GRP Pipe Installation Guide
GRP Pipe Installation Guide
Method Statement HQ
This Procedure defines the work method for Installation and lamination of GRP Pipe for
the project. The purpose of this procedure is to set out the requirements and methods for
Installation of GRP Pipeline including the lamination in detail.
This procedure shall be in compliance with the contract and technical specification
implemented on the pipeline project.
This document is based on the Project Specification, Standard and Contractor’s corporate and
project procedures and fundamentally incorporates the requirements as noted in the following
project Documents.
Specification & Standards for Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic Pipe (GRP) (For Seawater
Pipe), for service other than Sea Water system, ITP for Piping Work, earthwork, grp pipe &
Pipe Fittings, Water Distribution Systems, Valves & Expansion joints for sea water service,
Condenser & Accessories and flow meters (Seawater system).
Site Manager
He shall be responsible for implement the company safety plan overall, and follows;
Discipline Manager
He shall be responsible;
Site QC Manager
He shall be responsible for the overall Quality control of all the construction activities at site,
and follows;
– for managing all the necessary inspections, inclusive of witnessing, recording and reporting
the results.
– To ensure that all inspections are executed efficiently and expeditiously in order to comply
with the master construction schedule.
– To ensure the preparation of Inspection & Test Plan as per Project specification requirement
– To obtain the approval for the same
– To follow up with Planning section/ construction section for method statement for critical
activity
– To execute and monitor the approved Inspection and Test Plan & Procedures for effective
results of the product
– To initiate the identification of training & recommending the same to the higher
management for the team.
– To initiate the approval of 3rd party Lab approval and coordination for the same as and
when required
– He shall be responsible for the GRP piping from material handling, Unloading & material
storage
– He shall prepare work execution plan for erection, hydro test & backfilling
– Preparation of Test packages according to P & ID, Piping Instrument Diagram, piping ISO
drawings and Sketches
– Working with project personnel, resolve technical problems which require engineering
expertise
– To ensure that all materials and equipments are within the correct specification prior to
installation.
– Review and correction of hydro test packages for correct system names type of test and
other relevant data.
– Performance to insure that the progress of works is in line with the schedule.
He shall be responsible for the overall safety of personnel materials and equipment during the
construction and pre-commissioning of a Project, and follows;
– Ensure all the operations at the site are conducted to the minimum safety standards, and that
they are maintained throughout construction.
– Coordinate and preside over regular site safety meetings, to attain and maintain effective
communications, between Sub Contractor, Contractor and Company’s personnel.
– Establish policies and procedures for the Sub-contractor Site personnel
– Monitors the removal of physical, biological and chemical hazards, and training of
employees on safety policies, procedures, and regulations. Verifies compliance with health
and safety regulations and ensures all necessary records are maintained and prepared
according to established guidelines.
– Ensures projects are completed on time and within budget. Acts as adviser to health and
safety administration team regarding projects, tasks, and operations.
Site Supervisor
Periodic visits to the job site throughout the duration of pipe installation to advise the
contractor on the proper and applicable grp pipe handling, storage, laying, jointing and site
testing procedures necessary to achieve a satisfactory pipe installation.
Single pipes must be unloaded and handled separately (one at a time). Use pliable straps,
slings or ropes to lift single pipes.
Care shall be taken to prevent pipes from rolling or falling from flat bed trailer and this shall
be attained by using proper supports.
If at any time during handling or installation of the pipe, any damage such as cracks, de-
lamination or fracture occurs, the pipe should be repaired before the section is installed.
Contact grp pipe supplier for inspection of damage and for recommendation for repair
method or the replacement.
The rubber gaskets received along with the pipes and fittings shall be stored in shelter with
original packing until it is used at site.
The gaskets must be protected from exposures to grease or oils, which are petroleum
derivatives, and from solvents and other deleterious substances.
These trucks must have flat floors. Check for and remove any projections or nails etc. before
each load.Materials must be secured for example by using wedges and wooden supports.
