All about this high-performance lining material
The introduction of ENPEX FPP
We line metal water tanks with a film liner in order to create a 100% watertight construction. Around the globe several materials are used to line metal water tanks. In the past century, the majority of the metal water tanks in Western Europe were lined with PVC. PVC is a cost-effective material, easy to process and widely available. Still, the material’s limited UV resistance and associated limitations, such as its reduced lifespan, led to an increased demand for a more durable film type by the end of the century. That is why a new type of lining material was gradually introduced. At first, this new type of lining material was more expensive and relatively unknown, but as the production techniques improved and the film proved its value in practice, it started to gain market share.
Today, we cannot imagine working without it in water storage. Of course, we are talking about the current golden standard of water storage lining materials: ENPEX FPP.
What is ENPEX FPP?
ENPEX FPP (Flexible Polypropylene) is a film made from a resin that combines ethylene-propylene rubber particles with a polypropylene base. This creates a flexible, strong material that can handle tough conditions. The rubber particles are evenly dispersed throughout the polypropylene, which gives the film its durability. Unlike some other films, it doesn’t require any added chemicals to stay flexible.
What are the advantages of ENPEX FPP?
The evenly spread ethyleen-propyleen particles in the polypropylene matrix create a series of convincing benefits:
- ENPEX FPP offers high resistance in weathering and UV
- The material is highly resistant against puncture, tear and multiaxial strain at rupture, abrasion and cold weather
- ENPEX FPP is generally resistant to many chemicals and is therefore suitable for storing different types of liquids, including manure
- It has a long lifetime; it will last for decades with proper maintenance and handling
- ENPEX FPP doesn’t contain softeners
- The film can be welded at a very wide window of temperatures, allowing for many applications not suitable to other materials.
- The material is extremely flexible and conforms perfectly to the surface, ensuring maximum grip even on slopes or uneven ground.
- ENPEX FPP can be prefabricated and folded for transport to the installation site in large ready-to-use surfaces. This offers a significant reduction in field welding compared to the more rigid types of geomembranes.
- Low risk of shrinkage or deformation
- It is available in a wide range of sizes
Processability
ENPEX FPP is known for being easy to handle, weld and install, also in large-scale projects. We prefabricate ENPEX FPP under perfect conditions in our factory, and we subsequently transport the large film sheets folded to the site. This saves time and improves installation and quality control.
ENPEX FPP can be easily welded using hot wedge welding, extrusion welding or even patched with a heat gun. Our optimised production process, efficient work protocols and the sizes of the rolls enable our production team to process ENPEX FPP very efficiently.
For what applications is ENPEX FPP used?
We apply ENPEX FPP as lining material in water storage applications, including steel water tanks and excavated basins. These water storage systems serve various markets, such as horticulture, agriculture, aquaculture, industries, manure storage, firefighting, community water and many more. ENPEX FPP is chemically inert and does not release substances to the water, making it an optimal choice too in delicate applications requiring material stability and high safety requirements.
Manure certification
Manure storage is often governed by legislation. To comply with these regulations, it is important to use a high-quality fluid tight manure liner. NPI as a company, its professional welders and ENPEX FPP 0,75 and 1,0 mm are all certified by the international recognised certification body KIWA.
Availability and technical datasheet
NPI usually supplies ENPEX FPP in the thickness of 0,6 mm, 0,75 mm and 1,0 mm in the colour black, also to climatical demanding regions worldwide. Other colours and sizes are available on request. Read our technical datasheet here.
