What Is the Difference between FRP and GRP?

GRP pipes or glass-reinforced plastic pipes are composite pipes, consisting of a polymer matrix reinforced with glass fibres. They have very high corrosion resistance and are therefore widely used in low-temperature corrosion-resistant applications. In recent years, GRP pipes are slowly replacing steel in various services, such as fire water services. At the same time, GRE or GRP pipes can withstand high pressures. In many places, the term FRP is used interchangeably for GRP pipes. In this article, we will look at an overview of GRP pipes.

The FRP family

GRP: Glass fibre reinforced plastic.

GRE: Glass fibre reinforced epoxy resin.

GRV: Glass fibre vinylester.

GRUP: Glass fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester.

Different types of pipes are selected depending on the properties required, such as chemical resistance, temperature resistance and mechanical properties.

 GRP Pipe   

Characteristics of GRP pipes

Corrosion resistance: resistant to corrosion, both inside and outside. Therefore, no additional lining or external coating is required.

When considering the strength ratio per unit weight, glass fibre composites outperform CS and SS.

Lightweight: FRP pipes are only one-sixth the weight of steel products and 10% the weight of comparable concrete products.

Electrical properties: Standard fibreglass pipes are not electrically conductive. Some manufacturers offer electrically conductive fibreglass piping systems for transporting fluids such as jet fuel.

Dimensional stability: fibreglass materials meet the strictest standards of material stiffness, dimensional tolerances, weight and cost.

Low maintenance: fibreglass piping is easy to maintain as it does not rust, is easy to clean and requires minimal protection from the environment.

What are the benefits of GRP pipes?

GRP pipes offer a number of beneficial advantages, as listed below.

Long life; high durability.

Low maintenance costs.

High corrosion resistance.

Low life cycle costs.

No cathodic protection is required.

Reduced transport and disposal costs.

Environmentally friendly.

Wide range of applications.

More economical than DSS tubes (duplex stainless steel)

 GRP Pipes     

What is the difference between FRP and GRP?

A: FRP stands for Fibre Reinforced Plastic, a term commonly used in North America within the U.S. GRP is a term that means the same thing. However, it is often used in Europe and Asia to stand for glass fibre reinforced plastic. The backbone of the industrial revolution has always been considered to be led by the steel industry. Although steel still plays a particularly important role in structural construction, it has its drawbacks. In fact, this is true of all metals, as even the strongest of them will eventually rust. Whether aluminium or steel - no metal is unaffected by the elements.

Wood is even more fragile, and even if it does not rust, it can be weakened by moisture. It can also be damaged by force, by termites, or by succumbing to mould. Some people may suggest using simple plastic as an alternative, and while they are on the right track - they are not entirely correct. When exposed to high temperatures, plastics alone can warp, crack or melt, and lack strength. However, the solution is not far away.

Now, in North America, we call this premium substance FRP, which, as mentioned earlier, stands for fibre-reinforced plastic. It is a term that covers a wide range of products and applications. In Europe and Asia, they have the same product, but it is called GRP - Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic. It is exactly the same thing, just different terminology, just as luggage here in England is booted.

Let us help you find the best  GRP piping solutions for your project. When you contact us, please provide your detailed requirements. That will help us give you a valid quotation.