A common belief among engineers and facility designers is that coated stainless steel vent pipe is more expensive than FRP duct alternatives. While the upfront material costs of fiberglass may appear slightly cheaper on estimates, it is most important to compare equivalent systems, such as the resin and service type of FRP duct, and to include an evaluation of system installation time and cost.
Topics: vent pipe installation, frp duct, duct installation
Joints on FRP duct are traditionally accomplished by means of a labor intense "butt and wrap" procedure. Duct ends are ground smooth, exposed ends are sealed with catalyzed resin, and the duct or fitting is "buttered-up" and overlaid with several layers of resin and reinforcing fiberglass.
Adhesive curing at an ambient temperature of 70°F would take at least 24 hours to complete, so electric heating blankets are often required to accelerate the time to cure each joint.
Topics: frp duct, fume exhaust duct, duct installation
