Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic
Introduction
Matrix Service Sarnia Division has been designing and installing FRP liners for over 35 years and has become a leader in quality and service excellence in the industry. Our vast experience in this area has allowed us to develop and design installation procedures second to none. Matrix Service is committed to providing the highest quality FRP liners at the most cost-effective price.
Matrix Service can also supply a wide range of other high performance lining systems.
Resin Selection
When designing a liner, careful consideration must be given to the potential enviroment the laminate will be exposed to. Matrix supplies two resins which can be used in the petrochemical industry.
Matrix Service's - Polyester System - CC308™
This is a specially formulated isophthalic polyester resin. With enhanced corrosion properties not found in other isophthalic polyesters, this resin is particularly well suited for use in solutions of high aromatic content such as is found in more recently developed high octane gasolines.
Matrix Service's - Vinyl Ester System
This system provides a wider range of chemical compatibility, and is selected when environments show high concentrations of benzene or caustic solutions.
Both these resins, when fully cured, obtain Barcol hardness of 25-35, which makes them very abrasive resistant. With reasonable care during subsequent tank cleaning, a FRP liner should remain undamaged.
Abrasive Blasting
Matrix Service has both truck and trailer-mounted mobile blast units up to a 35 ton capacity. The units are equipped with up-to-date moisture separation equipment. Proper abrasive blasting is crucial to ensuring proper bonding through a thoroughly cleaned surface with an appropriate blast profile.
Dehumidification
Matrix Service employs the use of high capacity dehumidification equipment to control atmospheric conditions inside the tank. This reduces down time caused by excess humidity, enabling us to return the tank to service in a shorter length of time.
Primer Application
After the substrate has been abrasive blasted and inspected, a special holding primer is applied to enhance the bonding of the laminate to the steel substrate.Hand Lay Up
Matrix Service believes the most effective method of FRP applications is that of hand lay up. This method ensures that the liner is consistent in thickness and glass content by weight over the entire surface and that atmospheric control can be maintained as styrene is released at a slower rate than would occur with spray application.
Flood Coat
As soon as it is practical to walk on the laminate, a sealing coat is applied. The purpose of this flood coat is to completely seal the glass mat and provide a 100% resin rich layer to maximize corrosion resistance.Inspection
No liner is complete until it has been fully tested and inspected. To ensure that the strictest of industry standards are met, Matrix Service has qualified NACE NICITCP trained inspectors on staff. With the latest in testing equipment, our trained technicians completely inspect and test the new liner for hardness, thickness, and holidays.
A commitment to quality and excellence allows Matrix Service to provide the best possible liners in an extremely cost-effective manner.