This paper, Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Assets – Corrision Barrier Condition and Remaining Service Life Predictions, was presented at PacWest Conference 2014.
Geoffrey E. Clarkson, P.Eng., FEC
UTComp Inc.
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Abstract
Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) is often used for bleaching applications in the pulp industry. It is commonly used for chlorine dioxide, sodium hypochlorite, filtrates and effluent applications. Design of this equipment employs an inner surface of the FRP called a corrosion barrier to protect the load-bearing structural elements of the asset from the fluids contained. Conventional practice is to monitor the condition of the corrosion barrier and assume that as long as the corrosion resistant layers are intact, no damage is occurring to the structural layers. This paper discusses several risk elements that affect FRP service life in addition to corrosion barrier surface oxidation. The paper then goes on to identify items to optimize maintenance and reliability of these FRP assets: assessment of the overall condition of the FRP, methods to inspect and evaluate while equipment is operating, corrosion barrier design and equipment design.