Key Features
- High-strength fiberglass-reinforced polyester or vinyl ester panels with UV-stable gelcoat finish. Available in smooth or ribbed profiles for strength. Continuous glass fibers (often 30–40% by weight) aligned for rigidity. Good impact resistance and fire retardant grades available.
Benefits
- Provide weather-tight, waterproof exterior walls that resist environmental degradation. No corrosion or rot, unlike wood or metal sheets. The stiff FRP construction spans larger areas without sagging, thanks to the high fiber content. Low installation cost (lightweight, snaps together) and negligible maintenance (no painting or waterproofing needed). Excellent thermal stability reduces warping in sun.
Applications
- Encloses crossflow tower cells, forming the sidewalls of counterflow towers, and often used for inlet or outlet walls. Also used for collector or distribution basins in modular or field-erected towers. FRP cladding can be custom-colored and shaped to match architectural requirements.
Technical Specifications
- Common panel thickness ranges from 5–15 mm. Long panels (up to 12 m) are available. Typical flexural strength is 80–130 MPa and modulus ~3–5 GPa. Panels often meet Class 1 flame spread (for non-fire-rated). Standard color is light gray, but other colors can be made.
Unique Selling Points (USPs)
- Engineered specifically for cooling towers: FRP panels are “maintenance-free, high-strength” and “do not corrode in wet or tough industrial conditions”. With UV-protected resin, they keep their color and performance for decades. They also weigh far less than metal or concrete panels, enabling simpler tower framing.