GRP Performs Like the 'Hulk'

IWC’s glass reinforced plastic (GRP) manufacturing facility in Isando, Ekurhuleni, is one of a handful of GRP plants in South Africa, offering the design and manufacturing of GRP products.

GRP performs like 'The Hulk'GRP is a relatively modern composite material composed of strands of glass. Each individual glass fibre is very fine with a small diameter, and they are woven to form a flexible fabric. The fabric is normally placed in a mould and a resin is added. The process is repeated so that there are many layers of fibre glass and resin and allowed to cure. The plastic matrix may be epoxy, a thermosetting plastic (most often polyester or vinyl ester) or thermoplastic. The resulting material is very strong and light.

BENEFITS OF GLASS REINFORCED PLASTICThis robust material offers a number of advantages over other materials such as:

Strength and durabilityGlass reinforced plastic has a high strength to weight ratio and high flexural strength making it an attractive lightweight material that builds strength into almost any finished product or component. Pound for pound, GRP can be stronger than steel and sheet metals, has a high resistance to environmental extremes, and is resistant to ultra violet light, extreme temperatures, salt air, and a variety of chemicals including most acids. As GRP is chemically inert, it is also non-corrosive.

VersatilityThe unique physical properties of glass reinforced plastic make it extremely flexible meaning it can be easily tooled, moulded and manufactured to meet almost any specifications. With GRP there are few constraints on size, shape, colour or finish.

AffordabilityGlass reinforced plastic is considerably less expensive than stainless steel and owing to its natural strength, durability and non-corrosive properties, it has a longer life expectancy when compared to a variety of construction materials, making it more economical.

Dielectric PropertiesGlass reinforced plastic is non-conductive, RF transparent, and helps to insulate against electromagnetic fields, making GRP the obvious choice for electrical and electronic equipment storage like electrical meter boxes and cabinets.

PRACTICAL INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF GLASS REINFORCED PLASTICThe practical uses of GRP are virtually endless. There is a growing demand for GRP across many industries as the composite material offers many benefits to a wide range of users and industrial applications such as the following:

Desalination PlantsGRP pipes, as well as other GRP fittings, are used extensively in desalination plants from the intake and pumping station to the internal process piping and subaqueous outlet. GRP pipes allow desalination plants to provide a uniform supply of potable water through sea water allowing proper water distribution. Smooth inner pipe surfaces minimize friction and pressure loss. GRP pipes are able to withstand both the operational loads and external loads coming from machinery and its light weight makes them easy to install, even in obscure and challenging terrain. Since GRP pipes are non- corrosive, they comply with local health requirements as well.

Air Purification SystemsGlass reinforced plastic has become an important component in the air purification industry. Traditionally air purification systems were constructed from non-corrosive materials like nickel alloys and stainless steel. However, due to the rise in prices of these materials and the presence of high levels of chloride and fluoride during flue-gas desulphurization (FGD) process, these materials needed to be replaced.

GRP has a long history of success in the air pollution control process. Typical applications include stack liners, storage tanks, limestone slurry piping and low pH/ high chloride scrubber systems. Air pollution control equipment made from glass reinforced plastic is relatively inexpensive compared to alloys.

Food and Beverage IndustryGRP products assist in the storage and transport of food related liquids. The sugar, wine, olive, brewing and canning industries benefit from the low thermal conductivity and the good resistance of GRP against aggressive acids, chemicals and cleaning liquids aiming them safe and ideal for their final destination – your home.

Petrochemical Industry PlantsThe Petrochemical Industry uses GRP pipes and GRP tanks for the transport and storage of oil, hydrocarbons and petrochemicals as well as the sewerage and brine derived from this process. GRP pipes and GRP tanks are also widely used in the fire extinguisher systems on oil rigs.

Power PlantsThermal power plants depend heavily on a water circulation system as a cooling medium. GRP pipes are used in cooling water circuits particularly where sea water or other corrosive water may be used as a cooling medium. GRP has also found a home in the process of flue gas desulphurisation and is used extensively in this part of a thermal power plant.

Industrial Sewage TreatmentGRP pipes and various other glass reinforced components are widely used in the Industrial sewage treatment plants.

Cooling TowersIWC has developed in-house expertise to undertake custom GRP fabrications related to and including fan rings, slurry GRP cooling towers, distribution launders and troughs, inlet louvers and similar.

Industrial Water Cooling (Pty) Ltd (Iwc) are a specialist water cooling company, with specific strength and focus on evaporative cooling systems and cooling towers in particular.