Posted by mmehler on | Comments Off on Water Control Fiberglass Products | Wastewater Treatment
Water control systems and products are among the most crucial infrastructures for water and wastewater treatment in the modern world. They ensure that communities have access to clean and safe water. The systems also lower effluent pollution sustainably.
Treatment plants must resist corrosive elements to provide a consistent and safe water supply. Fortunately, fiberglass products are perfect for such demands. Their flexible levels of machinability and formability make them popular for use throughout water treatment plants.
Why Water Control Products are Important
Depending on their application, wastewater systems will vary in complexity and scale. Some are designed for small commercial use, while others are designed for heavy-duty purposes, such as treating millions of gallons of water. The majority of wastewater treatment systems are designed to satisfy the needs of sanitary stations, public parks, housing developments, rural developments, resorts, municipalities, recreation areas, educational institutions, etc.
Due to constant exposure to moisture and treatment chemicals, wastewater systems are highly susceptible to corrosion. This issue is important for planners, engineers, and facility managers to mitigate in order to comply with the strict local, state, and federal regulations.
Corrosion problems and infrastructure degradation often result from sulfuric acid and hydrogen sulfide exposure caused by anaerobic conditions. However, corrosion and other factors that can harm water and wastewater treatment systems are not matters to overlook. The systems must have good resistance to corrosion to guarantee a safe and consistent water supply.
Benefits of Fiberglass Products for Water and Wastewater Treatment
Fiberglass is an excellent material for many wastewater applications, particularly those with persistent anaerobic conditions. Fiberglass components can be fabricated with a corrosion-resistant barrier to combat these harsh conditions and eliminate issues with corrosion.
The material is extremely versatile and lightweight. Fiberglass products possess a high strength-to-weight ratio and can accommodate wastewater applications that require vacuum specifications.
There are many fiberglass applications in the water purification industry. These include processes such as industrial wastewater treatment, demineralization, oil demulsification, metal precipitation, chemical water treatment, odor control, chlorination, lime-soda treatment, disinfection, clarification, bioaugmentation, etc.
Fiberglass is also crucial in handling, storing, and processing chemical precipitants such as defoamers, flocculants, and coagulants.
Water Control Products from VPC Fiberglass
Fiberglass products should replace metal or concrete items in corrosive or challenging environments. We provide Scum Baffles and Weir Plates in any length and size and various configurations such as effluent, rectangular, V-notch, and sharp-crested. We also have other VPC Fiberglass products available, including splice plates, brackets, and washers.
Water control products from VPC Fiberglass are:
Strong
Light-weight
Corrosion Resistant
Maintenance Free
Versatile
Easy to Install
Our Products
The following water products made of fiberglass have great resistance to rusting and corrosion. They also lower the risk of environmental pollution due to leaks.
Neutralization vessels:These wastewater treatment tanks handle water PH levels adjustments
Piping:Fiberglass piping is used to ensure that corrosive elements do not harm the water supply
Clarifiers:Clarifiers are wastewater settling tanks that continuously remove solids deposited into them by sedimentation
Stacks:Stacksare critical components in engineered systems used for producing high purity water.
Contact Our Experts for Premium Water/Wastewater Control Solutions
Wastewater systems have specific demands that cannot be accomplished by all materials. Fortunately, fiberglass is a stable, high-performing material capable of meeting the demands of wastewater treatment facilities. Fiberglass products are suitable for wastewater systems thanks to their corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance, and water tightness. Fiberglass products are also structurally sound and cost-effective.
VPC is a leading supplier of high-quality fiberglass products, and we have an experienced team ready to guide you through the entire process, from design to fabrication to installation.Contact us today to learn more about VPC’s capabilities orrequest a quoteto get an estimate for your next project.
Posted by Virtual Polymer Compounds, LLC on | Comments Off on Packaged Manhole Systems 101
Packaged manhole systems are integrated systems crucial to sewage, water collection, utility, electrical, and communication applications. Manholes can be made from fiberglass or composite materials, and packaged manhole systems include a manhole reducer, manhole barrel, ladder, ladder assist, base mounting flange, and other components upstream or downstream of the manhole barrel. An effective packaged manhole system is quick to install and lasts a long time.
Composite manhole covers are constructed from fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) or fiberglass. Manhole covers made from fiberglass are an affordable option to control or measure piped flows. They are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, durable, cost-effective, and easy to install.
Learn more about the essential elements of packaged manhole systems and how to identify the various components.
