Guidelines for Inspecting Used FRP Equipment, Technical Information Paper TIP 0402-28 (2016)

This document describes how “used” iber-reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks and vessels should be formally inspected to determine their condition, which must be known to assess fitness for continued service. Three phases of inspection are defined – external inspection when the vessel is in service; external and internal inspections when then the vessel is removed from service. All three inspection phases must be carried out for the inspection to be considered complete. Complementary inspection with acoustic emission testing (AET) also is discussed.

This document does not discuss criteria for repair, repair methods and procedures, or criteria for assessing the fitness-for-service of FRP tanks and vessels.

These inspection guidelines also can be applied to all laminated construction FRP components, including stacks, hoods, ducts, piping and “dual laminate” equipment; i.e., FRP with an integral thermoplastic corrosion barrier. Resin-based reinforced linings, which can be heavily filled with inert materials or glass- einforced laminates and are typically trowel or spray-applied, are not covered. However, where such linings are corrosion barriers the general principles described herein for determining their condition would apply.