Insight Into GRP
Glassfibre Reinforced Products (GRP) have much to offer industry, with enduring quality that will complement most budgets. Serious and expensive problems can be solved efficiently, effectively and economically.
The Product
Chemical Resistancy:
Extensive laboratory testing, field trials, case histories and practical experiences in various parts of the world have enabled the development of resins effective in various chemical environments. Strength and enhanced protection is achieved by including chopped strand glass mat, acid resistant glass flakes or beads during different stages of its application.
Where particularly aggressive chemicals or chemical mixes are to be used or stored it would be advisable to inform us of the chemical type, its concentration and working temperature. The most appropriate resin and additives can then be selected.
Potable Water
The materials used for potable water have Water Research Council Certification, which satisfies Water Board Authority requirements. Such resins are to BS6920 and will not encourage Legionela Pneumophila growth. These resins have been subject to microbiological growth tests and nutrients necessary for growth were not found to exist.
Fire Retardant
Where specified, applications can be made fire retardant to conform to BS476, part 7, Class II Surface spread of flame or Class 0 (combustibility) Class I flame spread. These specifications may carry an additional financial cost.
Inherent Qualities
GRP systems are wide and varied. They have a high strength to weight ratio, excellent impact resistance and good dimensional stability or can offer up to 230% elongation where flexibility is essential. Unlike metals or cement, GRP is weatherproof and virtually maintenance free, thus it is well suited for external applications as well as internal. It has elastomeric qualities and a good memory. Couple this with the fact that it is reinforced and we have a material that can expand and contract under the severest weather conditions and most industrial environments.
Hygiene
GRP will solve or limit many problems. For example, it will eliminate secondary fermentation from damp ingression in breweries; it is resistant to fungicidal growth and withstands abrasion e.g. in grain chutes. Its flexibility is extensive and can be used in many problem areas.
Heat distortion
Certain resins have a very high heat distortion point. Where this is critical, specific details of the given environment should be supplied to Sui Generis upon receipt of which an assessment can be made.
Application
Where product tainting needs to be avoided a cure period at ambient temperature of not less than 15ºC, for 7 days should be allowed. Alternatives include 24 hours post curing at a minimum of 40ºc or the surface can be steam cleaned for early use. This is a general guide and not applicable in all circumstances. In the event of it being necessary for the linings or mouldings to be conductive (i.e. for static electricity or lightening) a carbon veil can be included in the lay-up specification. This carries an additional cost. For slip resistant surfaces a spread of glass beads is included in the final cost. The grade of bead can be varied to cope with different requirements. Floor finishes invariably contain a multi coloured flake to give a tasteful flecked finish. Otherwise a variety of colours are available. GRP lends itself to safety and hygiene in as much as it is seamless, easy to clean, non-corrosive and does not flake. In the unlikely event of damage, repairs are easy and economical to effect. Substrates must be sound and dry where solvent based materials are to be applied. Some dampness is permissible with water miscible systems.
The Process
The preparation of the surface to be lined will vary from project to project. For example high-pressure gritblasting will invariably be used to clean the inside walls of tanks or to remove the glaze from quarry tiles. On weak metal structures the best option may be mechanical cleaning. Steam cleaning, acetone wiping or a simple brush are other alternatives we can suitably employ. Where existing surfaces have deteriorated it is usually still possible to apply GRP. However, it should be noted that the linings will follow the contours of that to which it is applied. For example, when covering wall tiles or breeze blocks the shape of these can still be discerned albeit grout and cement lines are softened. To achieve the smoothest possible finish a render coat or skim of plaster is advisable
Resins used on vertical surfaces contain thixotropic agents to prevent drainage runs or drips. Floor linings contain no thixotropic agents and are therefore self levelling. Accordingly minor irregularities in the floor surfaces can be lost depending on the chosen system
For further information on the process you are invited to contact us.
Benefits of a Sui Generis G.R.P Lining or Moulding
GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) is able to satisfy the most stringent hygienic requirements. It creates a clean and safe environment which is easy to maintain, no matter the industry. The finished product is tough, hardwearing, seamless, attractive and economical to purchase. Where leaking tanks exist the problems can be multiple ranging from the pollution to financial loss. The cost of replacement is usually prohibitive and this is aggravated by removal of the old, reconnection of new and disposal of scrap. The problems being experienced are compounded by loss of facility or even shutdown. Sui Generis minimise inconvenience, losses and cost. We line the existing structure and effectively place a quality tank within a tank that has reached the end of its conventional life. The principle also applies to bunds, gutters, chutes etc. Manufacturing waiting time, delivery costs and risks of production error are swept aside when the choice is refurbishment with Sui Generis lining system. The alternatives of GRP linings include tiling, which has its own unique problem areas such as the grout line. Moisture penetration from continual cleaning can cause lifting which produces a space for undesirables to breed. Conventional cladding by its nature leaves its own space which creates its own nesting and breeding ground for germs and rodents. High pressure washing can break seals and allow water to sit behind the cladding, which has been known to cause extensive damage. G.R.P linings eliminate all such problems and even halt existing deterioration of the surface it is applied to. Our linings are corrosive free and have an indefinite life expectancy which makes them an investment over both the short and long term. Of the options available none can compete with the versatility and performance of our lining systems. Our elastomeric and reinforced linings can cope with expansion joints, are stable and unaffected by the usual plastic's enemies.