Hundreds of millions ofdollars are spent each year in the United States replacing corroded and failed steel
pipe with new steel pipe in process industries. In many of these applications Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic
(FRP) pipe would be a better and more cost effective replacement material. However, due to unfamiliarity
with FRP, the decision is often made to replace in kind.
The successful design and installation of FRP pipe systems requires adherence to established design
principles and practices - jusl as does the successful installation ofsteel pipe systems. By understanding
and applying these principles to FRP. plant operators may benefit from the advantages of FRP Ihrough lower
installed and life cycle costs. This paper will review some of the most important differences between steel
and FRP pipe design and present a case history of a successful steel pipe replacement project.