Why PRV
Composite materials
The plant world is full of composite materials with astonishing properties such as flexibility, lightness and robustness. Just as in nature, humans are capable of recreating similar structures. Since ancient times, on the banks of the Nile, humans have mixed mud and straw to make bricks, an insulating and economical composite building material.
Nowadays, a composite material is a combination of at least two different materials. Generally one is in the form of fibers which acts as a mechanical reinforcement and which is contained in a viscous matrix. This matrix maintains the fibers in geometric position, thus creating an extraordinary material that is flexible, light, robust and competitive at the same time.
Used for industrial purposes at the beginning of the 20th century, glass fiber reinforced resins were initially developed for the insulation of buildings, but thanks to new manufacturing processes, its use has evolved towards other applications. Thus, composite materials are present in sports, transport, pipe networks and aeronautics.
Polyester reinforced with fiberglass
GRP/SVR is a composite material made from a polymer matrix and glass fibers. The polymer matrix is generally an epoxy, vinyl ester or polyester thermosetting resin. The resin gives the product high resistance to corrosion. The glass fibers will reinforce the wall and thus guarantee high mechanical resistance.
Resins and glass fibers complement each other and form a bonded assembly that is extremely resistant to both compression and traction.
At SAMTER, the manufacturing processes are essentially filament winding and manual superposition.
Why PRV
Glass-reinforced plastic or fiberglass-reinforced plastic (GRP) is a composite material formed from a resin matrix reinforced with plastic or fiberglass.
It is a light, strong and easy to mold material, so it is widely used in the creation of parts with soft and complex shapes.
Used in different industries, energy, chemistry, paper, etc., for its great advantages and its respect for the environment.
Viabilité environnementale
The durability of GRP pipes is reflected in production, transportation and installation. Indeed, their carbon footprint is low during production, transport costs are minimized and finally they guarantee rapid installation and efficient commissioning.
Durée de vie plus longue
The performance and durability of fiberglass structures provide an extremely long lifespan, as well as low maintenance requirements. The longevity of glass fibers is an advantage in critical projects. A well-designed GRP/SVR product can last over 50 years under typical service conditions.
Rapport résistance / poids élevé
This property is why composite materials are used to build airplanes, because they need a very high strength material, with very low weight. GRP/SVR allows a product to be manufactured to resist bending in a specific direction. When a product is constructed with metal and greater strength is required in one direction, the material would normally become thicker, therefore having more weight. Glass fiber reinforced plastics have the highest strength to weight ratios.
Polyvalence et adaptabilité
They accommodate a wide variety of assembly options for complex configurations and shapes. Their versatility provides them with the ability to withstand high pressures, temperatures and loads, as well as intense chemical resistance parameters.
Légèreté et manipulation simple
The low weight of fiberglass makes the products weigh considerably less than other materials such as steel. The density of steel is four times that of GRP/SVR. The light weight of fiberglass helps minimize risks in handling operations as well as reducing transportation and installation costs, eliminating the need for heavy lifting equipment.
Rentabilité et efficacité
Products made from GRP/SVR require almost no maintenance as they do not oxidize, rot or corrode. Although other materials have a cheaper initial cost (e.g. stainless steel), GRP/SVR has a lower installation and maintenance cost, which will eliminate or significantly reduce life cycle costs.
Haute résistance aux produits chimiques et à la corrosion
One of the reasons for using GRP/SVR products is its inherent resistance to corrosion. GRP/SVR products are resistant to a wide range of chemicals and are not affected by humidity or immersion in water. This makes it ideal as a protective covering for surfaces exposed to possible contact with chemicals.