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Cyonyx - Advanced Performance Pipe
The Need
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A highly corrosion-resistant composite pipe
able to withstand impact in high-traffic areas. While some lined steel and metal alloy
pipe are capable of withstanding critical fluids and providing necessary impact
resistance, the cost, weight, and limited life expectancy are prohibitive. CYONYX pipe is
derived from a new technology that imparts extremely high corrosion resistance, impact
resistance approaching that of steel, low material and installation costs, and life
expectancy exceeding lined steel and metal alloys. |
Cyonyx Pipe
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The Technology
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A breakthrough in resin technology has
resulted in the ability to produce fiberglass pipe made with pure poly
dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) resin (the term DCPD refers to the pure polymer, not to
"polyester DCPD," which has poor properties). The first industrial use of
DCPD came in the form of large (nearly 1000 lbs.) unreinforced covers for chlorine
producing cells. This extremely aggressive service of hot, wet, chlorine caused other
materials such as premium FRP to fail after a relatively short time, while the DCPD covers
have been in service for longer than 9 years, and are still functioning. While existing technology is able to make tough parts from DCPD such as the
cell covers, snowmobile hoods, golf cart bodies, and tractor fenders via the reaction
injection molding process, it has not been possible until now to produce fiber reinforced
plastic objects with it.
Through patented catalyst and process technology, fiberglass pipe
made with DCPD resin is finally being produced; this pipe combines the outstanding
toughness and corrosion resistance of DCPD with the strength of fiberglass reinforcement.
It is the ability to achieve a specific level of crosslinking within
the polymer structure that allows the toughness of the long flexible polymer to be
combined with the corrosion and heat resistance imparted by the crosslinking.
While it can be said that the corrosion resistance of DCPD pipe is
generally as good or better than that of vinyl ester resins, there are certain services
where it is very much better than any other traditional pipe. These services include:
- Liquid Bromine
- Unstable Sodium Hypochlorite
- Nitric Acid
- 52% Hydrofluoric Acid
- Chlorine
- Phosphoric Acid
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Cyonyx Pipe Installation
Cyonyx Pipe Installation
Cyonyx Pipe Installation
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Since some of these and other chemicals attack
fiberglass reinforcements, a liner of pure DCPD has been added as a barrier between the
structural reinforcement and the contained fluid. The thickness of this liner can easily
be changed for specific services. Long term corrosion tests, both in the laboratory and in
chemical plants such as Phosphoric Acid production and Chlor-Alkali plants, are currently
being conducted, and will form the basis for comprehensive chemical service
recommendations. |
The Benefits
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Compared to traditional fiberglass piping and
lined steel pipe systems, the most important benefit of CYONYX pipe is its outstanding
resistance to halogens such as chlorine and bromine. In addition, CYONYX pipe has impact
resistance greater than 50 ft.-lbs. as measured by ASTM D2444. With a 100 percent pure
DCPD nominal 175 mil liner and structural wall, CYONYX pipe can operate at temperatures up
to 225 deg. F at 150 psi. With adhesive bonded joints, the chance of fugitive emissions,
compared to lined-steel flanged joints, is greatly reduced. Despite its extremely tough
characteristics, CYONYX pipe remains lightweight compared to metallic systems. For
example, 4-inch diameter CYONYX pipe weighs 2.1 lbs. per foot compared to 13 lbs. per foot
for lined steel. |
Status
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CYONYX pipe is now commercially available in
2-inch through 8-inch diameter sizes. Larger sizes are being developed. Flanged spools
constructed of the "pure" CYONYX system (pipe, flanges, and adhesive) can be
provided for applications requiring the chemical resistance of DCPD resin. For less severe
applications, CYONYX pipe can be provided with a complete line of CHEM THREAD fittings,
including filament-wound sweep fittings. CHEM THREAD fittings are made from premium vinyl
ester resin and fiberglass reinforcement. The CYONYX pipe/CHEM THREAD fittings system
would be joined using DS-3033 adhesive from Smith Fiberglass Products. It is important to
refer to the appropriate chemical resistance manuals and installation instructions for the
proper application of the various systems. Molded CYONYX fittings made from DCPD resin and
fiberglass reinforcement are currently being developed. The fittings will be available in
common configurations such as elbows, tees, flanges, etc. |
Barriers
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Through innovative resin chemistry and
process development, a major obstacle to further acceptance of fiberglass pipe in critical
fluid applications has been overcome. Moreover, this fiberglass pipe has unparalleled
toughness, coupled with outstanding corrosion resistance, that can safely convey a wide
range of corrosive media. Since gaining acceptance of a
radically new material is always difficult, Smith Fiberglass Products Company is now
actively soliciting trial installations of this pipe for different services of critical
fluids which can benefit from the corrosion and impact properties of this unique material. |
Points of Contact
Gary Foughty, Smith Fiberglass Products Company, 2700
West 65th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72209, USA, Phone: (501) 568-4010, ext.
2342, Fax: (501) 565-1990, e-mail: gfoughty@aosmith.com
References
- Smith Fiberglass Products Fact Sheet.
- Smith Fiberglass web site: www.smithfiberglass.com
Disclaimer Statement
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Neither the Construction
Industry Institute nor Purdue University in any way endorses this
technology or represents
that the information presented can be relied upon without further investigation. |
LHM07
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