FAQ

The name GRP/ FRP/ Fibreglass being unfamiliar there are a lots of questions about its performance. Here are few of those:

Is there a practical way to handle static discharge issues in Corrosion Resistant GRP laminates?

Static discharge can be a very serious concern for ducting, chimney liners, and vessels subjected to dry, windy conditions. Static discharge is very easily addressed by the use of carbon fiber surface veil and/or the addition of graphite power to the laminate. Of course, provisions must be made for grounding the conductive layer(s)

Is it possible to make Corrosion Resistant GRP abrasion resistant?

Corrosion Resistant GRP can be made very abrasion resistant by the addition of materials such as silica oxide or silicon carbide particles. Abrasion Resistant GRP is widely used in such applications as slurry piping in power plants

Is GRP ductile?

Elastic elongation is the stretching of a material within a range where it will return to its original shape. GRP has a high elastic elongation, much higher than most metals, but it is not ductile. When the laminate strength is exceeded, GRP will fracture

Why is GRP Non-Isotropic?

GRP laminates are non-isotropic because of the glass fibers. A common example of a non-isotropic material is wood. In-grain and cross-grain properties of wood are very different. Plywood is made using oriented layers to create a product with tailored properties. In the same way, GRP laminates are often composed of different layers to create the desired global properties

What determines the mechanical properties of GRP?

The mechanical properties of GRP are determined largely by the glass fiber reinforcement scheme used in the laminate. The experienced GRP design engineer tailors these properties to the particular application. Laminate moduli, Poisson’s ratios, coefficients of thermal expansion and density may be calculated using Lamination Analysis software. In some cases, laminate strengths can be predicted using the Lower Bound Method. In other cases strengths must be measured by laboratory test

How does one determine the suitability of Corrosion Resistant GRP for a particular service?

Resin manufacturer’s corrosion guides provided will cover many situations. For mixtures of chemicals and unusual operating conditions, call Gulf Glass Fibre W.L.L.

What are the advantages of Corrosion Resistant GRP over more traditional?

In most environments, Corrosion Resistant GRP is far more corrosion resistant than concrete or steel.   While coatings help the corrosion resistance of concrete and steel, the corrosion resistant coating is relatively thin. A pin hole can lead to significant corrosive attack.  GRP, by contrast, is corrosion resistant throughout. Components made from GRP are lighter in weight than concrete and steel, which is often a significant advantage. A number of other advantages could be noted. In piping, Corrosion Resistant GRP is smoother, reducing pump size and power consumption. In sea water piping, marine growth is much less severe in GRP pipe than concrete or steel pipe

The most commonly asked question is about the cost of GRP/ FRP/ Fibreglass products

How does GRP compare to wood in price?

GRP is far more expensive than wood. But end users should keep in mind the strength, rot resistance and other performance requirements before making a choice

How does GRP compare to aluminum in price?

GRP is more or less on par with aluminum prices. But the total installed cost makes GRP a more competitive choice

How does GRP compare to carbon steel in price?

GRP is more expensive than carbon steel. But when installation, handling, transportation and other allied costs are factored, the total installed cost of GRP is more competitive to carbon steel

How does GRP compare to stainless steel in price?

GRP is less than the cost of stainless steel. Corrosion Resistant Fibreglass is competitive with 304 series stainless steel and is significantly less expensive than 316 series stainless steel, Hastelloy and titanium. Another significant advantage of GRP is the ease of molding complex shapes. It is often problematic to fabricate complex shapes out of metals, while it is relatively easy in GRP

What is your lead time?

Lead times vary. Stocked items typically have a lead time of 48 hours or less. If the item is not stocked, please contact Sales & Service to inquire about its lead time.

Can GGF provide design calculations and drawings for their products?

GGF has in-house design engineers and drafting facility to cater to customer’s requirement. GGF also has an option of retaining engineering services should more detailed engineering or a third party verification be required

How and where can I purchase GGF’s products? Does GGF have a stockists outside of Qatar?

GGF products can be ordered with the Sales & Service Department at +974 44600038 or email@gulfglassfibre.com  or sunil@gulfglassfibre.com . GGF does not have stockists or agents outside of Qatar. Products are manufactured in Qatar and sold to overseas customers directly.

If you have a custom GRP/ FRP/ Fibreglass product which you wish GGF to design and manufacture, the following answers may be useful to you

Why are GRP components usually made to an ID rather than to an OD?

