Tag Archive for: Fiber Reinforced Polymers
Fiberglass Terminology
/in BlogLike most technical and manufacturing industries, fiberglass has its own terminology. By and large you don’t need a large technical vocabulary to understand and interact with fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) literature, but there are some terms that will greatly increase your understanding.
Having a solid understanding of some of the most common fiberglass terminology is also helpful for more technical literature or when it comes time to discuss specific fiberglass solutions. Which is why we wanted to share with you a few of the terms we explain in our newest eBook Chemical Processing eBook: FRP Applications, Opportunities, and Solutions. The Chemical Processing eBook is intended to be a good source of information regarding FRP and the chemical processing industry. While not exhaustive, the eBook is intended to be used as a supplemental tool and, as such, has a large section on common fiberglass terminology. Below you will find four of the most common and useful fiberglass terms to know. Polymer– Polymers are substances whose molecules have high molar masses and are composed of a large number of repeating units. There are both naturally occurring and synthetic polymers. Composite materials are made up of a synthetic polymer matrix that is reinforced. Examples of synthetic polymers include epoxy, vinyl ester or polyester thermosetting plastic resins. Reinforcement-Many different reinforcements may be used during the fabrication of FRP materials including polyester fibers, natural fibers, carbon fibers, arimid fibers, and glass fibers. The arrangement and combination of fiber reinforcements, along with resins, will in large part determine many of the characteristics of your final product. Examples of reinforcement types are surfacing mat, reinforced mat, chopped fibers, 13 woven fabrics, woven roving, and continuous strand roving. Resin– Broadly defined, resins encompass a large class of synthetic products that have some of the physical properties of natural resins but are different chemically and are used chiefly in the manufacturing of plastics, fiberglass and other composites. Typically each resin has its own characteristic properties. Corrosion Barrier– A resin rich veil layer that varies in nominal thickness depending on the service environment. Typically followed by random chopped strand mat or chopped strand roving; other subsequent reinforcements and scheduling may be utilized depending on the service environment or specifications. The high resin content of the corrosion barrier effectively shields the structural laminate from chemical attack. Inner layer and mat construction generally follow corrosion barriers for structural and mechanical purposes. Download our free ebook Chemical Processing eBook: FRP Applications, Opportunities, and Solutions to learn more about FRP, fiberglass terminology, and corrosion.FRP Products Meet a Diverse Set of Needs
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Fiberglass Pipe and Duct
Fiberglass pipe and ductwork can be used in virtually any application with diameters from 1/2 to 14 feet and the ability to be created with materials tailored to the specific end use.
Chemical Processing Pipe: FRP pipe is excellent for chemical processing because of its corrosion resistant properties.
Cooling Tower Pipe:Recognized as an industry standard, our cooling tower piping can be customized to meet almost any requirement.
Power Plant Pipe: FRP pipe and duct can be found in many power plant applications and processes.
Wastewater & Water Treatment Pipe: FRP waste water pipes can be used in above and below ground applications and offer a number of advantages over traditional materials like lightweight, durability, and strength.
Pulp and Paper Pipe: Ideally suited for the corrosive environments of the pulp and paper industry, FRP pipe can be found in many pulp and paper applications like sodium salts, methanol, and sulfuric acid.
Pipe Fittings: FRP fittings can be custom made to suit almost any need from bushings to reducers to everything in between.
Abrasion Resistant Pipe & Duct: Through careful selection of resin, reinforcements, and armoring modifiers we have created durable, customizable, abrasion resistant pipe.
Fiberglass Tanks and Vessels
Fiberglass tanks and vessels can be designed to custom design requirements to meet the needs of the individual customer. We offer a wide variety of tanks and vessels, including:
Pultruded Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer for Power Generation Plant
/in BlogWhen a customer came to us with an existing metal and wood scaffolding maintenance platform that needed to be replaced with a permanent material solution, we said no problem!
When designing fiberglass stairs, railings, platforms, and other structural products the unique properties of FRP make it a perfect solution. Some of the key properties to consider when designing structural products are:
- Strong, lightweight, durable, will not rot or decay
- Corrosion resistant, slip resistant, ultraviolet resistant, and non conductive
- Molded in color reduces maintenance costs such as painting and coating
- Can be customized in accordance with OSHA design specifications
- Long-term maintenance costs are reduced
To see how we used custom pultruded FRP to solve our customers maintenance platform problem, download the full case study here or by following the link below.
Unique FRP Design Offers Solution To Flash Freezing
/in BlogFiber Reinforced Polymers (FPR), or fiberglass, is an excellent construction material. Used throughout the world in a wide range of industrial and non-industrial applications, FRP boasts cost-effectiveness, design flexibility, dimensional stability, high strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and low maintenance costs—among other things.
FRP has gotten a lot of positive attention lately for other benefits; FRP is corrosion and abrasion resistant and smoke and flame retardant. An often glossed over advantage of FRP is its versatility; it can be made into nearly any shape—which comes in handy when designing for solutions that require a complex design, one that includes electronics, for example.
In the mining industry there are many types of corrosion that plague equipment and infrastructure, but in many cases it is characterized as corrosion enhanced by abrasion. FRP continues to gain in popularity as a material solution for pump and piping systems in the mining and mineral industries. In large part this is because FRP pipe can be formulated to resist abrasion and many types of corrosion; FRP will resist pitting, crevice, intergranular, galvanic, and cavitation types of corrosion, for example.
Equally important are the non-corrosive problems that exist in mining and plant operation. One such well-documented problem exists when conveying coal from stockpile to boiler or around the mine site during frigid winter months. Known throughout the industry as “flash freezing,” the problem begins anytime coal being transported or stored, picks up moisture, via snow or rain and comes into contact with metal that is at sub-freezing temperatures for extended periods of time. When wet or frozen coal comes into contact with steel or other alloys at sub-freezing temperatures an instantaneous bond is formed.
Flash freezing is a mining and plant operation problem that has been known to shut down production due to blocked conveyors, chutes and hoppers; a costly problem that in some cases requires pneumatic drilling to resolve. One company has designed what they call a “Freeze Protection System” which consists of FRP heating panels. The unique design incorporates a flat foil heating system, sewn into high quality woven glass and is encapsulated in a ¼” think lamination of FRP. Units (panels) are placed around the chute, hopper, or silo and provide heat and insulation—alleviating flash freezing.
This is just one example of how FRP design intelligence and ingenuity is helping to solve industrial problems. This example illustrates what is possible with FRP. There is no question that FRP technology is increasing, but the question remains—how will it be employed in the future and what capacity? In the case of “flash freezing” in the mining industry, what other ways can FRP be utilized to increase production? Could FRP products replace steel transport cars? Similarly, with a low coefficient of friction and good insulation properties could an FRP liner be used inside steel cars or dump tucks?
One thing is for certain; FRP is cost-effective material that continues to be used where other materials fall short. FRP is a juggernaut; it has the ability to withstand the harshest most extreme environments and has long unmatched life cycles. While some problems may be less pervasive than others, or beckon a more niche solution, there is no denying that there are real opportunities for FRP manufactures.
From mining and minerals, power generation, and chemical processing to pulp and paper, wastewater treatment and architectural—fiberglass is a durable construction material that has proven it’s worth, time and time again.