Complex Piping Systems

FRP reinforced plastic pipe is chemically and structurally engineered with the proper balance of resin and glass to resist a wide range of acids, alkalis and solvents as well as weathering, spillage and corrosive fumes.

This excellent combination of corrosion resistance and strength characteristics is achieved through RPC's special 'Laminate Construction', based on years of extensive research and practical applications.

RPC produces FRP pipe by both 'filament winding', 'hand lay-up' custom fabrication and/or a combination of filament-wound and hand lay-up to handle a variety of chemicals at temperatures up to 120º C and pressure up to 2500 kPa.

Fibreglass pipe and fittings offer excellent resistance to a wide range of corrosive liquids and gases and to the types of aqueous solutions frequently encountered in chemical processing industries.

In addition to their resistance to internal corrosion, pitting and sealing, FRP pipe and fittings are immune to virtually all external corrosion, will not rust and never required any form of cathodic protection.

Chemical Resistance

FRP pipe is specially designed and engineered to resist practically any corrosive material. This versatility, due to the variety of resins available has permitted FRP pipe to play a key role in reducing corrosion control problems in virtually every major industry.

• Butt Joints - This is the simples and most economical method of filed joining pipe. The technique can be mastered by plant personnel with minimum instruction and training.
• Flanges - This method is required when FRP pipe is combined with existing flanged systems, valves or other equipment. Flanges are also recommended for systems subject to frequent or regular dismantling. RPC offers a complete line of contact moulded flanges with compatible strength and resistance characteristics.
• Bell and Spigot Joints - Supplied on request for joining sections of large diameter pipe.

Modification and Repair

FRP pipe is easily repaired or modified for new system layouts. Pipe can be cut to any desired shape with a hack saw, power saw, or sabre saw.

Light Weight

The lightweight nature of FRP pipe makes it easy to install and often requires both lighter and fewer hangers than most metal pipe. The following chart shows the comparison with specific gravity of other materials. Steel Aluminium FRP 7.85 2.55 - 2.75 1.45 - 1.8

Smooth Interior Surface

FRP pipe is made with a hard resin-rich inside surface that is extremely smooth, and highly resistant to build-up of scale and similar surface deposits. This smooth surface offers minimal flow resistance, and consequently lower pressure drop due to friction.

Translucency

The advantages of translucent FRP pipe are as follows:

• Process Control - Operators are able to observe the liquid or detect products going into the line or through a "closed" valve.
• Cleaning - Operators can "see" when the lines need cleaning.
• Location of Plugged Sections - Operators can "see" when and where the trouble occurs.

Durability

RPC laminate construction methods provide the proper balance of chemical - resisting resins to reinforcing material to provide maximum impact and tensile strength when subjected to the specified corrosive conditions, operating temperatures and pressures.

Colour

Unless otherwise specified, FRP pipe is fabricated with clear, unpigmented resin to provide the advantages of translucency, to permit visual inspection during and after production, and to provide maximum corrosion resistance. When the customer desires colour-coded pipe, the outer layer of resin-saturated mat is pigmented.

Installation Techniques

FRP pipe can be installed quickly and easily because of its lightweight, workability and simplicity of joining.

Weather Resistance

FRP pipe is ideal for outdoor installation because it is practically, impervious to the effects of sunlight, heat, cold and other weather conditions. Ultraviolet absorbers are added to the basic resin. Where wet chlorine gas contaminated with hydrogen is being handles, FRP pipe can be supplied partially pigmented to eliminate danger of explosion caused by ultraviolet light.

Exterior Maintenance

FRP pipe is resistant to industrial fumes, gases or spillage because it is corrosion-resistant throughout. This means that no external protection, such as paint or coatings is required.

Heat Resistance

FRP pipe fabricated with polyester vinylester resins can handle operating temperatures as high as 150º C. Maximum service temperatures will vary with the chemical condition and maximum service pressure.