Overview of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP)
Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Systems, also known as fiber reinforced linings, are composite materials commonly used to reinforce infrastructure, including steel piping, in the oil and gas and other process industries. They are made of polymer matrices and reinforced with fibers.
FRP is frequently used to reinforce existing pipelines that have deteriorated over time; though they can also be used to correct design or construction errors in new pipelines. Of course, they can be used to reinforce other types of structures as well.
The materials used in creating FRP fibers are typically either glass, carbon, or aramid. Less common fibers used to make FRP include paper, wood, or asbestos. The polymer components of FRP are commonly made up of either epoxy, vinylester, or polyester thermosetting plastics, although sometimes phenol formaldehyde resins are used instead.
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May/June 2018 Inspectioneering JournalBy Geoff Clarkson at UTComp, Inc.
With no industry consensus documents in existence that provide guidance for determining FFS of FRP, this article provides a case study that illustrates how an existing European design standard on GRP tanks can be used to calculate expected changes in FRP for FRP vessels.
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November/December 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Geoff Clarkson at UTComp, Inc.
This article, part two in a series, provides a case study of an inspection and evaluation of a Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) column using nondestructive ultrasound readings on the outer surface of the FRP.
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May/June 2017 Inspectioneering JournalBy Geoff Clarkson at UTComp, Inc.
Discover a new ultrasonic inspection approach that provides quantified mechanical integrity and conservative remaining service life information on fiberglass reinforced plastic equipment.
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May/June 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy David A. Hunter at Neptune Research, Inc.
In recent years, the growing use of composite repair systems for the rehabilitation of piping systems in the refining and chemical industries has increased the need for associated technologies for their manufacturing, installation, and inspection. One critical aspect of these repair systems is how to inspect and validate them for fitness for service. This article covers the testing completed for fiberglass and carbon fiber composite repair systems with specialty epoxy for full inspection capabilities.
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January/February 1997 Inspectioneering Journal
Shortly after World War II, the FRP industry expanded rapidly into many areas. Chemical tanks were first fabricated in the 1950s. A comprehensive standard was needed and in 1969 a consensus standard was issued by the National Bureau of Standards: NBS PS 15-69 "Custom Contact-Molded Reinforced-Polyester Chemical-Resistant Process Equipment."
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May/June 1996 Inspectioneering Journal
Task Group T-1G-24 on Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Pipe and Accessories in Oilfield Service is working on a test method for evaluating the compatibility of FRP tubulars in oilfield environments. They hope to submit a draft for ballot shortly. To vote on this draft, join Unit Committee T-1G.
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