Introduction to FRP Piping

Author: Doreen Gao

Jun. 16, 2025

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Introduction to FRP Piping

The complete form of FRP is fiberglass reinforced plastic, which is a composite material composed of a fiber-reinforced polymer matrix. Therefore, FRP pipes are made of FRP materials through contact molding or fiber winding. Various types of resins, such as thermosetting polyester, epoxy, phenolic resin, etc., are used to obtain the final product with specific FRP pipe properties. As a corrosion-resistant metal pipe substitute, FRP piping system has been widely used worldwide. By choosing FRP as the pipe material, the need for lining, external coating and cathodic protection can be easily eliminated.

With competitive price and timely delivery, Yongchang sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Application of fiberglass reinforced plastic pipe

Due to the high durability, corrosion resistance and medium strength of FRP pipes, its use is increasing day by day. FRP piping systems are used in different industries, such as:

ㆍDrinking water and seawater desalination industry

ㆍChemical, petrochemical, oil and gas industries.

ㆍPipes and exhaust pipes

ㆍIrrigation and sanitation services

ㆍWater distribution and delivery

ㆍMud pipeline

ㆍPower plants, etc.

Performance of FRP pipe

The main performance of FRP pipe is to make it an ideal choice for various industries in the world.

ㆍExcellent corrosion resistance

ㆍExcellent strength-to-weight ratio. It is worth noting that the strength-to-weight ratio of FRP pipes is higher than that of steel or other metal pipes.

ㆍLight weight, easy to handle and transport.

ㆍDimensional stability

ㆍDegradable

ㆍLow friction coefficient (>25% better than steel), ensuring good flow characteristics.

ㆍGood abrasion resistance

ㆍSuitable for ground and underground pipelines

ㆍResistance to biological attacks such as bacteria

ㆍNon-conductive

ㆍLow maintenance cost

FRP pipe connection

Since the length of the FRP pipe is restricted by transportation and handling, it needs to be connected. At the same time, various FRP pipe fittings need to be connected as required. The connection system of the FRP pipe shall ensure that no leakage occurs under the predetermined use conditions under the working pressure.

FRP pipe fittings

Various FRP pipe fittings are available to meet the needs of pipeline layout. Common glass steel pipe parts are:

ㆍLong radius, short radius FRP elbow

ㆍTee connection (equal tee and reducing tee)

ㆍFRP pipe flange

ㆍSteel back flange

ㆍFlange elbow

ㆍSmooth reducing elbow

For more information, please visit FRP Flange.

ㆍSpecial bending radius

ㆍHorizontal connection

ㆍCross connect

ㆍWye Connection

ㆍReducer (eccentric and concentric)

ㆍFlange reducing agent

FRP pipe specifications

When ordering FRP pipes, the following information must be provided to the supplier:

ㆍPipe diameter

ㆍThe design and working temperature of the applied fluid.

ㆍDesign, operation, surge, vacuum, test pressure.

ㆍLive load of buried pipelines.

ㆍMaximum/minimum buried depth and trench width.

ㆍDetails of soil properties and trench preparation.

Disadvantages of FRP pipes

The main disadvantage of FRP piping system is:

ㆍIt is not recommended to use FRP pipes to transport fluids whose temperature exceeds 100°C

ㆍThe use of pigments, dyes, UV stabilizers, fillers, etc. in the resin system can reduce the slight degradation of the resin by ultraviolet light.

Three different processes are commonly used to fabricate fiber reinforced plastic pipe: centrifugal casting, filament winding, and hand lay-up. Filament winding and centrifugal casting are used to make pipe up to approximately 12 inches in diameter, with filament winding being the most common. Hand lay-up is generally used for larger diameter pipes, and for asymmetric shapes.

Centrifugal Casting

The centrifugal casting process involves layering glass cloth on the inside walls of a tubular mold which is rotated at high speed. Catalyzed liquid resin is then injected into the rotating mold. Centrifugal force ensures that the reinforcing fibers are thoroughly saturated with resin and serves to drive out air bubbles that might compromise the physical properties of the pipe. The mold continues to rotate while the resin cures.

Filament Winding

In filament winding, continuous fiberglass filaments, called rovings, are saturated with catalyzed liquid resin and helically wound around polished steel mandrels. Typically, the fibers are fed through a mechanical device that moves up and down the length of the rotating mandrels. The resin is then cured at elevated temperatures and the finished pipe is removed from the mandrel.

Filament winding results in the highest fiber-to-resin ratio of the three fabrication methods and consequently offers the highest strength-to-weight ratio. This is the method used by Waco Boom.

