Geoffrey E. Clarkson, P.Eng., FEC
UTComp Inc.
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Summary: Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) is used for tanks and pipe to contain a wide range of corrosive vapors and liquids – in many cases with superior performance and lower cost compared to stainless steels. When designing metallic tanks and piping, the dominant and simplest damage mechanism is thickness loss due to corrosion and design standards are well developed. Assessment of steel structures is based primarily on the existing fitness for service (FFS) of the steel. FRP experiences a number of simultaneous damage mechanisms that affect its structural capacity. Design conventions and conventional practice for FRP defines the layers nearest the process-side of the FRP as the only component that is important for its fitness for service. Based on extensive inspection history in similar services, this paper presents a model for design of FRP in chlorine dioxide service to optimize the life and maintenance of FRP assets.