured that the final product exceeded expectations, delivering a bespoke solution that revolutionised ice maintenance at Mälarhöjdens ishall. By combining advanced engineering, rigorous testing, and client collaboration, Surespan provided a better, more innovative ice rink hatch than anything seen before, solidifying its position as a leader in specialised access solutions. The hatch’s durability and low maintenance needs also contribute to the facility’s sustainability goals, supporting its energy-efficient operations and reducing long-term environmental impact.
