Continuous fiber pipe standards
Continuous fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) pipes have been widely used in many industries due to their excellent performance and cost-effectiveness, including refinery pipelines, petrochemical anti-corrosion pipelines, water pipelines and natural gas pipelines. With the advancement of technology, it is particularly important to develop a comprehensive and unified set of standards to ensure product quality and the healthy development of the industry.
At present, there are many types of continuous fiber pipes commonly seen on the market, which can be divided into many types according to different classification standards:
- By product classification: sand-filled pipes, top pipes, spray pipes, coiled plastic pipes and reinforced pipes, etc.
- By material classification: all are continuous glass fiber reinforced, and can be further divided into thermosetting and thermoplastic according to different matrix materials.
- By application field classification: highway, oil and gas industry, buried, etc.
- By industry classification: building materials, light industry, machinery, transportation, oil and gas and other industries.
Standard evaluation requirements
In the standard evaluation system of continuous fiber pipes, the performance requirements of the product are the most critical part, mainly including but not limited to the following indicators:
Barcol hardness
Reflects the surface hardness of the material.
Resin insoluble content
Measures the degree of resin curing.
Initial ring stiffness
Indicates the ability of the pipeline to resist external pressure.
Initial hoop tensile strength and axial tensile strength: test the ability of the pipeline to withstand tensile loads.
Water pressure leakage
Evaluates the sealing performance of the pipeline under pressure conditions.
Initial flexibility (radial deformation rate)
Determines the degree of deformation of the pipeline under external force.
Pressure design basis (PDB)
The maximum allowable working pressure determined based on the material properties of the pipeline.
Long-term bending strain
Evaluates the performance changes of the pipeline under long-term load.
Hoop bending strength
measures the ability of the pipeline to resist hoop bending.
Standard comparison
Different standards focus on different aspects of performance testing, as follows:
- Fiber reinforced thermoplastic continuous pipe: emphasizes the test of hydrostatic strength, pressure cracking stability, longitudinal shrinkage rate, oxidation induction time, burst strength and maximum operating temperature.
- Fiber reinforced thermosetting resin spray pipe: focuses on axial bending strength and wear.
- Buried fiber reinforced polypropylene (FRPP) reinforced pipe: In addition to conventional tests, it also includes impact performance, ring flexibility, creep ratio, oven test, connection sealing performance, etc.
- Highway glass fiber reinforced plastic pipe: Added requirements for oxygen index, xenon lamp aging, resistance to natural exposure, water resistance, resistance to chemical media (such as gasoline, acid, alkali), resistance to moisture and heat, resistance to low temperature impact and resistance to low temperature falling.
Fiberglass for Continuous Fiber Pipes
Using high-quality fiberglass materials is critical when manufacturing high-performance continuous fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) pipes. Five main types of fiberglass products are commonly used for this purpose: chopped glass mat, glass surface mat, glass direct yarn, glass spray yarn, and glass axial cloth. Each material has its own unique advantages and is suitable for different production processes and end uses.
Made from chopped glass fibers, it is usually used in the hand lay-up process to provide uniform fiber distribution, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.
It is mainly used to provide a smooth surface treatment and is suitable for products that require good appearance, such as tanks and pipe exteriors.
This filament yarn is particularly suitable for winding processes and provides high strength and good corrosion resistance, making it an ideal choice for making pressure-containing pipes.
Designed specifically for the injection molding process, it can quickly fill the mold and improve production efficiency while maintaining good mechanical properties.
It has a highly oriented fiber arrangement and can provide excellent axial strength, suitable for applications that need to withstand high pressures.
These fiberglass products not only enhance the physical and chemical properties of the pipe, but also enable the pipe to have a longer service life and lower maintenance costs. By carefully selecting the appropriate fiberglass material, manufacturers can ensure that their continuous fiber pipe meets all the performance requirements of a specific application.
Development Trends of Continuous Fiber Pipes
Refinement and Improvement of Performance Requirements
With technological advances and the development of materials science, the standards for continuous fiber pipelines will tend to be more detailed and strict.
New performance indicators may be introduced to meet higher safety and reliability requirements.
Internationalization and Coordination of Standards
The coordination and consistency of international standards will become an important trend to promote international trade and cooperation.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and other international organizations may play a greater role in promoting the unification of global standards.
Sustainability and Environmental Protection Requirements
Environmental protection and sustainability have become important considerations, and future standards may include more content on material recycling, energy consumption reduction, and environmental impact assessment.
More green certification systems may be introduced to encourage the use of environmentally friendly materials and technologies.
Intelligence and Digitalization
The application of digital technology will promote the intelligence level of pipeline manufacturing and monitoring.
Technologies such as smart sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) technology, and big data analysis may be included in the standards to improve the monitoring capabilities and maintenance efficiency of pipelines.
Expansion of Emerging Application Fields
Emerging fields such as deep-sea oil and gas exploration and new energy vehicle charging infrastructure may bring new standard requirements.To meet the requirements of these new applications, the standards may cover more new materials and manufacturing processes.
In Conclusion
In short, the current status of the standards for continuous fiber pipes reflects the industry’s high attention to product performance, and the development trend points to higher performance, stricter environmental protection requirements, intelligence, and a wider range of applications. With the advancement of technology and changes in social needs, these standards will continue to develop and update.
