UNIQUE POLYMER SYSTEMS offers advanced protective solutions for infrastructure exposed to harsh environmental conditions. This case study details the successful protection of GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) pipes from UV degradation using UPS 510 UN UNI-NOX, a water-based acrylic membrane with excellent UV stability.

After 12 years of exposure to environmental elements, a set of GRP pipes began to show signs of UV degradation. This degradation posed a risk to the structural integrity of the pipes, necessitating an effective protective solution to prevent further damage and extend their operational life.

The primary challenge was to apply a protective coating that would effectively shield the GRP pipes from UV degradation while adhering well to the existing surface. The solution needed to provide long-term protection and be durable enough to withstand further exposure to the elements.

UNIQUE POLYMER SYSTEMS provided a comprehensive protection solution using UPS 510 UN UNI-NOX, a single-component water-based acrylic membrane known for its UV stability and anti-corrosion properties. The application process involved the following steps:

Surface Preparation

- All surfaces of the GRP pipes were mechanically abraded using handheld mechanical grinders equipped with a rotary wire brush. This preparation ensured that the protective coating would adhere effectively to the surface.

Application of UPS 510 UN UNI-NOX

- Two coats of UPS 510 UN were applied to the prepared surfaces at a wet film thickness of 400 microns per coat. Once cured, the coating formed a seamless layer with a total dry film thickness of 500 microns.

The application of UPS 510 UN successfully protected the GRP pipes from further UV degradation. The durable coating provided a predicted design life of 10-15 years to the first maintenance, significantly extending the service life of the pipes and maintaining their structural integrity.

This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of UNIQUE POLYMER SYSTEMS' protective coatings in safeguarding infrastructure from environmental damage. Our advanced materials and precise application techniques provided a reliable solution that ensured the long-term durability of the GRP pipes.