FRP Tanks and Pipes: Maintenance and Repair
As FRP pipes are affordable, light-to-carry, strong, and extremely corrosion-resistant, they’re a wise choice for various applications and sectors. These include industrial production, wastewater treatment, paper mills, etc.
If you want to use this investment properly, you should get to know more about it. If you’re considering using FRP to store materials for a long time, you should be aware of the following things.
UV Exposure
FRP tanks and pipes corrode over time when exposed to ultraviolet light, but it can also induce a condition known as fiber blooming. This happens when the resin degrades over time, and the glass fibers inside become visible. It can decrease stability and alter the surface of the material. If you want durable FRP tanks and pipes, then you should get a UV-resistant application on them. This is kind of a gel coat that shields the structure from harmful rays.
Air Pockets And Gaps In Laminate
While making FRP structures, it’s crucial to prevent any air pockets. If the laminate isn’t correctly spread out, air might get trapped and cause half-full or voids in the final product. This has a detrimental effect on the substance’s mechanical characteristics, such as reduced tensile strength, ductile strength, etc.
Because of this, the building can develop holes, cracks, or other types of damage. Some factors contributing to voids are resin viscosity and mixing, incorrect cure temperature, and inadequate compression of the reinforcement to get rid of the bubbles.
Preservation Of FRP Tanks and Pipes
Although FRP pipes and structures are dependable and require little care, they shouldn’t be regarded as maintenance-free. Early detection of potential issues can help prevent serious accidents. Annual FRP pipe and tank inspection services will ensure peak performance.
Detection of possible problems is greatly facilitated by having a solid grasp of how a corrosion barrier should appear. Write down these changes, along with any others, that you’ve noticed since the last checkup:
- All noticeable cracking and splits should be recorded
- Crystal formation
- Gaps near flanges and iron hangers and reinforcements
- Discoloration
- Severe flange corrosion
- Damaged or cracked elbow or joints
No matter how long you want to preserve your FRP structures, you should get regular FRP tank and pipe inspection done. You may prevent unplanned delays, property destruction, potential environmental incidents, or employee injuries when you do proper maintenance and repair.
At Hudson Fiberglass, we strive to provide customers with high-quality FRP pipe repair and maintenance services. We also offer various services like fiberglass surface coating, fiberglass tank repair and inspection, FRP pipes inspections, etc.
If you want to schedule pipe inspection maintenance or repairs, then give us a call right away!
