EQUIPMENT LITERATURE
Manufacturing Plant for GRP Tanks and Pipes
Filament Winding Machine
The Windtech 2000 range covers a broad spectrum of plant for the manufacture of Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) cylindrical vessels using multi-layered filament winding techniques. The core component in the production of GRP vessels is the filament-winding unit.
Introduction
The Windtech 2000 range is built by a partnership between two Maltese organisations SilverCraft Products Ltd. and Tua Engineering Ltd. The former, having been in the GRP pipe and vessel manufacturing industry for over 20 years, brings GRP technology and know how into the partnership. Tua Engineering Ltd. provides the expertise to build the modern and sophisticated state-of-the-art control system required for this equipment. Along with the physical equipment this strong partnership provides the necessary know how to allow the customer to set up GRP tank and pipe manufacturing.
Automation features
All Windtech 2000 components are highly automated This is epitomised in the Filament Winding Unit, so that minimal operator intervention is required. The operator need only set up the pipe mandrel, make sure it contains sufficient raw materials, specify the quantity and type of layers required after which he can set the machine in operation. The next intervention is only required after the pipe/tank shell is complete
Ruggedized industrial grade programmable controllers (PLC) and variable frequency drives are at the heart of the control unit. This equipment interfaces with a number of high quality strategically located sensors such as incremental encoders, strain gauge load cells, level sensors and limit switches to allow automatic, safe, reliable and efficient production of pipe and tank shells.
Product Features
Each unit is built according to the client’s specific requirements, generally incorporating the features outlined below:
 | Diameters from 150mm to 3500mm |
| Maximum pipe/tank length of 12000mm |
| Unit can handle up to a maximum of 54 filament bobbins |
| Resin capacity that exceeds 750kgs |
| Ceramic guides and stainless steel are used in the filament transport mechanism |
| Stainless steel parts in contact with hardener |
| In-built acetone cleaning unit |
| Automatic control of resin to hardener ratio |
| Automatic control of resin impregnation bath level using non contact weight technology |
| Pipe/tank layer specification can be easily changed per user requirements and pressure rating |
| Chopped glass fibre delivered through one or two chopper guns |
| Fully automated pipe winding operation |
| Weight record of glass and resin utilised |
| Optional Silica sand storage and delivery system |
| Optional remote logging of operation |
| Additional mandrel drive units for higher productivity |
| Optional infra-red heating unit for accelerated curing |
Weaving Possibilities
| 54o winding angle with pattern maintained almost to the end of the pipe |
| Straight or 5o winding angle |
| Straight winding angle plus silica sand |
| Straight winding angle plus chopped glass |
| Straight winding angle plus silica sand and chopped glass |
Manufactured in association with
SilverCraft
Products Ltd.