Composite Fluid Transfer LLC — a Kilgore, Texas-based manufacturer of fluid transfer piping systems — has won a JEC Americas 2013 Innovation Award in the Pipes & Water Management category for its Fiberflex?-11 composite pressure pipe. The pipe, specifically designed for general water transport infrastructure, incorporates Florence, Ky.-based Ticona's Celstran? CFR-TP continuous fiberglass reinforced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) thermoplastic composite tape, which is wound around an extruded thin-wall HDPE thermoplastic liner and heat-consolidated by Composite Fluid Transfer's own propriety process. The pipe also features an outer layer of HDPE film from Houston-based Valéron Strength Films that provides ultraviolet and abrasion protection.
The Fiberflex-11 pipe weighs 4.26 pounds per foot - considerably less than comparable diameter- and pressure-rated composite and plastic pipes - and may easily be lifted and carried by two people, according to Ticona. In addition, the pipe may be altered to operate at higher pressures and temperatures, in tougher environments and with larger diameters with any type of piping system connections.
Innegra Technologies LLC — a Greenville-based manufacturer of high-performance fibers for composites applications — has won a JEC Americas 2013 Innovation Award in the Fibers category for its Innegra H series of hybrid yarns for use in composite applications. The line comprises high-performance olefin yarns that are combined with other high-performance composite fibers - including carbon, glass, basalt and aramid - to provide increased durability and shatter resistance. Innegra H fibers may be used in a variety of processes for different applications including ballistics, marine, protective apparel, luggage, sporting goods and automotive.
Innegra Technologies is in the process of completing field testing and trial applications for Innegra H, and expects there will be increased commercial availability of the product following its debut at the JEC Americas 2013 show.
The Innovation Awards will be presented at the JEC Composites Show & Conferences, to be held October 2-4 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
