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\nConfiguration and fiber orientation of a GRP pipe.<\/i><\/p>\n
Within the family of non-metallic pipes there are different types used in the industry: GRP (Reinforced Fiberglass), PVC, PP (Polypropylene), HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) among others. This type of systems are usually used in industrial plants in general, petrochemical plants, water treatment plants, sea water desalination plants and in power generation plants.
\nOne of the most used nonmetallic piping system is GRP, due to its superior mechanical resistance, lightness (better weight\/resistance ratio than steel) and for its outstanding corrosion resistance. Therefore, this article focuses on GRP (Glass-reinforced Glass) piping systems.<\/b><\/p>\n
1. GRP pipes<\/b>
\nThese pipes are made up of two elements, a matrix and an element that provides mechanical resistance. The matrix is usually some type of synthetic resin that is selected based on its chemical resistance and its allowable working temperature. The fibers are responsible for providing the mechanical properties, usually fiberglass. For this reason, these pipes are also known as \u201ccomposite pipes\u201d. Depending on how the fibers are arranged, the pipe will have different mechanical properties.<\/p>\n
\nConfiguration and fiber orientation of a GRP pipe.<\/i><\/p>\n
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\nMachine to laminate GRP pipes.<\/i><\/p>\n
2. Codes & standards<\/b><\/p>\n
The standards used in this type of piping systems had evolved over time. At the very beginning, the BS 7159 and OKOOA standards were the pioneers, with the ISO 14692 standard being the current application of reference for the vast majority of industrial facilities.
\nThe ISO 14692 standard covers the entire spectrum necessary to regulate the GRP application. It is formed by four sections, covering the main characteristics of GRP pipes, their quality control and tests, the design of the pipe and fittings and finally the manufacturing method, assembly, and operation of the pipes.<\/b><\/p>\n
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\nCodes & standards<\/i><\/p>\n
3. Analysis of flexibility and stress under standard ISO 14692<\/b>
\nTo perform the analysis of a GRP piping system it is necessary to consider and define certain properties of the material. To accomplish this, it is of vital importance that the selected manufacturer provides all the parameters and properties based on the conditions to which the pipe will be exposed. These conditions are pressure, temperature, diameters and thicknesses, among others, and will be determined by the characteristics and needs of each project.
\nAlthough it is true that the current trend is to standardize all these parameters, the truth is that they depend on the method used by each manufacturer, so if the characteristics adopted at the beginning of the project do not coincide with the chosen supplier, the analysis carried will not correspond to reality.<\/b>
\nA characteristic of this type of system is that the thicknesses of the fittings (elbows, tees, etc.) are greater than the thicknesses of the pipe sections.
\nBelow are two typical tables where you can view all the parameters necessary to enter data in the calculation program.<\/p>\n
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\nGRP pipe data sheet.<\/i><\/p>\n
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<\/i>
\nGRP pipe data sheet.<\/i><\/p>\n
4. Mechanical and physical properties of GRP materials<\/b>
\nThe materials that make up the GRP pipes are of the orthotropic type, unlike steel that is of the isotropic type. The mechanical properties in a specific direction throughout the material (Axial for instance) are all the same, and the properties in all directions perpendicular to the first will also be the same (Hoop), but different from the previous ones. This difference in mechanical properties leads to having two modulus of elasticity for the same material, Ea (Axial modulus) and Eh (Hoop modulus).
\nThe values of the modulus of elasticity of GRP are low compared to that of steel, which means that the material will have a greater deformation under the same stress if we compare it with steel. Some typical values are around 10,000 MPA for Ea.
\nDue to this characteristic of GRP, pipes will deform more than steel. This is very important in the flexibility analysis, specially when it comes to the stiffnesses of the pipe supports. This will avoid, if the layout is flexible enough, overstressed points and also the loads obtained in the supports will be lower values, being the design of the support is less robust and more economical.<\/b>
\nThe density of the pipe is a very important property to consider since the weight of the pipe will be calculated with this value, and therefore it will be reflected in the stress calculation.
\nAnother physical property but not as important as the density of the material is the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material with which the pipe is to be manufactured.<\/p>\n
If you want to know more:<\/p>\n