THE PROPOSPECTS AND EXPECTED

DEMAND FOR GLASSFIBER

REINFORCED EPOXY AND PHENOLIC
PIPE SYSTEMS/ GRE GRATINGS FOR
OFFSHORE APPLICATIONS
INTRODUCTION
Historically, offshore production platform, drilling rig and FPSO owners and operators have
had to face grim reality of continuously replacing most metal piping because of severe
corrosion. This has resulted in piping systems costing two or three times the original
investment since steel and metal pipe systems are very costly to maintain.
Glass reinforced (GRE/GRP&FRP) pipe systems and gratings are the cost-effective,
maintenance-free and lightweight solution that provides corrosion-free and erosion-free
operation during the service life of the vessel/platform.

Glass reinforced Pipes & Gratings are made From composite materials or glass reinforced
epoxy implanted cured themoset resin. The pipes have dominated the piping industry due to
it’s exceptional corrosion resistance, light weight and impact strength. They are preferred
over steel and stainless steel pipes owing to superior fatigue resistance, adhesion, low
shrinkage, and chemical resistance properties. These pipes are durable and significantly
lighter when compared to steel or ductile iron pipes.

The glass reinforced epoxy implanted piping market is anticipated to grow in the forecast
period in figure 1.4 owing to some driving factors such as the ever-growing demand for
energy and water resources, the increasing acceptance of GRE/GRP & FRP piping systems
and GRE gratings in onshore and offshore oilfields further boosts market growth. However,
volatile raw material prices and restrictions on landfill disposal hinder the glass reinforced
plastic piping market growth to some extent in the past. Nonetheless, environment-friendly
innovations offer growth opportunity for the epoxy piping system market and the key
players involved.
THE ADVANTAGES OF APPLYING GLASS REINFORCED EPOXY
(GRE, GRP/ FRP) PIPE SYSTEMS & GRATINGS.

Durable and corrosion resistant

Glass reinforced epoxy Pipes & Gratings are highly resistant to corrosion caused
by (salt) water, chemicals, residues and bacteria. Similarly, it resists corrosion
even in aggressive environments. Catholic protection is not required.

LIGHT WEIGHT-EASY TO INSTALL

Glassfiber epoxy pipes weighs only a quarter to an eight of steel pipes and are
easy to install without the need for heavy installation equipment, welding or
protective coating. For installation of the piping systems & gratings no ‘hot’ work
is required
LOW INSTALLATION AND OPERATING COSTS
The installation cost of the epoxy implanted cured pipe systems & gratings in question are
typically much lower than the cost of carbon steel. The smooth internal surface reduces the
head loss with regards to the pipes resulting in lower pump energy consumption.

WIDE RANGE OF PIPE SYSTEMS.

GRE/GRP and FRP offers a complete wide range of pipe systems in a variety of diameters
and pressure classes for many different applications. The Pipe systems are available in
diameters up to 1000mm (40 inch), and standard lengths up to 12m (40-feet)

NO CONTAMINATION
These Pipes in question does not rust or scale. This prevents foul of steam traps, valves and
other components. The gratings too doesn’t rust or scale, niether are they affected by hash
weather and environmental conditions.
EXAMPLES OF GLASSFIBER REINFORCED EPOXY PIPE SYSTEM (GRE, GRP, FRP AND GRE
GRATINGS FOR ON/OFFSHORE APPLICATIONS Figure 1.1
COST COMPARISON WITH CONVENTIONAL STEEL MECHANICAL
SYSTEMS, TOTAL INSTALLED COST EQUALS TRADITIONAL STEEL
PIPING.
A comparison of costs clearly shows the typical savings during the service life of
the piping system. Figure 1.2

4.0

3.0
Installation
costs
2.0

Coppernickle
Material

Stainless
GRE Costs
1.0

6MO
steel
Carbon
Steel

0
 UPSTREAM OIL & GAS EXPECTATIONS
FOR GRE, GRP AND FRP APPLICATIONS.
Figure 1.3
Upstream Reinforced Epoxy Pipe Upstream Reinforced Epoxy Pipe
Market Share, Market Share,
By application, 2015 ( 25% By application, 2027 in %( 40, 35,
increase for each.) 10, 10 & 5)

❑ Oil & Gas

❑ Industries
❑ Waste water/
Sewage
❑ Irrigation
❑ Other’s
Glass Reinforced Epoxy (GRE, GRP and FRP) piping systems market
size, by material, 2013 – 2025 (USD Million) Figure 1.4

GRP GRE FRP

WIDE RANGE OF APPLICATIONS
These reinforced epoxy implanted piping/ gratings systems are corrosion-resistant and can
be used in a wide range of applications.
Typical application areas are:

- Ballast water
- Caissons
- Cooling water
- Disposal
- Deluge (wet & dry)
- Drains
- Drilling mud
- Fresh water
- Potable water
- Produced water
- Fire Fighting mains
- Saltwater/seawater
- Sanitary/sewage
- Column Piping
- Vent lines.
-. Deck walkways for FPSOs and RIG locations
 The requirements to achieving these goals

• Register with DPR for a specialised category for offshore pipeline construction/ facility maintenance....
• Ensure to also register with Nipex if you’re not already registered.
• Set-up a fab workshop
• Register with other major and minor operators in the upstream oil and gas sector.
• Set-up a tendering team to prepare bids from Nipex.

Target areas would be focused on the major and minor facility owners and operators in the upstream oil and gas industry.

Courtesy: Bedford Timi,

Tel: +2348065580565
Email: tmbdford02@gmail.com