Hand Lay-up

As the name suggests, hand lay-up is a manual fabrication process. It involves building up layers of chopped glass or woven glass mat impregnated with catalyzed resin around a suitable mold. Special metal rollers are used to improve glass wet-out and force out trapped air bubbles. Hand lay-up is generally used only for custom shapes or for large-diameter pipe where filament winding or centrifugal casting is not practical.

FRP Pipe Manufacturer & Supplier

Our Yongchang glass fiber reinforced plastic / FRP pipes are designed and manufactured according to customer requirements, with various sizes and configurations. We can manufacture pipelines of any specification and pressure and can be made into composite pipelines such as PVC/FRP, PP/FRP, PVDF/FRP, etc., according to the conditions of use. If you are interested in our products, please contact us for more information.

Fiberglass Ductwork

Though traditionally dominated by metal, the HVAC industry is increasingly turning to the state-of-the-art Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) ductwork. FRP’s high-strength characteristics combined with its lightweight nature, cost-efficiency, material integrity, durability, versatility, ease of use, exceptional protection from corrosion, and minimal maintenance requirements allow it to outperform other materials on the market.


Custom Ducts for Your Unique Application

At VPC Fiberglass, we provide a wide range of high-quality custom FRP products that meet your requirements. Engineered for each specific application, our custom ducting can be purposed for unique applications and adjusted for any situation or environment. With air handling customization, our expert team can work to make the fans and the ductwork one system to serve your unique application.

Duct Shapes & Sizes

Our fiberglass HVAC ductwork comes in different shapes and sizes:


  • Round Duct: From 2-inch to 96-inch
  • Rectangular Duct: Up to 36 x 36 inches (bigger sizes are available for custom orders)

Duct Fittings

VPC Fiberglass offers a complete line of fiberglass fittings which include:

The Benefits of Fiberglass Ductwork

Fiberglass ductwork offers numerous benefits over traditional ductwork materials:

  • Shape and sizing: Fiberglass ductwork can easily be molded into different shapes and sizes to meet your exact specifications.
  • Corrosion resistance: Fiberglass ductwork has excellent corrosion resistance, and the corrosion barrier can be customized per your requirements.
  • Strength under high air pressure: FRP ducts possess enhanced strength properties. It also has high tensile strength, flexure strength, and impact strength.

Applications & Industries Served

FRP ductwork can also be used in these industries:

  • Air Handling/Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC): FRP ducting can be used in a wide variety of HVAC applications. This versatile material is compatible with industrial ventilation applications, corrosive environments, and underground and exhaust ductwork systems.
  • Beverage & Pharmaceutical: Our corrosion-resistant FRP ducts are the ideal solution for the harsh products and wet environments found in the beverage and pharmaceutical industries.
  • Chemical: Fiberglass ducting is used in chemical facilities to provide a corrosion-resistant solution for airflow.
  • Industrial: FRP ducting can be used in numerous industrial applications since it can withstand exposure to corrosive and provide excellent durability materials.
  • Highly Corrosive Environments: Fiberglass ducts are specifically designed to withstand highly corrosive environments and are a clear choice over other types of ductwork, such as galvanized, stainless steel, PVC coated galvanized, or PVC.
  • Food: Food processing requires hygienic air handling as a critical element of the food processing environment to ensure safe consumption for consumers.
  • Pulp & Paper: FRP ducts are used in pulp and paper facilities due to their ability to withstand the corrosive chemicals used in paper processing operations.
  • Water & Wastewater: Fiberglass duct contains the flow of corrosive air through the activated carbon reactors, fans, and scrubbers.
  • Government (DoD): Fiberglass ducts can also be manufactured to meet government and military specifications.
  • Laboratory Exhaust: Condensate formed in the duct system can concentrate these chemicals due to evaporation, making them even more corrosive.

Contact Our Experts for Your Custom Ductwork Needs!

At VPC Fiberglass, we have years of experience manufacturing high-quality custom ductwork for different applications across various industries. Our fabricators work closely with your engineers to develop HVAC ductwork that meets your specifications and will ensure nonconformity at all stages of the manufacturing process, from design to fabrication and service during and after HVAC ducting installation. Contact us to request a quote about our custom ductwork services.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of fiberglass water tank price. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

FRP flange torque calculation - Eng-Tips

Dear All,
I'm trying to work out the required torque for the FRP flange,both Tank Manways or pipe flanges, any idea what's the best reference to use?

I have look thru ASME VIII and it doesn't seem to address the torque calculation for flat face flanges. Also, I believe there is a need to consider the limitation of the FRP material during torque.

How to determine the torque value while considering the limitations of the FRP material.

Appreciate some advice here.

Thanks!

Rgds,
Hendra

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