© Dynaflow Research Group BV
Menu
Design, Analysis and Project support for fiberglass applications
FRP piping has been used in the industry since the early sixties. The last decades have shown a large growth in the use of Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP). From the onset of the application of FRP systems, DRG has been involved in the development and introduction of FRP for pressurised applications. Since our founding in 1983 DRG has developed a unique service portfolio dedicated to the design of piping systems including Fiberglass systems.
We provide engineering services at all stages of the project life-cycle, from initial feasibility studies and conceptual design during the FEED stage, followed by system design, materials specification and qualification up to engineering support during installation.
The design, manufacturing, qualification and installation of FRP piping systems differs considerably from that of the more traditional materials due to the anisotropic nature of FRP piping.
Because of our active involvement in ISO, DNV and NEN committees from the early start of the application of FRP, our knowledge and understanding is always up to date and meets the most recent international standards. This makes our services unique worldwide and has provided DRG a leading role as an engineering company specialized in FRP applications.
Major end-users like Shell, BP, BASF and many more use our services when dealing with FRP piping for systems like Cooling water. We are acknowledged as a reliable and independent consultant with a practical approach to fiberglass engineering solutions.
The last decades have shown a large growth in the use of Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) also known as Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP). The most common materials used for FRP piping are Glass Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester (GRUP), Glass Reinforced Vinyl-ester resin GRVE) and Glass Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) resin. Their uses differ per operating conditions like the fluids to be transported, temperature, pressure and required size of the piping. The glass reinforced plastics commonly used for piping and vessels consist of glass fibers embedded in a thermoset matrix. The choice of the combination of resin and glass type highly depends on required chemical resistance and strength.
FRP piping has a superior corrosion resistance compared to conventional carbon steel. The corrosion resistance of FRP avoids the use of expensive corrosion mitigation requirements like corrosion inhibition or cathodic protection of your pipeline. Inspection costs for intelligent pigging and/or US inspection to monitor the corrosion of carbon steel piping can be saved when applying FRP systems.
For firewater lines, sprinkler- and deluge systems, internal corrosion of traditional piping like carbon steel can lead to blockage of the firewater sprinkler that compromises safe operation of your system. More about firewater systems can be found here.
Maintenance costs are also low compared to carbon steel, as the FRP system does not need external coatings for buried pipelines. For above ground piping, integrated UV stabilization packages of FRP piping avoids the use of external coatings.
The lower weight results in easier and more cost-effective handling of the piping. For offshore structures, weight savings are crucial to limit total structure weight, and FRP can contribute to achieve lower total weight.
Laan van Oversteen 20
6th floor
2289 CX Rijswijk
The Netherlands
© Dynaflow Research Group BV