These supports must have a minimum width of 10 cm, avoiding sharp edges. Usually the
materials are tied in place, using pliable nylon or canvas slings. Chains or steel cables may
not be used under any circumstances.
The support distances must not exceed 2.5 meter. The width of the supports must be a
minimum of 10 cm. When grp pipes are inserted (one inside the other), the support distance
shall not exceed 2 meter. Flanges must be secured against sliding. Flanges may only be
loaded on their sealing face if they are sufficiently protected against damage.
The best way for fittings to be transported is in crates or onto pallets. Direct contact between
products during transport must be avoided. Pipe ends and machined parts must be protected,
for example, by means of straw mats covered by polyethylene sheet or polyethylene netting.
Pipes and spools should be lifted by using nylon or canvas hoisting belts with a minimum
width of 10 cm and must be lifted at two points, using the largest diameter of the
prefabricated part (spool), in such a way that the weight is well-balanced.Any part of the
truck has to be protected by wood or rubber wherever in contact with the products.We
recommend the use of trucks
which can be loaded from the sides. If pipes are handled by a forklift truck, the forks must be
covered with rubber or plastic
DO NOT LIFT THE GRP PIPE BY PASSING A ROPE THROUGH THE SECTION END
TO END.
Transporting the GRP Pipe
If it is necessary to transport pipes at the job site, it is best to use the original shipping
dunning when loading the truck. If this material is no longer available, support all pipe
sections on flat timbers spaced on a maximum of 10 feet centers with a maximum overhang
of 5 feet. Chock the grp pipe to maintain stability and separation.
Ensure no pipes contact other pipes, so vibrations during transport will not cause abrasion.
Strap pipe to the vehicle over the support points using pliable straps or rope – never use steel
cables or chains without adequate padding to protect the pipe from abrasion. Bulges, flat
areas or other abrupt changes of curvature are not permitted. Transport of pipes outside of
these limitations may result in damage to the pipes.
Because of the relative lightness of glass fiber reinforced plastics (approximately a quarter
compared to steel) handlers may be tempted to handle it roughly, or unload it by letting it
drop of its own accord. This may cause serious damage to the material and therefore material
should be handled with care.
Do not use chains, steel cables or clamps during lifting. Nylon or canvas hoisting belts with a
minimum width of 10 cm must be used. Standard pipe lengths must be picked up at two
supporting points. Ensure that hoisting belts are always put round the widest part.
We strongly recommend that the pipes are unloaded one at a time when hoist belt used. Each
consignment is carefully loaded and must be inspected on site in order to ensure that no
damage has occurred during transportation. This will avoid disputes with regards to
responsibilities.
a) Do not lay the pipes directly on the ground, onto rails or concrete floors. Provide a flat
surface.
b) Ensure suitable supports are used for example wooden beams, measuring 10 x 5 cm to
avoid damage to machined pipe ends, stacking should be undertaken with care.
c) The machined ends must be protected for example by polyethylene covered straw mats or
polyethylene netting.
d) The socket and spigot ends must not touch each other.
e) The pipes can be stacked economically by alternating the spigot and the socket, as
illustrated below. In order to avoid bending of the pipes, the beams should be laid directly
above each other in a vertical line. Supports should be spaced at a max. of 3 meter intervals
and about 1 metre from each end. The width of the supports should be at least 10 cm. The
maximum allowable stack height is 1.5 meters. However, for diameters of 800 mm and
above, a maximum of 2 pipes may be stacked one on top of the other. If the product is
stacked too high for long storage periods (6-12
months) and subjected to high temperatures, the supports may cause flattening. It is
recommended that the product (in particular machined parts) is stored under tarpaulins or
(white) polyethylene sheeting. Pipe stacks should have side supports or blocks to prevent
rolling or slipping of the stack during stormy weather.
1). Excavation includes removal and disposal of pavements and other obstructions on ground
surface, underground structures and utilities indicated to be demolished and removed, and all
other materials encountered.