Composite Manhole Stack
Stack elements are only required for composite manholes rated for H-20 loading—a type of composite manhole specially designed for installation in areas with high vehicular traffic. They are not used on aluminum pedestrian hatches or fiberglass domed top manholes. The installing contractor usually supplies the stack, or it is sold as part of a complete packaged manhole system. The stack elements include:
A. Manhole Cover: Also called a biscuit, a manhole cover is a removable composite (FRP) plate that covers the opening of a manhole to keep out unauthorized personnel and prevent people or debris from falling in. Manhole covers also come in cast iron, aluminum, or steel materials. Composite manhole covers are corrosion-resistant and cost-effective while offering long-term protection.
B. Manhole Cover Frame: The manhole cover frame can also be made from FRP, steel, aluminum, or cast iron. It allows the cover to form a watertight seal.
C. Grade/Adjustment Ring: This stack section is made from concrete and functions to bring the manhole cover to grade.
A. Ladder and Ladder Assist: The fiberglass ladder is reinforced with stainless steel and specially designed for use in manholes. It comes with non-slip treads for improved safety and meets or exceeds the safety standards set by OSHA. The ladder assist is an optional component in a manhole package. It is a stainless steel extension pole that offers easier access in and out of the manhole.
B. Confined Space Entry Sign (not pictured): This OSHA-compliant sign informs the public that the area is restricted and reminds workers of the potential hazards of working in confined spaces.
C. Manhole Reducer with Shoulder: Usually with a shoulder, the manhole reducer transitions the load from the stack elements to the manhole barrel walls.
E. Flow Elements / Meter: (flume, weir, ultrasonic mounting bracket, mag meter), grinder channel, energy absorber, stormwater screen, or diversion channel.
F. Closed Base: The closed base features a fully watertight construction that prevents the entry of groundwater.
G. End Connection: Pipe stubs, flanges, or caulking collars to direct flow in and out of the manhole.
Packaged Manhole Systems From Virtual Polymer Compounds
Virtual Polymer Compounds produces high-quality packaged manhole systems with the highest quality fiberglass materials. We have state-of-the-art technology to provide you with ideal solutions for nearly any environmental condition. Our experienced team of engineers is always on standby to guide you through the whole process, from manhole system design to manufacture to installation.
If you have any questions about our products and services, don’t hesitate to contact our support team. To get started on your next project, feel free to request a quote today.
Posted by Virtual Polymer Compounds, LLC on | Comments Off on Fiberglass Flumes for Flow Measurement
Flumes are specially designed static structures or fittings that restrict the flow of fluid by narrowing the available passage area within a system. These simple components measure and monitor the flow of fluid in free-flowing conditions. The flume can accelerate flow rate through changes in its elevation, the shape of the floor, and the narrowing of system sidewalls, which can transform a subcritical flow of fluid to a critical or even supercritical flow that operators can easily measure. With a variety of standard and custom flume types available, industries can choose the type that best fits their application.
Advantages of Fiberglass Flumes
Selecting the right flume for an application’s environment, flow rate, and channel type allow that application to capitalize on the key benefits of using flow measurement flumes. These include:
Control over fluid flow rate with high- and low-rate capabilities
Versatility, as they come in various sizes and shapes
Less head loss and easier debris passage in the stream of fluid compared to weirs
Accuracy in making flow predictions
Few maintenance requirements due to self-cleaning
Easy installation with a compact footprint
Readily available, including installation components
Fiberglass flumes give the flume more structural integrity and easy maintenance characteristics across diverse operating conditions and fluid types. The resin and glass fiber construction gives fiberglass some unique advantages for flume composition, including the versatility and malleability of the material. Fiberglass flumes also come in a wide range of shapes and colors for different operations. Properties of fiberglass that make it an excellent choice for flumes include:
Mechanical strength, despite its lightweight
Cost-effectiveness
Resistance to corrosion from chlorine and other chemicals or contaminants
Thermal, electrical, flame, pest, and microbe resistance
Ability to resist UV radiation damage with a gel coating
Flume vs. Weir
Both flumes and weirs control the open channel flow of fluid through a designated pathway. However, the way in which they guide and manage fluid flow is very different. Fluid passes through a flume, and fluid passes over the top of a weir. That dissimilarity in weir construction can introduce inertia in the fluid, reducing its head to approximately a quarter of that retained by a flume installation. Weirs have a dam plate that allows liquid pooling and results in lost force, as well as more frequent maintenance. Flumes, on the other hand, guide fluid and increase the force of its flow without significant head loss or lost potential. Flumes offer a better solution for moving fluid through a flat or low-gradient system of channels and ditches.
