Overview of fiberglass pipes and introduction to their production process
2013-11-29
Summary: GlassSteel pipeAlso known as glass fiber reinforced sandwiched pipe (RPM pipe). Continuous fiber winding process (belongs to continuous method): This process involves the pipe being formed while moving through a feeding station that supplies resin-impregnated roving, chopped glass fiber, and resin-sand mixture. The pipe is continuously produced as the core mold advances. GlassSteel pipeAlso known as glass fiber reinforced sandwiched pipe (RPM pipe). GlassSteel pipeMainly uses glass fiber and its products as reinforcement materials, with unsaturated polyester resin, epoxy resin, and other polymer components as matrix materials, and inorganic non-metallic particulate materials such as quartz sand and calcium carbonate as fillers. GlassSteel pipe's standard effective lengths are 6m and 12m, with three manufacturing methods: fixed-length winding process, centrifugal casting process, and continuous winding process. They can be classified according to the product's processing method, pressure grade PN, and stiffness grade SN. GlassSteel pipeProduction process: GlassSteel pipeThere are three main types of production processes: reciprocating fiber winding process, continuous fiber winding process, and centrifugal casting process. Reciprocating fiber winding process (belongs to fixed-length method): In this method, the impregnation tank moves back and forth with the rotating core mold. Long glass fibers are placed at a certain angle relative to the core mold axis. The auxiliary angle (i.e., winding angle) is controlled by the ratio of the movement speed of the impregnation tank to the rotation speed of the core mold. The translational movement of the impregnation tank is controlled by computerized electromechanical systems. The number of winding layers gradually increases until reaching the designed wall thickness. After winding is completed, the resin in the product is basically cured. After curing, remove the core mold from glassSteel pipe. Continuous fiber winding process (belongs to continuous method): This process involves pipes being formed while moving through a feeding station that supplies resin-impregnated roving, chopped glass fiber, and resin-sand mixture. The pipes are continuously produced as the core mold advances. Centrifugal casting process (belongs to fixed-length method): In this process, cut glass fiber reinforcement materials and sand are fed into a steel mold fixed on bearings. Unsaturated resin with added catalyst is injected at one end of the steel mold to impregnate reinforcement materials. Under centrifugal force, air in fibers and fillers is displaced by resin, thus producing a dense composite material without pores. Due to centrifugal force action, a smooth and glossy inner surface layer rich in resin forms on the inner wall of the pipe; it cures at higher temperatures. Pipes made using this method are also known as fiberglass reinforced sandwiched pipes. In the world, manufacturers using reciprocating fiber winding processes for pipe production far outnumber those using other two production methods; one reason is that pipes made using reciprocating fiber winding processes haveSteel pipe's wider applications and better suitability.