EXTERIOR LAY-UP
GRP Vendor’s Authorized person will be witnessing the first 2 joints to ensure the work in
accordance with standard.
1. Grind the outer surface of the pipe as per the required minimum bond length mentioned
in the provided field recipe. Extend the sanding of the bond length 20 mm more than the
required length to ensure complete bonding of the lamination material is achieved over
the minimum specified bond area.
2. The maximum time between the grinding operation & lamination process is two hours. In
case of delay in starting the lamination operation, the entire sanding operation has to be
redone.
3. After the component resin/hardener is thoroughly mixed one can start the fit procedure.
4. The cross section of the pipe has to be protected against penetrating liquid using a resin
or adhesive layer.
5. After the pipe sections are positioned they should be wetted over a length of approx. 5 cm
on both sides of the “weld” using resin/hardener, mixtures, after which the fit layer can be
made.
6. Wrap 5 layers of 270 gr/m² 5 cm width for dia 25 through 350 mm and for dia 400 through
2000mm 5 layers 270 gr/m² 10 cm width have woven roving around the “weld” taking
care that every following layer applied over a totally impregnated previous one. For this
impregnation use a brush or roller. The woven rovings are wrapped around under tension.
The resin/hardener Mixture will be pressed through the woven roving.
7. Be sure to cure the fit layer over the entire circumference. After curing the fitted part can
be moved. In large diameter the fit layer thickness should be increased if the part has to
be moved.
H. Before continuing, grind again to guarantee a good adhesion between fit layer and
laminate.
8. After the fit layer has hardened re grind the entire tapered section of the pipe & fill it with
pieces of 360 gm woven roving & resin mix until the entire tapered portion is filled in level
with the outside diameter of the pipe. Allow the laminate to cure at ambient
temperature. This is done to avoid excessive exothermal heat that may interfere during
the final welding operation.
9. When the above laminate has hardened sufficiently the exterior part of the laminated
area as well as the total required bond area should be sanded well for the final welding
process.
K. Laminate resin and hardener should be mixed in a bucket in suitable quantities by
preference mechanically e.g. using a propeller mounted on a drilling machine or manually
using a spatula for approx 1 min. The woven roving must be wrapped with an overlap of
50%; this means that 2 layers per winding are generated. The abraded and cleaned
surface should be wetted with resin mix, using a brush or lamb’s wool roller.
10. Then layers of woven roving should be wrapped around wetted surface. Each applied layer
must be thoroughly impregnated. The woven roving requires to be tensioned, so the resin
presses out of the underlying layers. For the impregnation of the applied woven roving
use a roller or brush.
11. For diameters up to 150 mm the butt and wrap joint is totally built up from woven roving’s
270 gr/m²; for dia m 25 through 50 mm the width will be 5 cm, for dia m 80 through 150
mm the width will be 10 cm.
12. Diameter range 200 mm through 350 mm the butt and wrap joint is totally built up from
woven roving 360 gr/m² 10 cm width. The thickness of the lamination must be maintained
at 0.75 x the bond area at either end of the joint. For detail of bond area & thickness,
please see the required lamination recipe.
13. For diameters 400 mm and above the woven roving shall be changed after 12 layers of 360
gr/m² 10/16 cm width into 580 gr/m² 10/16 cm width, which will be applied in 4 layers
alternated with 2 layers of 360 gm layers. The first 12 layers (6 double) should always be
woven layers of 360 gm.
14. For diameter range 700 mm through 2000 mm lamination has to be started using woven
roving of 360 gr/m² 16 cm widths.
15. When the required wall thickness is obtained a final layer of 2 layers of woven roving for
diam > 350 mm 360 gr/m² 16 cm width should be applied. R. After the 2 final layers of 360
gr/m² 16 cm width woven roving have been applied, the laminate should be finished with
2 layers of reinforced non-woven wrapped over the laminate.
16. The superfluous resin should be removed using a rubber scraper plate after which the
laminate should be cured at room temperature.
