How to Use Industrial GRP Products to Engineer Durable Work Environments

In the realm of industrial operations, only the most durable materials can get the job done over the long term. High-quality Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) has been used for over fifty years in some of the world’s most challenging environments. From grating solutions to structural components, our
industrial-grade GRP products such as pultruded grating, are a favourite for this sector.

Composition: What Is Glass Reinforced Plastic?

Every GRP product manufacturer has different formulations of Glass Reinforced Plastic. Fibergrate’s proprietary composites are made of fibreglass fibres embedded as a matrix in specialised polymer blends. Depending on the additives and surface applications used, these GRP products can be formulated for specific industrial applications with characteristics like advanced load-bearing capacity, skid resistance, or UV resistance. The GRP production process must be monitored for quality control to ensure the final product meets specifications.  

Here are some of the industries that use GRP from Fibergrate:

• Metals & Mining: GRP products are durable for use in mining, smelting, plating, and other common operations. Floor grating, stairways, platforms, ladders, and other structural elements can withstand the rigours of heavy machinery, abrasive materials, and corrosive chemicals. Explore this case study where a metal plating shop owner opted for GRP moulded grating due to its high corrosion resistance.
• Oil & Gas: Offshore platforms and refineries are common use cases for GRP products in the oil and gas industry. Resistant to corrosion and able to endure the harsh marine environment with constant UV and saltwater exposure, it helps maintain productive and safe operations. This case study showcases how Shell Mars used Phenolic pultruded grating for walkways due to fire-retardant and corrosion resistant properties. 
• Chemical Processing: Corrosive substances pose significant challenges, and metals like steel simply can not withstand the assault of chemicals without rusting, corroding, or leaching. Tanks, piping, and containment systems crafted from GRP offer unparalleled resistance to a wide range of chemicals, supporting the safe handling and storage of hazardous materials. Explore this case study from an automotive battery manufacturing facility that opted for GRP due to its high corrosion resistance.

Key Properties and Advantages of High-Quality GRP

The inherent properties of GRP set it apart from traditional materials like steel, concrete, or wood. Lightweight yet sturdy, GRP boasts a high strength-to-weight ratio. This means it can be used to build strong and durable industrial structures that can handle an impact, bear the weight of heavy machinery, or withstand traffic from trucks and other large vehicles.

GRP also exhibits excellent corrosion resistance, rendering it impervious to the corrosive effects of chemicals, moisture, and extreme temperatures. In addition, GRP’s non-conductive nature makes it a safer alternative in environments where electrical hazards are a concern. 

What does industrial GRP need to accomplish in your specific project? Whether you are designing a new location or retrofitting existing facilities, here are some considerations.

• Identification of Durability Challenges: Areas to explore include exposure to temperature fluctuations, humidity, moisture, salt water, UV radiation, corrosive chemicals, conducted heat, heavy loads, and hard impacts.
• Safety Considerations: Hazards to explore include equipment failure, structural integrity, slip and fall hazards, chemical exposure and cleanup, electrical hazards, and fire hazards. 
• Environmental Factors: The effect of building materials on the surrounding environment may include an exploration of open grating vs. solid decking in marine environments and the use of GRP vs. metal to reduce the risk of leaching substances into waterways.

By conducting a comprehensive assessment of work environment needs and challenges, stakeholders can make informed decisions regarding the selection and implementation of GRP products for industrial settings.

In situations where standard off-the-shelf products will not work, GRP can be customised to specific project requirements. Fibergrate’s engineering team can help industrial organizations create and manufacture products that meet specs for size, colour, configuration, or other needs. 

Having strategies in place for repair and replacement as needed ensures minimal disruption to operations and prolongs the lifespan of GRP installations. By implementing comprehensive maintenance protocols, stakeholders can maximise the durability and longevity of GRP products and safeguard their investment. Fortunately, GRP is designed to be long-lasting with minimal maintenance. For most GRP products, routine cleaning is all that is required to keep it in good condition.

The hallmark of GRP manufacturing lies in its commitment to quality and longevity. With over 50 years of expertise, Fibergrate's certified products exemplify this dedication, setting industry standards for excellence and reliability. Fibergrate's GRP products undergo rigorous testing and adhere to stringent quality control measures to ensure optimal performance and durability in diverse industrial settings. 

As the GRP manufacturing industry continues to evolve with more advanced composite materials, we anticipate seeing it used in even more innovative ways to uplevel industrial infrastructure. Browse through Fibergrate’s GRP markets overview and see how you can elevate your industrial environment with unparalleled durability and reliability.