FRP Pipe 101
What is FRP Pipe? What are the advantages of FRP Pipe? What are the properties of it? What field application FRP pipe can be used? In this article, we will answer these questions and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of FRP Pipe.
What is FRP Pipe?
FRP stands for fiberglass reinforced plastic which is a composite material consisting of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibres. Therefore, FRP Pipe is a pipe made of FRP material utilizing either the contact moulding or filament winding method. Various types of resins, such as thermoset polyester, epoxy, phenolic resin, etc. are used to achieve certain desired properties in the final product. The most widely used reinforcement is glass fiber “E-glass”. Utilizing these materials, FRP pipe has more advantages to offer compared to other alternatives, such as metal pipe. By choosing FRP as the pipe material, the need for inner layers, outer layers, and cathodic protection can be easily eliminated. FRP piping systems are available in various sizes ranging from 1 inch to 144 inches. Below is a deeper explanation of FRP.
FRP Pipe Application
Given its high durability, corrosion-resistant property, and superior strength, FRP pipe is becoming more popular each day. As a corrosion-resistant alternative to metal piping, FRP piping systems have been widely used in various applications worldwide. With its superiority, FRP pipe can be applied to diverse industry fields, including but not limited to:
- Mineral water industry
- Oil and chemical industry
- Ventilation and drainage
- Irrigation and sanitization
- Power plants
Properties of FRP Pipe
Main properties of FRP pipe that attract made this product becomes an ideal solution for various industries, including corrosion-resistant, non-toxic, non-conductive towards electricity, and abrasion-resistant. Moreover, FRP pipe is known for its high durability where it is ore durable than steel or other metal pipes. It is also lightweight that makes it easy for handling and trasnport. It has a low friction coefficient (>25% better than steel) that ensures the pipeline flow and wideely known for its resistance to biological attacks, such as bacteria. To add a cherry on top, FRP pipe has a low maintenance cost!
FRP Pipe Fittings
Various fittings types are available to fit the needs of diverse piping layout needs. Common fittings, include:
- Long & short radius FRP Pipe Elbow (22.5°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, 180°)
- Tee Connections (Equal Tee dan reducing Tee)
- FRP Pipe flanges
- Steel backing flanges
- Flanged elbows
- Smooth flow reducing elbow
- Special radius bend
- Lateral connection
- Cross connections
- Wye connections
- Reducers (Eccentric and Concentric)
- Flanged reducers