Note: For larger diameters it may not be possible to complete the entire lamination process in
one go. Therefore the lamination process has to be interrupted in case gelation occurs. The
laminate should be allowed to cure at room temperature & later regrind to continue the rest of
the welding process until the required thickness has been achieved. The exact quantity of the
material of the butt strap joint shall be issued by Engineering department for each diameter
and pressure.
Further Recommendations
Adjacent pipes should not have different self deflections causing joint steps, but where a pipe
butts up against a fitting of different thickness, a slight difference in roundness may occur
with the pipe being deflected more than the fitting. It is possible to correct this slight out-of
roundness on the pipe by using a jacking prop with wooden load spreaders at each end.
Where different thicknesses of adjacent parts are encountered (e.g. pipe to reducer, pipe to
elbow, or pipe to tee), the parts should be aligned concentrically and any step greater than 6
mm removed by applying a 15 deg. tapered build up to the grp pipe surface with glass mat
and resin. This should be applied all round the pipe and rolled out as normal. Steps less than 6
mm can be tapered off with resin/cabosil putty or filled with woven roving. The lay up joint
can then be applied in the normal manner.
It is important that when pipe surfaces to be laid up are cleaned with solvent, the solvent must
be freshly drawn and clean. The cloths should also be clean, made out of white cotton. The
solvent used for this cleaning operating can subsequently be used for cleaning rollers, tools,
gloves, etc.
If the lay-up is not properly bonded to the grp pipe, remove the lay-up and wash the area with
solvent, being careful not to run solvent into uncured lay-up areas.
During a period of rapidly changing temperature, pipes may move due to expansion or
contraction. This movement could reduce the bond strength of the initial lay-up plies, if the
plies have not cured prior to the movement. If this phenomenon is experienced, the pipes
must be restrained against movement while the lay-up joint is being fabricated.
When working on the bottom side of the joint, a faster gel time is desired. This can be
accomplished by (1) increasing the amount of catalyst (2½% maximum) and / or (2) using the
heat of a previous lay-up. Remember never place a lay-up over another lay-up, if the first one
is not comfortable to touch with the bare hand.
In the event that a lay-up joint is not completed on the day it is started or if a layer of the lay
up is allowed to cool for several hours, the following procedure should be followed:
a. Remove the glossy surface of the lay-up by grinding the lay-up area covered by resin.
b. Wipe the ground area with clean solvent to remove collected dust and allow the solvent
evaporate completely.
Note: If the top layer of mat is removed when grinding, it will be necessary to apply an
additional piece of mat when the final layer of the lay-up is applied.
Ensure that any gaps between the pipes are filled well with Cabosil/resin mixture or glass
roving’s.
Apply the given nos. of 270 gm woven roving with the resin mixture until the required
thickness has been achieved. In cases where gelling occurs discontinue the lamination
process & allow to cure at room temperature. Re grind the areas after the curing process is
completed & continue the lamination process until required thickness has been achieved.
Finish the interior layer with one layers of C glass & resin mixture.
See lamination recipe for detailed bond area & layers. Slightly different procedures and
safety measures must be observed when making internal lay-up joints. Make sure proper
ventilation is available when working in close environments. Wear safety masks & goggles
always when in contact with chemicals.
Curing & Finishing of GRP Lamination
The resin/catalyst system is as illustrated in below table; the curing curve was obtained in
ambient temperature of 20oC and relative humidity of 75%. Adjustments are required to suit
local temperature and humidity; good judgment should be exercised.
After well mixing the above and before start the lamination process add 150 g catalyst to each
1 Kg of the above mixture.
The resin, catalyst, booster and accelerator used in performing the lamination are flammable
and can cause harm if not used properly. Data sheets of each material should be obtained
from supplier and read carefully prior to commencing work. The following list shows
equipment that must be supplied by the installation or lamination contractor:
– Rotary disc sander
– Carborundum sanding disc 16 grit
– Polyethylene pots for mixing resin with 1 gallon capacity
– 1 Pint graduated cylinder for measuring catalyst
– Paint rollers 5 cm diameter and 15 to 20 cm long
– Wooden spatulas for mixing resin & catalyst
– Masking tape
Quality Control
There is no specific standard for conducting visual testing. Basically the lamination should
not have irregularities in shape and appearance.
