FRP Advantages & Its Use as Pipe Supports

Fiber-reinforced plastic, fiber-reinforced polymer, or FRP in short, is a composite material made from a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers such as glass, carbon, or aramid. It is commonly used in a variety of industries due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and durability.

FRP is commonly used in the construction of tanks, piping systems, and other structures in the chemical, petroleum, and water treatment industries. Its resistance to chemicals and other corrosive substances makes it an ideal choice for these applications, as it can withstand exposure to a wide range of harsh materials without degrading or corroding over time.

FRP has several advantages over other construction materials that make it a popular choice in various industries and uses, some of which are:

1. Corrosion Resistance: FRP is highly resistant to corrosion from chemicals, saltwater, and other harsh environments. It is also inherently non-reactive with most corrosive substances, including acids and alkalis. This makes it a popular choice for the petrochemical industry, marine applications such as off-shore platforms, and other corrosive environments.
2. Lightweight: FRP is a lightweight material compared to traditional materials like steel and concrete. This property makes it easy to transport and install, reducing installation time and costs.
3. High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: FRP has a high strength-to-weight ratio, which means it is stronger than steel at the same weight. This makes it a suitable material for structures that require high strength but need to be lightweight.
4. Non-Conductive: FRP is a non-conductive material, making it ideal for applications where electrical conductivity needs to be avoided. For example, FRP is used in electrical equipment, cable trays, and others.

5. UV Stable: FRP is also highly resistant to UV radiation, which makes it an ideal choice for outdoor applications.
6. Design Flexibility: FRP can be easily molded into different shapes and sizes, allowing for design flexibility. It can also be manufactured in different colors and finishes, making it suitable for architectural applications.
7. Low Maintenance: FRP requires minimal maintenance compared to traditional materials like steel, concrete, or wood. This property makes it a cost-effective material in the long run.
8. Fire Resistance: FRP is inherently fire-resistant and can be manufactured to meet specific fire ratings. This property makes it a safe material for use in buildings, transportation, and other applications where fire safety is essential.
9. Long Life: Given FRP’s strength, resistance to corrosion, corrosive chemicals, and UV radiation, this gives it a long life of several decades, making it an ideal material for various construction purposes.

FRP SmartPad System

Cogbill’s RedLineIPS SmartPad System, patent-pending, is a 100% FRP solution that offers revolutionary external corrosion protection to above-ground industrial piping systems at the pipe support points. Our pads are crafted from layers of continuous strand mat laminated with top-quality vinyl ester resin, using the filament-winding process.

In this process, fiber mats containing continuous fibers, such as glass, carbon, or aramid, are impregnated with a liquid resin and then wound or wrapped around a rotating mandrel or mold. Further mats and resin are added while spinning the mandrel until the needed thicknesses are achieved.

Not only do our SmartPads offer effective corrosion protection to piping systems, they also install and can be removed in seconds, negating the need for radiography, ultrasound, and similar costly corrosion inspection methods. The cost savings can be significant over the life of the piping system. For more information:

www.SmartPadSystem.com
Phone: 409-768-1419
Email: Sales@RedLineIPS.com