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Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic pipes, or FRP pipes are preferred over traditional materials due to a number of reasons. They now replace conventional pipe materials for their light weight, high resistance to heat and corrosion, versatility, excellent tensile strength, flexibility, economic and environmental advantage.
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Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic pipes, or FRP pipes are preferred over traditional materials due to a number of reasons. They now replace conventional pipe materials for their light weight, high resistance to heat and corrosion, versatility, excellent tensile strength, flexibility, economic and environmental advantage. They are made from epoxy resins that are reinforced with continuous glass filaments. Popular in the chemical, commercial, petroleum and municipal industries, this article goes over the pros and cons of using FRP pipes over conventional materials. 1.Corrosion and insect resistance Traditional materials are highly susceptible to corrosion, rotting and insects. For example, steel is prone to oxidation and corrosion and needs to be galvanized frequently to last longer. Though aluminum is prone to corrosion as well, anodizing and similar coatings can be a prevention. Wood rots and decays easily when exposed to moisture, water and chemicals and is susceptible to termite attacks. FRP pipes are resistant to a wide range of chemicals, moisture and water. They can withstand insect damage, and are painted or galvanized only when exposed to sunlight. Moreover, they are resistant against surface damage and permanent deformation even in extreme temperatures. 2.High tensile strength Traditional materials such as steel, aluminum and wood are homogenous and come with a yield strength of 36 ksi, 35 ksi and module of rupture of 12,000 psi respectively. FRP pipes have a greater flexural strength than timber, and are stronger than steel and aluminum. The ultimate flexural strength of FRP pipes ranges from 30,000 psi (LW) to 10,000 psi (CW). The compression strength of a FRP pipe ranges from 30,000 psi (LW) to 15,000 psi (CW). Its strength-to-weight ratio is higher than cast iron, steel, stainless steel and concrete with better fatigue-endurance limits than metals and a flatter S-N curve.
They weigh 10 percent less than concrete, 75 percent less than steel, and 30 percent less than aluminum. The lower weight also for allows lower shipping, handling and transportation weight, and reduced energy requirements. 3.Electric conductivity Contrary to traditional materials that are good conductors, FRP pipes are low on conductivity. However, conductive properties may be designed as per requirement. Being a good insulator, it has low thermal conductivity as well. 4.EMI/RFI Transparency Most conventional materials can interfere with or are highly reflective to EFI or RFI transmissions. However, FRP pipes are transparent to EMI and RFI transmissions, and can be safely used for radar and antennae enclosures and supports. 5.Fabrication Conventional materials such as steel require welding torches and cutting torches to fabricate them. One also needs heavy equipment to erect and install the steel pipes. Aluminum pipes also require welding, brazing, soldering or mechanical joining for fabrication. However, wood can be fabricated using simple carpenter’s tools. FRP pipes are fabricated using simple carpenters’ tools with carbon or diamond tip blades. They are environmentally safe and economical viable as compared to wood treated with hazardous coatings. 6.Cost Steel pipes have a lower installation cost, while aluminum pipes may cost part of the price as compared to FRP pipes. Wood pipes have lower installation costs, but require high maintenance costs and replacement. FRP pipes have lower installation costs, less maintenance costs and a longer product life. Therefore, industrial pipes come in all shapes and sizes. FRP pipes prove to be less expensive, durable and long-lasting in every respect. Therefore, consult an expert and know more about your product to make an informed decision. This Article is Originally Published on: https://onmogul.com/products/frp-pipes-vs-all-others