Posted by Virtual Polymer Compounds, LLC on | Comments Off on VPC Fiberglass Named Employer of the Year
VPC Fiberglass has been named “Employer of the Year” by The New Orleans Chamber of Commerce.
As one of the Nation’s top manufacturers of quality fiberglass products for industrial uses, we are proud to employ some of the best and brightest engineers, fabricators, and sales engineers in the industry. Our continued growth ensures that we can maintain our standing as a premier employer in Orleans County that is consistently hiring quality, skilled workers from the community.
Proudly manufacturing in the U.S.A means that on top of our standard offerings, each of our products can be customized to meet the needs of a specific project. Our service is unmatched, as skilled engineers work with you to create a custom solution for your application. We offer a wide range of products for a variety of industries including water and wastewater management, chemical, oil and gas, marine, air handling/HVAC, and more. We offer on-site installation and repair services and have a dedication to quality that is unmatched in the industry.
If you are interested in a career in Fiberglass Manufacturing, please visit our Employment Page to review the application process.
Posted by Virtual Polymer Compounds, LLC on | Comments Off on Fiberglass vs. Concrete
Cost-Effectiveness
The cost savings advantage of fiberglass is seen over concrete in the durability and longevity of the product.
Fiberglass products outperform precast concrete in almost all aspects except one: product cost. Precast concrete products are typically less expensive than fiberglass. However, the savings are short-lived. You may save money on your initial purchase cost, but once the additional costs associated with difficult installations, complex on-site repairs, or even needing to replace the entire product due to deterioration, will lead to increased cost in the long term.
Fiberglass products will not rot, corrode, warp, contract, expand, rust, dent, bow, shrink, twist, fade, blister, split, crack, deteriorate, or distort. Once the longevity of the product is factored into the equation, fiberglass is clearly the superior choice — ensuring maintenance-free and long-lasting performance.
Ease of Installation
Fiberglass is an ideal material for installation in terms of both time and ease.
Fiberglass products typically weigh substantially less than precast concrete products, therefore installation is accomplished with less manpower and time. Additionally, in the rare occasion that a fiberglass product becomes damaged and needs repair, fiberglass can be field repaired much more easily than concrete, including on-site repairs.
Corrosion Resistance
The intrinsically corrosion-resistant nature of fiberglass makes it an ideal choice.
It is hard to give an average life span for precast concrete products since there are many factors that may cause deterioration at different rates. Concrete is susceptible to Microbial Induced Concrete Corrosion (MICC). MICC is a process by which sulfuric acid, found in most wastewater systems when hydrogen sulfide gas and bacteria react, attacks and degrades the concrete.
Fiberglass products, on the other hand, can withstand drastic and unpredictable chemical and environmental challenges. Fiberglass products are resistant to hydrogen sulfide and many other forms of corrosion. Simply stated, fiberglass will not corrode like concrete and has a much longer life span.
Structure
The structure of fiberglass lends itself to structural soundness and durability.
Fiberglass products are as structurally strong as concrete; in fact, the strength-to-weight ratio for fiberglass is astonishing. Items made from fiberglass will not rot or rust, expand or contract, crack, or deteriorate the way alternative materials would.
Unlike concrete, a fiberglass product that is 30 years old is just as structurally sound as it was the day it was made. Concrete products can appear structurally sound at first, but over time corrosion and cracks caused by expansion and contraction severely affect the structural integrity of the concrete. Fiberglass products, however, experience no loss in strength over time.
Fabrication
When it comes to fabrication, there are several advantages to working with fiberglass.
Fiberglass products are fabricated from a lightweight, non-porous material in strong one-piece molds. Precast concrete is typically created and installed in sections due to its massive weight.
Since there are no joints in fiberglass products, unlike concrete, infiltration, and contamination at the site are highly unlikely. Concrete is also vulnerable to penetration and damage from underground roots. When fresh groundwater enters the system, it can cause an increase in wastewater levels, leading to an increase in treatment costs and even a possible need for oversized water treatment plants.
uring in the U.S.A means that on top of our standard offerings, each of our products can be customized to meet the needs of a specific project. Our service is unmatched, as skilled engineers work with you to create a custom solution for your application. We offer a wide range of products for a variety of industries including water and wastewater management, chemical, oil and gas, marine, air handling/HVAC, and more. We offer on-site installation and repair services and have a dedication to quality that is unmatched in the industry.