There are two fundamental reasons. First, most Corrosion Resistant GRP is typically moulded on a mandrel. Therefore, the ID is controlled by the mandrel size, while the OD becomes a function of the ID and the wall thickness. Second, it is convenient to use standard steel components for GRP molds. Steel vessels are made to a given OD; therefore, the GRP made on these steel vessel parts (such as a steel head used as a GRP mold) are ID parts

What is the typical construction of a Corrosion Resistant GRP laminate?

A Corrosion Resistant GRP laminate consists of three lamina. Each lamina will be composed of one or more layers. Surface Veil – This is a resin rich lamina consisting of one or two layers of surface veil. Typically, three types of veil are used: C-glass, polyester and carbon veil. Corrosion Barrier Interior Lamina – Following the surface veil is a minimum of two 450 g/sq m chopped strand glass reinforced plies. For very aggressive conditions, more plies may be specified

If you have a custom GRP/ FRP/ Fibreglass product which you wish GGF to design and manufacture, the following answers may be useful to you

What if I do not know “all of the particulars” of what I need for a custom product?

GGF is the leading producer of fiberglass products in Qatar. We have the required number of composite and mechanical engineers on staff to guide you through the design process. We also have auto-CAD capabilities and technical sales professionals to assist you in your design and application.

How is tooling handled for custom moulded products?

GGF is your one-stop shop for customized products and tooling. After reviewing the checklist requirements and determining the composite design and specifications, GGF will quote the product and the tooling required to make the product. GGF’s assistance in the design, order placement and implementation of makes the ramp-up process less difficult for the customer.

What is the surface quality of a composite profile?

The surface quality of a composite product can be altered in many ways. GGF can alter the surface of the product by resin type, synthetic veil choice, reinforcement type, product coating, etc. During the design review process, we will help you to determine the type of surface quality you need for your specific application.

Can I customize the colour of a custom composite shape?

Yes. GGF has a variety of standard colour offerings from which to choose. Other colours can be developed with our pigment suppliers and sampled to the customer for approval. GGF designs to approximate colours, using customer-submitted samples showing desired color, and other sources. When considering colour, it is important to note that various types of resins, reinforcements and synthetic veils may affect the final profile colour.

Can custom fabrications be customized for specific applications where corrosion and/or ultraviolet radiation are a concern?

Yes. GGF has a Corrosion Resistance Guide to help you with these types of applications. For customized products or specific end-use applications, please contact GGF for assistance in the product design. Various types of resins and surfacing veils can be considered to enhance corrosion protection. Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) will attack GRP composite products. Consideration of the end-use application at the start of the design review process will help to determine the amount of UV protection required in the customized product. Design elements used to combat UV degradation are resin selection, UV inhibitors added to the resin, synthetic surfacing veils, color and coating materials such as UV stabilized polyurethane based paints and coatings

How do I get a design and quote for a custom composite product?

You may send a written request by email at email@gulfglassfibre.com or sunil@gulfglassfibre.com providing your requirement along with service conditions viz., purpose (architectural, storage, anti corrosion etc.), fluid type, temperature, pressure, wind load, finish colour etc. GGF will propose a suitable GRP Product along with quotation.

What codes and standards are used for the design of Corrosion Resistant GRP equipment?

BSI, ASME, ASTM and AWWA have all published codes and standards for GRP. IBC and ASCE have published codes for wind and seismic which are applicable to GRP equipment. Listed below are some of the most important codes and standards for Corrosion Resistant GRP equipment

  • BS EN 13121.2008,A.1.2010 – GRP Tanks and Vessels for use above ground
  • ASME RTP-1 – Reinforced Thermoset Plastic Corrosion Resistant Equipment
  • ASME Section X – Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Pressure Vessels
  • ASTM D5364 – Standard Guide for Design, Fabrication and Erection of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Chimney Liners with Coal Fired Units
  • ASTM D3299- Standard Specification for Filament-Wound Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Thermoset Resin Corrosion-Resistant Tanks
  • ASTM D4097- Standard Specification for Contact-Molded Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Thermoset Resin
  • Corrosion-Resistant Tanks
  • AWWA C950 – AWWA Standard for Fiberglass Pressure Pipe
  • ASTM D2996 Standard Specification for Filament-Wound Fiberglass (Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Thermosetting-Resin) Pipe
  • ASTM D2310 Standard Classification for Machine-Made Fiberglass (Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Thermosetting-Resin) Pipe
  • ASTM D3517 Standard Specification for Fiberglass (Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Thermosetting-Resin) Pressure Pipe
  • ASTM D3982-03 Standard Specification for Contact Moulded Fiberglass (Glass Fiber Reinforced Thermosetting Resin) Duct and Hoods