Further development occurred after the Second World War, when Fibreglass’s (FRP’s) properties of high strength and low weight were recognised as being highly useful for the aerospace industry. During the mid-1950’s the high corrosion resistance properties of Fibreglass (FRP) were developed for use in piping applications with corrosive fluids including sewerage and trade waste water.
Why Fibreglass (FRP)?
History
Initial development of Fibreglass (FRP- Fibre Reinforced Plastic) materials commenced in the 1930's.
In 1958, Fibreglass (FRP) pipes started to be used at timber products treatment plants in British Columbia, Canada. Since then FRP has been extensively used for waste water and chemical storage applications world-wide.
ADVANTAGES of Fibreglass Chemical Tanks
The benefits of using Fibreglass as the material of choice are many. Some of the key benefits are listed below.
1. 100% Watertight
Fibreglass (FRP) tanks are manufactured as a completely sealed unit. Penetrations through the walls are made in the factory with compatible materials. There are no joints in the unit which are required to be sealed on site. This makes the tanks 100% watertight.
Being watertight has two distinct advantages. First, it prevents the ingress of other fluids and gases into the tank. There by avoiding contamination or dilution of the stored product. Second, it prevents the contamination of the surrounding area with chemicals leaking out of the storage tank.
2. Resistance to Chemical Attack
Fibreglass (FRP) was recognised early in its development as having a high resistance to chemical attack. GRP Tank Solutions carefully selects the most appropriate resin system for the required applications to ensure it meets the asset owners expectations.
3. Low Maintenance
Due to the smoothness of the glass resin interior surface of the Fibreglass (FRP) units, particles have difficulty adhering to the sides. The smooth walls of the Fibreglass (FRP) station mean the time taken and frequency of washing down the tanks and build-up of product on the tank walls is significantly reduced. Thereby reducing the operator’s maintenance costs and equipment downtime.
4. Quality Control
As part of GRP Tank Solutions quality control system, its FRP products are designed and certified by a practising Composite Materials Engineer to be suitable for the proposed application.
The Fibreglass (FRP) Chemical Tanks are manufactured as complete units under controlled conditions in a factory.
Prior to the commencement of manufacture of any FRP components, project specific working drawings are produced for the item. During the drafting process dimensions and clearances are checked to ensure the tank will perform as designed. As the units are customized for each project these drawings include all the necessary details for their manufacture.
The drawings are submitted to the client for approval prior to manufacture. As part of the Quality Control process the Fibreglass (FRP) units are checked at the various stages of manufacture for compliance with the working drawings.
Our tanks can be constructed in many configurations and are designed and constructed to AS2634-1983, BS4994-1987 and ASME RTP-1 – 2011.
5. Installation
The Fibreglass (FRP) units are supplied to the site complete, with the only requirements being the external connection of pipework and electrical connections. We believe this avoids many potential safety hazards of site fit out.
WHS legislation makes all persons involved on the project responsible for site safety, not only those undertaking the work but those supervising and designing it. By reducing the potential need for hazardous work on site, the use of Fibreglass (FRP) units is actively encouraging a safer working environment and compliance with statutory requirements.
6. Ease of modifications during the life of the tank
During the life of any tank minor modifications are generally required to the external fixtures in the tank. For example, the addition of extra brackets etc. These can easily be added to the station by utilising Fibreglass (FRP) brackets or mounting plates which are “glassed” onto the internal walls at the required location. It is not necessary to drill through the wall for anchorage. As such the overall structural integrity and water tightness of the structure is not compromised.
7. Abrasion Resistance
The Fibreglass (FRP) tanks are manufactured to have high surface abrasion resistance. This is achieved by forming a layer of pure resin material at the surface which is not only smooth, thereby reducing friction, but also has high strength.
8. Customisation
GRP Tank Solutions manufacture products which are customised to an individual client’s requirements. Nozzle size, material types and layout are flexible.
Within engineering limits this gives the designer the freedom to specify the tank layout which maximises operation efficiencies, complies with system parameters and suits the end user’s operation and maintenance procedures.