The Most Advanced GRP Pipe Technology: “Continuous Filament Winding Method”

SUBOR uses the most advanced GRP pipe technology in the world, the “Continuous Filament Winding Method” with flowtite licence.

With the equipments used in 3 lines; SUBOR produces GRP pipes between 300mm. and 2400 mm. Up to 32 atm. at  2.500 N/m2 - 5.000 N/m2 and 10.000 N/m2 stiffnesses.

Using technology developed by material specialists, a very dense laminate is created that maximizes contribution from three basic raw materials.both continuous glass fiber rowings and choppable rowing are incorporated for high hoop strength and axial reinforcement.a sand fortifier is used to provide increased stiffness with placement near the neutral axis in the pipe wall core.

The basic machine for manufacturing(winder) is composed of a continuous steel band supported by beams which form a cylindirically shaped mandrel. The beams rotate, friction pulls the band around and roller bearing allow the band to move longitudinally so that entire mandrel continuously moves in a spiral path towards the end of the machine. As the mandrel moves, fine graded filler, glass fibers, resin and surface materials are metered on in precise amounts under the direction of a programmable logic controller(plc) and computer (pc) the plc-pc modules provide integrated process control based on pre-programmed recipes. Only basic pipe data such as diameter, pressure, and stiffness class is needed to be input and the computer calculates all the machine settings.material consumption as well as pipe thickness are continuously monitored and logged to ensure high product quality and efficiency.

MAIN RAW MATERIALS

 In order to make a composite glass fiber pipe the following materials are required;

• Polyester resin

• Glassfiber

• Fillers

• Surface mat

BRIEF PROCESS DESCRIPTION

The polyester resin is pumped to the continuous winding machine and hardener is added in through an in-line mixer. The mix will have a gel-time, depending on the product to be made.

 The other constituent materials are applied a controlled manner according to their need.

 After material application, the composite matrix passes through a curing section where the laminate solidifies in an exothermic reaction.

 The continuously formed cylinder is cut to the required length by a cutting device, which are synchronised with the speed of the advancing pipe.

 Than, pipes are transported from the winding machine into the calibration unit. This unit ensures that the spigot ends of pipe meet the specifications with regard to calibration length, chamfering and diameter.

  After the pipe is produced it is ready for test in the hydrostatic pressure test machine and it is placed in the test position in the machine in such a way that it will simulate as near as possible the actual forces which will occur in the installed pipe.

 The test pressure is maintained for a pre-determined duration.