What Causes Fiber Reinforced Plastic Pipe Failure in Service

Our company, Eastop, recognizes the significance of these pipes and the importance to maintain them. There are a few reasons these pipes might not be functioning as intended. It’s worth digging a bit into why these failures happen, and something about what to do to keep them from happening. 

The Role for the Extraneous Variables

Extrinsic factors such as weather, temperature and physical impact may propagate fractures in the fiber reinforced plastic conduit. For example, the plastic could expand when it gets extremely hot and then contract as it cools, over time possibly creating cracks. The pvc suction hose pipe can also break or receive a dent that weakens it if something heavy hits the pipe. Having that information helps us at Eastop design the most effective ways to protect the pipes from these problems. 

Identifying Key Design Flaws

In other instances, the construction of the flexible plastic pipe for water creates an increased likelihood of failure. If the pipe is not sufficiently thick or the materials combined to create it aren’t balanced properly, then it may not be strong enough to do its job. At Eastop we ensure that all our hoses are engineered with the correct gauging and materials to withstand the fluids and pressures associated with the application. 

Investigation of the Effects of Chemical Exposure

Chemicals can be hard on fiberglass reinforced plastic pipe, especially a pvc steel wire hose pipe that isn’t designed to tolerate the particular chemical. Acids and strong cleaning agents can eat through the plastic, and it will be weakened and break. 

Addressing Improper Installation Techniques

If a pipe is not properly installed, it is more likely to fail. This could be because the joints are not sealed properly, or the pipe isn’t supported well and sags or bends. Installation problems can cause leaks and bursts. At Eastop we are also able to offer Our pipes installation guides and support you in making sure you install your pipes the right way. 

Preventing Corrosion and Abrasion Damage

Fiber reinforced plastic pipes can also experience large degradation due to corrosion and abrasion. Corrosion occurs when the pipe reacts with its environment, causing deterioration. Abrasion is when rough material is flowing through the pipe and causes slow erosion. At Eastop, we have developed special coatings to shield our pipes from corrosion and we select materials tough enough to stand up to abrasion.