Current Approaches to Fitness for Service of FRP in Chemical Handling Applications

Fiber reinforced Plastics are used extensively and successfully for handling hazardous and corrosive chemicals. Their use stretches back to early 1960s when a series of high performing resins were introduced in the market. Since that time the industry has learned a great deal about the material selection, design, fabrication, repairs and in-service condition assessment and fitness for service as the final objective. The concept of Fitness for Service pioneered by the metals specialist and strongly aided by ASME is driving the same efforts for the use of plastics as well. This paper presents the basic concepts of Fitness for Service for plastics, specifically for composites and presents a couple of case histories which demonstrate its usefulness. It presents a description of on-going joint efforts in the chemical industry and related consortia and concludes with a recommendation for further research.