The complete form of FRP is fiberglass reinforced plastic, which is a composite material composed of a fiber-reinforced polymer matrix. Therefore, FRP pipes are made of FRP materials through contact molding or fiber winding. Various types of resins, such as thermosetting polyester, epoxy, phenolic resin, etc., are used to obtain the final product with specific FRP pipe properties. As a corrosion-resistant metal pipe substitute, FRP piping system has been widely used worldwide. By choosing FRP as the pipe material, the need for lining, external coating and cathodic protection can be easily eliminated.
Due to the high durability, corrosion resistance and medium strength of FRP pipes, its use is increasing day by day. FRP piping systems are used in different industries, such as:
ㆍDrinking water and seawater desalination industry
ㆍChemical, petrochemical, oil and gas industries.
ㆍPipes and exhaust pipes
ㆍIrrigation and sanitation services
ㆍWater distribution and delivery
ㆍMud pipeline
ㆍPower plants, etc.
The main performance of FRP pipe is to make it an ideal choice for various industries in the world.
ㆍExcellent corrosion resistance
ㆍExcellent strength-to-weight ratio. It is worth noting that the strength-to-weight ratio of FRP pipes is higher than that of steel or other metal pipes.
ㆍLight weight, easy to handle and transport.
ㆍDimensional stability
ㆍDegradable
ㆍLow friction coefficient (>25% better than steel), ensuring good flow characteristics.
ㆍGood abrasion resistance
ㆍSuitable for ground and underground pipelines
ㆍResistance to biological attacks such as bacteria
ㆍNon-conductive
ㆍLow maintenance cost
Since the length of the FRP pipe is restricted by transportation and handling, it needs to be connected. At the same time, various FRP pipe fittings need to be connected as required. The connection system of the FRP pipe shall ensure that no leakage occurs under the predetermined use conditions under the working pressure.
Various FRP pipe fittings are available to meet the needs of pipeline layout. Common glass steel pipe parts are:
ㆍLong radius, short radius FRP elbow
ㆍTee connection (equal tee and reducing tee)
ㆍFRP pipe flange
ㆍSteel back flange
ㆍFlange elbow
ㆍSmooth reducing elbow
ㆍSpecial bending radius
ㆍHorizontal connection
ㆍCross connect
ㆍWye Connection
ㆍReducer (eccentric and concentric)
ㆍFlange reducing agent
When ordering FRP pipes, the following information must be provided to the supplier:
ㆍPipe diameter
ㆍThe design and working temperature of the applied fluid.
ㆍDesign, operation, surge, vacuum, test pressure.
ㆍLive load of buried pipelines.
ㆍMaximum/minimum buried depth and trench width.
ㆍDetails of soil properties and trench preparation.
The main disadvantage of FRP piping system is:
ㆍIt is not recommended to use FRP pipes to transport fluids whose temperature exceeds 100°C
ㆍThe use of pigments, dyes, UV stabilizers, fillers, etc. in the resin system can reduce the slight degradation of the resin by ultraviolet light.