To estimate the service life of FRP equipment, it is important to consider the details of the application. The following is a partial list.
The fiberglass boats in use today were manufactured more than 60 years ago. During that time, they required little maintenance and they have not yet reached the end of their useful life.
Of course, because of the corrosive elements in the world of corrosive materials, we can't expect FRP corrosive equipment to have the same service life as FRP boats. But whenever industrial capital projects involving corrosive materials are discussed, FRP almost always comes up. Why? Because just like boats in the marine environment, FRP is an excellent material for piping and tanks in corrosive environments, and it is often more cost-effective than non-FRP alternatives.
â–º Chemical Corrosion (certain concentrations of chemicals are more corrosive; impurities in chemicals can produce more corrosion)
â–º abrasiveness
â–º flow rate
â–ºmaximum and working temperature (higher temperatures tend to be more aggressive)
â–ºmaximum and operating pressures
â–º pressure and temperature operating changes
â–º preventive maintenance of the equipment over time
In addition, the materials and methods used to manufacture FRP equipment can significantly affect its service life. A partial list includes the following.
â–ºResin type
â–ºType and quantity of initiators, accelerators and other chemicals added to the resin
â–ºType and quantity of reinforcing materials
â–ºLamination design
â–ºLamination method
â–ºFiber orientation
â–ºCuring characteristics
While it is impossible to perfectly predict service life or your FRP equipment, there are often case histories of similar installations available for inspection that can provide an indication of expected service life. The resin supplier used to manufacture your FRP equipment may have such case histories, as well as relevant test results that they can share. In addition, your FRP equipment manufacturer may be able to advise on the time period they expect for similar applications.
Original equipment manufacturers are involved in the materials of construction, equipment design, and manufacturing quality. Installation, operational considerations, quality of stored chemicals (or chemical processes) and maintenance are the responsibility of the owner.
⤠Be designed and engineered by FRP corrosion equipment professionals. Not only will the life of the FRP equipment be extended by a design that is suitable for service, but manufacturing costs will also be minimized.
⤠Fully comply with the specifications provided for these components. If you need assistance in creating these specifications, your manufacturer may have an FRP engineer on staff or work with a contracted FRP specialist who can write these specifications.
⤠Use only quality materials. This is not the place to skimp! If substandard materials are used, product life is significantly reduced.
⤠Use manufacturing methods that meet industry standards for high-quality fiberglass manufacturing. Make sure you choose a manufacturer who is experienced in manufacturing FRP equipment similar to yours. Look for manufacturers with industry certifications such as RTP-1.
⤠Have the FRP equipment delivered to the job site by a carrier who understands fiberglass. While FRP is not particularly fragile, it is more susceptible to damage than steel, and sometimes damage can be difficult to see without careful inspection.
⤠Have FRP equipment installed by a technician who knows fiberglass. FRP parts damaged during installation may have a shorter service life than other FRP parts in the same system. Each FRP part should be visually inspected immediately prior to installation.
⤠Consider additional ultraviolet (UV) protection if installed outdoors in particularly sunny areas. A reputable FRP manufacturer should include UV protection on every part they manufacture, but applying a light gel coat to these parts will take the UV protection a step further.
In addition, while FRP is low-maintenance, it is not completely maintenance-free. There are a few things owners can do to help FRP equipment achieve maximum service life in corrosive environments.
⤠Do not change or modify the services described in the specifications provided by the FRP manufacturer. Changing the in-service chemistry, temperature, pressure, or turbidity can reduce the service life of other long-lasting FRP equipment. If such changes are necessary, contact the manufacturer to see if modifications are recommended.
⤠If using FRP equipment in a highly corrosive environment, inspect it at least once a year. In less corrosive environments, inspections can be scheduled less frequently, but in all cases, the inspector should be knowledgeable and qualified. If repairs are needed, they can be done before they become large and expensive.
Properly designed, manufactured and installed FRP equipment that is also used and maintained as it should be will enjoy the longest service life. With this in mind, here are some examples.
1. FRP water tanks and pipes 30-40 years
FRP bleach tanks and piping 10-15 years, possibly up to 20 years. (Misbuilt may be as short as 1-3 years.)
3. FRP acid/metal reaction tanks and piping: 5-10 years or less, depending on conditions
To discuss your FRP equipment in more detail, please contact Hebei Runto.