High pressur fiberglass pipes manufacturing process - Essay Example

roduction of this type of pipes started during the 1940s, and they have since been a preferred product, because they are corrosion resistant (FPI, 2013). These pipes are used as a substitute for stainless steel and steel pipes, which are less preferred. Many variants of these pipes are produced under high pressure conditions, and can be made to meet high diameter measures of up to 4000milimeters. The advantages of these pipes, when compared to other types, include that they are stronger, more durable and corrosion resistant (FPI, 2013).

Another advantage is that they allow for greater design flexibility, which is evident from the customizable design of the pipes – to a wide array of specifications – and offering a wider range of shape and fitting profiles (Dubai Pipes Factory Co., 2012). High pressure fiberglass pipes are produced using glass fiber reinforcing material, which is the ingredient that determines the mechanical strength of the pipes. The mechanical strength of the pipe is higher, where higher amounts are used.

The arrangement of the glass reinforcement, also determines the strength of the pipes produced. The common glass variants used during the manufactory of these pipes include designation C, E and ECR or advantex variant (FPI, 2013). The fiber glass used during the production of high pressure fiberglass pipes comes in a variety of forms: continuous roving, which offers high mechanical properties; reinforcing mat, which offers multidirectional reinforcement for fittings and pipes and surface veil, which improves environmental resistance and the smoothness of the surfaces (FPI, 2013).

In other cases, thermosetting resins are used during the production process. These resins are of a polymeric type, cured using heat and chemical additives. The resins used for the production of high pressure fiberglass pipes are of two main types. The first is polyester materials, including isophthalic, which is mainly used during the production of wide diameter