Large Diameter Fiberglass Tubes for Industrial Piping
Our large diameter fiberglass tubes are used for water, chemical, and industrial piping applications. Manufactured by filament winding and pultrusion, these FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) pipes combine corrosion resistance with a high strength-to-weight ratio, which can simplify handling and installation compared with steel or concrete alternatives.
These tubes resist corrosion from many chemicals, salt water, and soil conditions that can damage unprotected steel pipes. The smooth interior surface helps maintain hydraulic efficiency, which can contribute to lower pumping energy consumption in some systems.
Our tubes are manufactured to project specifications, with production testing to confirm mechanical and dimensional requirements.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter Range | 12″-120″ (300-2450mm) | Special orders up to 157″ (4000mm) |
| Standard Lengths | 20ft (6m) | Custom lengths available |
| Wall Thickness | 0.125″-0.250″ | Varies based on pressure requirements |
| Pressure Rating | 70-4,000 PSI | Dependent on diameter and wall thickness |
| Weight | 4.11-13.50 lbs/ft | For 12″-20″ diameter examples |
| Operating Temperature | -40°F to 200°F | Standard configuration |
| Fiber Winding Angle | 54°-65° | Optimized for pressure performance |
| Density | 0.065 lbs/in³ | Compared to steel at 0.283 lbs/in³ |
Example Product Specifications
| Outside Diameter (inches) | Inside Diameter (inches) | Wall Thickness (inches) | Operating PSI | Weight (lbs/ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12.250 | 12.000 | 0.125 | 70 | 4.11 |
| 14.500 | 14.000 | 0.250 | 160 | 9.30 |
| 18.500 | 18.000 | 0.250 | 100 | 11.50 |
| 20.500 | 20.000 | 0.250 | 88 | 13.50 |
Applications and Use Cases
- Water Transmission Systems: Municipal supply lines, irrigation networks.
- Cooling Water Systems: Power plants, industrial facilities.
- Chemical Processing: Acid transport, petrochemical applications.
- Sewer and Drainage: Gravity and pressure systems.
- Pipeline Rehabilitation: Slip lining for aging infrastructure.
- Hydroelectric Plants: Penstocks and water delivery systems.
Key Advantages
Corrosion Resistance
Unlike steel pipes that require coatings or linings for chemical service, fiberglass tubes resist corrosion from many chemicals, salt water, and soil conditions. This can reduce the need for cathodic protection in some applications.
Lightweight Construction
Fiberglass has a lower density than steel and concrete. For equal diameter and pressure class, FRP pipe is typically lighter than steel and much lighter than concrete, reducing transportation and lifting requirements.
Reduced Maintenance
The corrosion resistance and stable material properties of FRP can reduce maintenance frequency compared with carbon steel in aggressive environments. Actual maintenance savings depend on the application and operating conditions.
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio
Despite their light weight, fiberglass tubes provide structural strength suitable for many pressure and load-bearing applications. Fiber reinforcement direction and resin system are selected to match project requirements.
Hydraulic Efficiency
The smooth interior surface (Manning’s coefficient of approximately 0.009) helps maintain flow capacity and can reduce pumping energy compared with rougher or corroding pipe materials.
Material Comparison
| Feature | Fiberglass Tube | Steel Pipe | Ductile Iron | Concrete Pipe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Good to Excellent | Poor (unless lined/coated) | Moderate | Variable |
| Weight (equal diameter) | Light | Heavy | Heavy | Very Heavy |
| Pressure Rating | Up to 4,000 psi | High | High | Moderate |
| Installation Ease | Generally easier | Moderate | Moderate | Difficult |
| Maintenance Needs | Lower in corrosive service | Higher in corrosive service | Moderate | Moderate |
Manufacturing Methods
Our fiberglass tubes are produced using two primary methods:
Filament Winding: Glass fibers are wound at controlled angles (typically 54°-65°) around a mandrel, then saturated with resin. This method allows customization of fiber orientation for pressure resistance and is often used for larger diameters.
Pultrusion: Continuous glass fibers are pulled through a resin bath and then through a heated die that shapes and cures the material. This creates tubes with consistent axial strength and dimensional tolerance.
Backed by Composite Manufacturing Expertise
IncomePultrusion specializes in pultruded fiberglass profiles, FRP rebar, and pultrusion machinery, with in-house pultrusion die capability. We can supply large diameter fiberglass tubes in standard and custom diameters, pressures, and resin systems for civil, industrial, and water projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do fiberglass tubes last?
Service life depends on the resin system, operating conditions, and installation quality. Many FRP piping installations have remained in service for decades with appropriate specification and maintenance.
Are these pipes suitable for drinking water?
Yes. Our fiberglass tubes can be manufactured to meet NSF/ANSI 61 standards for potable water applications. Confirm the required certification with your project specification.
How are sections joined together?
Common joining methods include bell-and-spigot connections with elastomeric gaskets, adhesive bonding, and laminated joints. The method chosen depends on pressure requirements and installation conditions.
Can fiberglass tubes handle underground installation?
Yes. Our tubes are designed for both direct burial and above-ground applications. The lightweight nature and corrosion resistance make them suitable for underground systems when properly bedded and backfilled.
What standards do your fiberglass tubes meet?
Our tubes can be manufactured to industry standards including AWWA C950, ASTM D2996, ASTM D2310, and ISO 14692. Specify the required standard at quotation.
How do temperature changes affect fiberglass tubes?
Fiberglass has a lower thermal expansion coefficient than most plastics, providing dimensional stability. Our standard tubes handle temperatures from -40°F to 200°F, with special formulations available for higher temperature applications.
Request a Project Quote
Need large diameter fiberglass tubes for water, chemical, or industrial piping? Contact IncomePultrusion for a B2B quote. We supply custom diameters, pressures, and resin systems for contractors and engineers.
