FRP pipe: an effective solution for wastewater management

Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) is a composite material composed of a polymer matrix strengthened by fibres, also referred to as fibre-reinforced polymer.

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Commonly employed fibres include carbon, glass, basalt or aramid. In some cases, other fibres like wood, asbestos, and paper have been utilised. While vinyl ester, polyester, epoxy thermosetting plastics are used as matrix materials. In some cases, phenol formaldehyde resins are also used.

Fibreglass-reinforced pipes are experiencing a rapid surge in demand because they play a vital role in the industrial sector. These pipes, made from FRP, are non-metallic and crafted by continuously wrapping fibreglass filament saturated with a specialised combination of epoxy resin and curing chemicals. Their applications range from piping systems to tankers, and various vessels across numerous fields and industries. The global FRP pipe industry is gaining momentum owing to an expansion of the building and construction sector and the benefits of FRP pipe in the construction domain.

Features of FRP pipes:

&#; Lightweight

FRP pipes, designed from a combination of 1/10 P.S.C., 1/5 steel, and 1/8 C.I., exhibit a reduced strength-to-weight ratio compared to alternative materials. Their lightweight construction enables easy handling, installation, modification, and repair of FRP pipes.

&#; Non-corrosive

FRP pipes inherently possess corrosion resistance. In many cases, fibreglass-reinforced plastics stand as the sole material capable of withstanding certain parameters. Additionally, their corrosion resistance, typically coupled with cost efficiency, positions them as the most viable solution. The corrosion resistance of Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic pipes depends on both the overall resin content and the specific resin employed in the pipe's laminate. Thus, a higher resin content equals to increased resistance against corrosion.

FRP pipes offer an excellent solution for transporting corrosive wastewater and sewage. Their smooth inner surface effectively facilitates the flow of various fluids. Corrosion resistance is a crucial attribute in these applications.

&#; Flexibility

FRP pipes offer versatility in shaping various equipment pieces or configurations using permanent or temporary molds. For instance, constructing ductwork with FRP pipes is highly feasible as it enables the production of different types of rectangular transitions, Tee inlets, circular transitions, flanges, and elbows at a minimal expense. Additionally, Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic pipes are a suitable option for lining both new and existing structures.

Computer software programmes have significantly improved the design of FRP systems. These programmes include various functionalities such as analysing gas flow, chemical composition, liquid flow, and thrust blocks, and providing installation information.

Recent developments transforming the FRP pipe industry:

RPS Composites introduced a robust and durable joint specifically designed for FRP (Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic) piping systems.

RPS Composites, based in Franklin, Ohio, US, has introduced the RPS Grooved Adapter, specially designed for use in combination with RPS fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) piping systems. This adapter is designed for use with a Victaulic Style 296-A coupling, resulting in a sturdy and dependable joint for FRP piping. As per the RPS, the most appealing feature of the Grooved Adapter is its ease of use, enabling coupling or uncoupling within minutes without requiring any specialised tools or training. Specifically designed for mild corrosive environments such as water, seawater, and wastewater, the RPS Grooved Adapter offers practicality and convenience in its application.

The RPS FRP adapters have undergone rigorous testing and meet the ASME NM.2- Proof of Design qualification test standards. These tests include static pressure, cyclic pressure evaluations, and hydrostatic strength testing.

CPP has successfully installed the tallest Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) stack liner for the Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company

CPP (Chemical Process Piping), a company specialising in industrial piping solutions producing GRP and FRP-based pipes, has introduced an FRP stack in the FGD (Flue Gas Desulfurisation) plant established by BIFPCL (Bangladesh India Friendship Power Company). This joint venture operates on a 50:50 partnership between the Bangladesh Power Development Board and the National Thermal Power Corporation.

CPP has accomplished Phase I of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant project in collaboration with BHEL and Simplex in Bangladesh. Marking a significant achievement, CPP stands as the pioneering entity in this sector by successfully constructing an 800 ft FRP stack for the MW coal-fired power station located in Rampal, Bangladesh. This accomplishment positions CPP as the foremost FRP manufacturer in this region to employ vertical winding technology for filament winding the FRP stack, a pioneering approach adopted for their project in Bangladesh. The project itself represents an environmentally friendly initiative, leveraging supercritical technology for the thermal power plant.

To sum up, the global FRP pipe industry is experiencing growth due to the advantages of these pipes in the construction sector and the rapid growth of the construction and building sector. The potential of FRP pipes in wastewater management will present remunerative growth opportunities to the market in the upcoming years.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/special-reports//frp-pipe-an-effective-solution-for-wastewater-management/

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.

Application of fiberglass reinforced plastic pipe

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:

&#;Drinking water and seawater desalination industry

&#;Chemical, petrochemical, oil and gas industries.

&#;Pipes and exhaust pipes

&#;Irrigation and sanitation services

&#;Water distribution and delivery

&#;Mud pipeline

&#;Power plants, etc.

Performance of FRP pipe

The main performance of FRP pipe is to make it an ideal choice for various industries in the world.

&#;Excellent corrosion resistance

&#;Excellent 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.

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&#;Light weight, easy to handle and transport.

&#;Dimensional stability

&#;Degradable

&#;Low friction coefficient (>25% better than steel), ensuring good flow characteristics.

&#;Good abrasion resistance

&#;Suitable for ground and underground pipelines

&#;Resistance to biological attacks such as bacteria

&#;Non-conductive

&#;Low maintenance cost

FRP pipe connection

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.

FRP pipe fittings

Various FRP pipe fittings are available to meet the needs of pipeline layout. Common glass steel pipe parts are:

&#;Long radius, short radius FRP elbow

&#;Tee connection (equal tee and reducing tee)

&#;FRP pipe flange

&#;Steel back flange

&#;Flange elbow

&#;Smooth reducing elbow

&#;Special bending radius

&#;Horizontal connection

&#;Cross connect

&#;Wye Connection

&#;Reducer (eccentric and concentric)

&#;Flange reducing agent

FRP pipe specifications

When ordering FRP pipes, the following information must be provided to the supplier:

&#;Pipe diameter

&#;The design and working temperature of the applied fluid.

&#;Design, operation, surge, vacuum, test pressure.

&#;Live load of buried pipelines.

&#;Maximum/minimum buried depth and trench width.

&#;Details of soil properties and trench preparation.

Disadvantages of FRP pipes

The main disadvantage of FRP piping system is:

&#;It is not recommended to use FRP pipes to transport fluids whose temperature exceeds 100°C

&#;The use of pigments, dyes, UV stabilizers, fillers, etc. in the resin system can reduce the slight degradation of the resin by ultraviolet light.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of GFRP Pipe for Environmental Protection. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.