Dimensional: The thickness and width of each joint is given in the process sheets. Those are
the minimum values.
Each grp pipe/fitting and spool shall be permanently marked with following information:
a) Manufacturer‟s name or initials and identification code
b) Normal size
c) Pressure rating and temperature rating
d) Number and date of selected code
e) Resin and reinforcement type
Upon satisfactory completion of inspection and testing on pipes, fittings and spools, the
organizations responsible for design, construction and inspection shall furnish copies of the
certificate to the Purchaser, stating the design, construction and testing complies with this
specification and selected code.
Detailed design drawings shall be prepared by the Vendor and submitted for Purchaser
approval prior to start of manufacturing. All important construction details must be shown in
details-drawings.
Certification
The Manufacturer shall provide quality control test reports. Manufacture shall submit a
certified record of inspection and testing together with a statement of compliance with the
requirements. These shall also include the relevant certificates for metallic parts, if any.
– Coveralls
– Hard hat
– Safety boots
– Gloves(rubber and cotton)
– Safety glass
– Paper mask
– Respirator with cartridge (RC202) filters (for internal lamination works)
– Full body harness(working at height)
– Face shield to use during the grinding works.
– Access to suitable fire extinguishers tor internal and external work faces.
– Eye wash tools on vicinity of the working area (during the lamination work)
Control Measures
– Crane must have current 3rd party inspection.
– Crane operators and drivers must have current SAG license and TUV certificate.
– Through inspection of all equipment shall be carried out by a competent person designated
by ESD-Equipment Service Department prior to delivery of the equipment to the project.
– Fire extinguisher shall be provided on every equipment with internal combustion engine,
20lbs.
– As built underground drawing and plot plan from MET showing buried facilities and
limitation shall be provided.
– Entry attendant shall maintain al log to fully account personnel inside the space.
Pipe Installation
– Sequence of work shall be discussed during daily toolbox meeting before work commence.
– Lifting plan to be discussed by rigging supervisor along side with crane operator, riggers,
assist crew, etc.
– Use proper length and size of slings and ensure lifting tackles in good condition.
– Physical barricade to install and maintain with entry and exit points.
– No erection allowed during harsh weather e.g. wig exceeding 20mph, thick fog, heavy
sandstorm, rain.etc.
c) Witness and approval of Fit-up should be done by the QC Inspector prior to lamination.
External Lamination
Fit Layer
a. Measure the fit layer bond length from the end of each grp pipe.
b. Grind the above area to remove the topcoat and surface layer of the pipes until the pipes
glass fiber are exposed.
c. Clean this area by dry clean cloth or paintbrush and ensure that it is fully dry.
d. Fill the gap if any between the two pipes with cab-o-seal putty.
e. Mix the resin and hardener as per the quantities specified in the recipe to maintain the right
ration.
g. Apply woven roving glass 270 using a 50% overlap between each two consecutive
windings so that wrapping the full surface will end up with two layers of glass.
i. Repeat the above two steps till the required number of layers is applied.
j. Wait till the lamination is cured under ambient temperature. The curing time of the fit layer
ranges between 1 to 2 hours depending on the sunlight.
Main Laminate
a. Measure the bond length on each grp pipe from the middle of the fit layer.
b. Grind the above area to remove the topcoat and surface of the pipe until the pipe glass fiber
are exposed.
c. Clean this area by dry clean cloth or paintbrush and ensure that it is fully dry.
d. Mix the resin and hardener as per the quantities specified in the recipe to maintain the right
ration.
f. Apply woven roving glass 270 using 50% overlap between each two consecutive windings
so that wrapping the full surface will end up with two layers of glass.
h. Repeat the above two steps till the required number of layers is applied.
i. Depending on the pipe diameter and pressure class, the type of glass and the number of
layers are specified in the lamination recipe. If only glass 270 should be used, skip all the
below steps except the last one to end up the lamination with two layers of top tape.
