Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Institute: FRP 101 and Laminate Certification

Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) components are used in some capacity in most odor and air pollution control applications at wastewater treatment facilities. FRP is used to make scrubber vessels, ductwork, fans, stacks, and chemical feed systems. In addition to direct use as odor control devices, FRP products are often used in wastewater applications for structures or equipment that may be exposed to odorous and potentially corrosive environments.FRP is a laminate process that involves integrating many different layers, resins, and coatings to form the final product. The ability to vary these components can make FRP the ideal material for many applications, since specific resins and materials can be combined to fit individual project needs. Unfortunately, the ability to vary the product can also make FRP specification development tricky and the enforcement of typical FRP specifications difficult.Unlike suppliers of other materials, there are a number of small FRP manufacturers (many who traditionally make boats) who will bid on public and private FRP projects who may or may not have the best quality control procedures in place to make FRP products for odor control applications. These small “mom and pop shops", along with traditional commercial suppliers, have resulted in a large assortment of manufacturers and variable quality, and an array of opinions regarding FRP products. Many owners have received quality products and find FRP products desirable, while others have experienced product failures and do not want to “take a chance” on FRP again. This paper discusses the requirements of typical odor control ductwork and vessel needs and how best to minimize FRP product variability and the chance of an inferior application.