Frequently Asked Questions
Fiberglass
What is FRP?
Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) is a composite material made of a polymer matrix reinforced with fiberglass. It is known for its lightweight, corrosion-resistant characteristics, making it ideal for various industrial applications.
What are GRE, GRP and RTR?
These are all alternate names for the same product.
GRE is short for “Glass-Reinforced Epoxy”
GRP is short for “Glass-Reinforced Plastic”
RTR is short for “Reinforced Thermosetting Resin”
How does FRP resist corrosion?
FRP’s resistance to corrosion is due to its structure. The polymer matrix encapsulates the fiberglass, protecting it from harsh chemicals and environmental factors, which extends its lifecycle significantly compared to traditional materials.
Can it be customized?
Yes, FRP systems can be tailored to meet specific requirements. Custom fabrication allows for various shapes and sizes, accommodating unique installation needs while maintaining the material’s integrity and performance
What industries use FRP?
FRP is widely used across various industries, including oil sands, mining, industrial water treatment, and pulp & paper. Its properties make it suitable for demanding environments where durability and resilience are critical.
Is installation difficult?
Installation is straightforward, especially with professional support. Our experienced team ensures that all components are installed correctly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and ensuring optimal performance of your FRP systems.
Services
Shop
What are the advantages of shop fabrication?
The CWS fabrication shop is a controlled environment where bonders can work under conditions that are ideal for FRP assembly.
It also saves the need to coordinate with multiple contractors on-site.
Field Work
What are the advantages of field construction?
Because CWS crews are on site, field components and piping runs can be made to measure. This is a big advantage when drawings are unavailable, inaccurate, or complex.
Can FRP be assembled in the cold?
The adhesives and resins used in assembling FRP are negatively impacted by cold, especially temperatures below 10°C. However, with appropriate hoarding and heating, FRP can be assembled even in extreme winter conditions.
Maintenance and Repairs
Is an FRP repair just as good as replacing the asset?
Repairs by experienced CWS technicians can greatly extend the working life of FRP assets, delaying the need to replace them.
Repairing FRP assets is typically much more cost effective than replacing them.
Examinations
How long does it take to receive a report?
CWS can typically generate and send out a report of the findings of a visual examination within 1 week.
Products
Piping
Can FRP be used in potable water systems?
Several types of FRP are approved to standard NSF-61 for potable water use, including Red Thread HP16, Green Thread HP16, Derakane Signia 411, and several types of Bondstrand.
Tanks
How long do FRP storage tanks last?
With the right choice of resin for the chemical service, some FRP storage tanks have been in service for over 30 years.
Can FRP be applied to steel tanks?
CWS has a procedure for applying FRP to existing steel surfaces. This results in a tank with all the strength of steel combined with the corrosion resistance of FRP.
Custom Work
What qualifies as "custom work"?
CWS considers anything that is not built from premade components to be “custom”.
This includes mass-produced items using specialty molds.
Can CWS mass-produce custom FRP?
With specialized mold equipment, CWS is capable of mass-producing FRP items in large quantities.