Future Pipe Industries (FPI), a leader in fiberglass composite piping systems, is a key contributor to the success of major projects in the region.
The fiberglass composite piping systems are made from fiberglass strands treated with a composite resin. "These piping systems have proven that they were the most appropriate for use in the harsh environment found in the Arabian Gulf, as well as in the handling of the highly corrosive substances that they carry," says a spokesman for FPI.
Providing a recent example of the company's involvement in a major project in the UAE, he says: "When Alstom Power (formerly ABB Sadeimi) was commissioned to carry out the Ruwais refinery expansion for Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), they embarked on an extensive project to upgrade the general utility plant and the services that it provided. The plant was the third package of the expansion. This package called for an increase in the capacity of the refinery located in Ruwais, as well as the consequent increase in the capacity of some of the utility systems. These included desalination units, drainage systems, fire-fighting systems, and the construction of new onshore seawater transmission lines.
"Given the importance and the complexity of this project, Alstom Power contacted FPI for assistance in the design and manufacture of the various piping systems that would be required for this project," he says.
Alstom Power worked closely with FPI engineers in the design of the piping systems. FPI's engineers, supported with expertise from Dynaflow International, have designed and implemented most of the piping systems used in desalination plants throughout the region and as a result, they were able to contribute expert ideas that achieved significant savings starting from the early design stages, says Stephen Jones, the area sales manager for industrial systems for the group.
The project was carried out under FPI's Single Point Responsibility system. Under this system, FPI, supported by its engineering affiliate Dynaflow International, takes on the full responsibility of the piping system, including design, testing, manufacturing, installation, commissioning and documentation. The client is thereby assured of dealing with one party that is responsible for the smooth operation of the entire project.
Imad Makhzoumi, vice-president of sales and marketing for the Future Pipe Group and the driving force behind the creation of the Single Point Responsibility system, says: "We recognised a need for a more responsible involvement in these major projects, and developed this system in order to assure our clients of the integrity of their piping systems, and to provide them with the most efficient, cost effective, and timely solution for their piping needs".
Among the piping systems that FPI provided to the project were the fire water systems, onshore seawater transmission and cooling lines, as well as oily water drainage, drinking water, distilled water and chlorination lines. These systems required extensive engineering, testing using computerised models, special handling in transportation, packaging and installation, as well as on-site hydrotesting.
"Due to the complexity and fast pace of these projects, a single responsible party is the best solution for handling these projects. Our vast experience and resources were put to the test on this project, and I am proud of the results," says Jones.
"The magnitude and scope of these major projects throughout the Gulf have necessitated that a supplier act as a responsible party with extensive involvement in every aspect of the project. The severity of the consequences of failure has prompted all parties concerned to take on significant responsibilities, particularly where failures can result in catastrophic losses and environmental disasters. With every success, however, companies such as FPI have developed from local suppliers to become internationally recognised players in their respective fields of expertise," he adds.
