HLB ENG’s Materials Business — Specialists in High-Quality GRP Pipes
Proven track record of orders from domestic and international shipyards, offshore plants, power plants, and petrochemical facilities
Since 2009, HLB ENG’s Materials Division has been specializing in the production of high-quality GRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic) pipes for shipyards, offshore plants, power plants, and petrochemical plants both in Korea and overseas. These GRP pipes are used as alternatives to traditional steel pipes, offering longer service life and lower maintenance costs. Recently, GRP pipes are predominantly used in SOx scrubbers and Ballast Lines, gaining attention in the new shipbuilding or Retrofit market.
GRP pipes can be manufactured with a wide range of physical and chemical properties by selecting the right combination of materials, quantities, and specific production processes. Since 2009, HLB ENG has been supplying GRE pipes to major domestic shipyards in Korea and renowned shipyards in Japan. We are a registered GRE pipe supplier for leading companies such as Hyundai Heavy Industries, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, and Oshima Shipbuilding. To date, our products have been installed on approximately 750 vessels.
Technology
GRP Pipe Fabrication Technology by HLB ENG
Filament Winding
During the manufacturing of GRP pipes, filament winding equipment is used. The inner surface of the pipe is wound with resin-soaked glass fiber until the desired thickness is achieved. By adjusting the winding angle for overlap, the uniformity and high quality of the GRE/GRP pipes are ensured.
Hand Lay-up
The hand lay-up method, a common technique in GRP pipe production, involves applying a release agent to the mold and then layering materials like Surface Mat and Roving Cloth to achieve the required thickness and strength. This versatile method facilitates the production of pipes in a wide range of sizes and complex shapes.
Joining Methods
Various joining methods are used in GRP pipe production, including Bell and Spigot, Butt and Wrap, Flange Joint, and Double O-Ring Expansion Coupling Joint. Each of these methods offers distinct advantages such as fast installation, easy handling, high-pressure resistance, and effective relief of external stress.
We have extensive experience and technical expertise in various composite material applications, including Scrubber Line and Ballast Line for ships.
We manufacture high-quality GRP pipes using technologies such as filament winding, hand lay-up, various GRP pipe jointing methods, vacuum molding, and pultrusion. Our products are well recognized in both domestic and international markets.
HLB ENG’s Materials Division specializes in supplying high-quality GRP pipes to shipyards, offshore plants, power plants, and petrochemical facilities both in Korea and overseas.
GRP pipes offer longer service life and lower maintenance costs compared to traditional steel pipes. At HLB ENG, we produce high-quality GRP pipes using manufacturing methods such as filament winding and hand lay-up, as well as advanced jointing techniques, vacuum molding, and pultrusion. In particular, our vacuum infusion technology enables the production of higher-strength components compared to the hand lay-up method, and is used in applications such as automotive parts and other high-strength composite products.
Leveraging our technical expertise, HLB ENG has earned the trust of major shipyards and is successfully supplying GRE/GRP pipes to both newbuilding and retrofit markets in Korea and abroad.
Filament Winding
During the manufacturing of GRP pipes, filament winding equipment is used. The inner surface of the pipe is wound with resin-soaked glass fiber until the desired thickness is achieved. By adjusting the winding angle for overlap, the uniformity and high quality of the GRE/GRP pipes are ensured.
Hand Lay-up
The hand lay-up method, a common technique in GRP pipe production, involves applying a release agent to the mold and then layering materials like Surface Mat and Roving Cloth to achieve the required thickness and strength. This versatile method facilitates the production of pipes in a wide range of sizes and complex shapes.
Joining Methods
Various joining methods are used in GRP pipe production, including Bell and Spigot, Butt and Wrap, Flange Joint, and Double O-Ring Expansion Coupling Joint. Each of these methods offers distinct advantages such as fast installation, easy handling, high-pressure resistance, and effective relief of external stress.
Vacuum Infusion
Vacuum infusion is a technique used to manufacture products requiring higher strength and quality compared to those produced with the hand lay-up method. This technology prevents the formation of bubbles and overuse of resin, and is widely used in various fields, including vehicle parts, boats, eco-friendly products, wing sail systems, and rotor sail systems.
Pultrusion Method
The pultrusion method is a process where a mixture of reinforcement material and resin is continuously pulled through a mold to create a structure with a consistent cross-sectional shape. This technology offers benefits such as higher fire resistance, corrosion resistance, high strength, and lightweight compared to cast iron or steel. It is primarily used in the production of civil engineering and construction materials, pipes, and structural beams.