Otherwise move the next step.
j. Apply woven roving glass 360 using 50% overlap between each two consecutive windings
so that wrapping the full surface will end up with two layers of glass.
l. Repeat the above two steps till the required number of layers is applied. A maximum of 12
layers should be applied at this stage as “initial winding”.
m. If more should be applied, move to the following steps. Otherwise skip all the below steps
except the last one to end up the lamination with two layers of Top Tape.
n. Apply the specified number of layers of woven roving 580 and 360 alternatively. Each type
of glass should be applied in four consecutive layers before changing to the other type. Every
two layers should be impregnated before applying the second two layers of the same type.
q. Wind two layers of top tape glass around the laminate to extract the excess quantity of
resin and to provide smooth surface.
r. The lamination is cured under ambient temperature. Make sure that the joint is
undistributed until it cures. The curing time varies between 4 to 8 hours depending on the
sunlight exposure and temperature.
Internal Lamination
(Applicable only for 900mm & above in condition that the access to the joint internal area is
safe and possible).
2. Grind the above area to remove the internal liner of the pipe.
3. Cut several pieces of woven roving glass 270/100 with equal length.
6. Stack several pieces of woven roving on a flat surface and impregnate with the resin
mixture.
8. Evenly press the surface to flush air traps and blisters using steel roller.
9. Repeat the above three steps until the required thickness is reached.
10. Cover the above laminate with two layers of C glass surface veil material (surface mat) to
provide a smooth resin-rich laminate surface.
For internal lamination, the plies edges shall be penetrated into the previously made grooves
at both side of the lamination width to maintain smooth flow of the product during operation
Precautions
a. The prepared bond surface area should be free from grease, oil, dust, moisture, water, etc.
Clean the surface using a clean and dry cloth or a dust brush.
c. Lamination should be stopped in case resin starts gelling. To continue the laminate, surface
should be abraded.
Internal lamination shall be done immediately after completing the external lamination to
limit the entry distance to a standard grp pipe length. When this is not possible, i.e., where the
entry distance is longer than 20 meters the following safety measures shall apply:
1. If required, the client safety personnel to measure concentration of any toxic gas and
oxygen inside the pipe before giving clearance to enter the line.
2. Use personal protective equipment before entering the pipe.
3. If required, use a rechargeable lamp or hand torch for enough light inside the pipeline.
Usually, the daylight is sufficient at the 1st joint near the open end.
4. Ensure that no blockage at the access of the open pipe end.
5. Use exhaust fan or blower to ensure fume free and to avoid accumulated fumes.
6. Ensure that there is no water present in the line/sections, other wise use dewatering
pump and sand bags to prevent flow of water to the joint to be laminated.
7. If required, a watchman should be standing outside the pipe and in frequent verbal
contact with the technician working inside the pipeline.
8. If the internal joint to be carried out is more than five standard pipe away, a rope will be
tightened from the waist of the technician for easy pull out inside the pipe and to ensure
his safety in case something gets wrong inside the pipe.
9. The chemicals are potentially flammable, NO SMOKING inside the grp pipe is allowed and
in all areas where lay ups are being made.
10. If required, technicians will wear fume mask to protect from fumes and chemical smell.
11. A safety guards shall be mounted on the grinders.
12. Follow any safety rules as strictly enforced of the end users and the client.
If possible, the leaking lamination can be removed by grinding it off the pipe completely and
re-laminate by a new one following the same procedure described above.
In case of a superficial damage on the pipe, the following steps to be followed. A superficial
damage is a scratch within the resin rich outer layer of the pipe.
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March 6, 2016
In "Method Statements"
Method Statement HQ
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