[Hankuk Carbon, Our Story] LEAPS: The Future of Water Resource Infrastructure
<p><img alt="" src="https://www.hcarbon.com/upload/ckeditor/22c8d041-16de-4ba0-8b13-0f9fff7f0fab.jpg" style="width: 70%;" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>A city's pipes and plumbing are like the blood vessels in our bodies. Just as blood vessels deliver oxygen to sustain life, pipes supply water and gas as essential infrastructure that keeps a city breathing. Did you know that composite materials also play a key role in these pipes?</p>
<p><br />
In this episode, we visit LEAPS Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Hankuk Carbon, to explore their next-generation glass fiber composite pipe, KOA<sup>+</sup>, in detail.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>LEAPS, Leading the Pipe Industry</strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img alt="" src="https://www.hcarbon.com/upload/ckeditor/54b35ab0-5b50-427f-bc2a-acd2f22d9750.jpg" style="width: 70%;" /></p>
<p><br />
Located in Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, LEAPS specializes in glass fiber composite pipes. The company leads the pipe industry by utilizing <strong>GRP (Glass-fiber Reinforced Plastic)</strong>, which has exceptional physical properties.</p>
<p><br />
As you enter the site, numerous glass fiber composite pipes are proudly displayed in plain sight, typically buried underground or embedded in walls. These are none other than LEAPS’ flagship product, <strong>KOA<sup>+</sup>.</strong></p>
<p><br />
KOA<sup>+</sup> pipes are crafted by combining glass fiber and silica sand with thermosetting resin. They overcome the limitations of traditional metal pipes by maximizing various advantages, such as lightweight properties, durability, and corrosion resistance.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img alt="" src="https://www.hcarbon.com/upload/ckeditor/4d1b4377-b8ca-4415-9e22-fbd5d6fd09fa.jpg" style="width: 70%;" /></p>
<p><br />
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a subsidiary of the WHO, classifies glass fiber as <strong>safe (Group 3, same as green tea)</strong> and poses no harm to humans. KOA<sup>+</sup> boasts outstanding corrosion resistance, durability, and water tightness, ensuring usability for over 50 years. Additionally, its lighter weight reduces installation costs, making it a revolutionary innovation in water resource infrastructure.</p>
<p><br />
By adjusting material composition ratios and manufacturing processes, KOA<sup>+</sup> can be customized to meet the specific needs of clients across various applications, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Water supply and sewage systems</li>
<li>Piping for power plants and chemical plants</li>
<li>Industrial piping</li>
<li>Seawater intake and discharge pipelines</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>How </strong></span><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>KOA<sup>+ </sup>Pipes Are Made</strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img alt="" src="https://www.hcarbon.com/upload/ckeditor/cb0732de-f671-43bf-8084-809a9600161e.jpg" style="width: 70%;" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>LEAPS manufactures KOA<sup>+</sup> straight pipes by continuously wrapping glass fiber and resin around a rotating, long cylindrical mold. This method called the Continuous Filament Winding (CFW) process, enhances production efficiency and is a key driver of KOA<sup>+</sup>’s competitive edge.</p>
<p><br />
Completed KOA<sup>+</sup> pipes feature a four-layer cross-sectional structure, reinforced in multiple directions, resulting in exceptional durability that withstands high pressure and heavy loads.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img alt="" src="https://www.hcarbon.com/upload/ckeditor/e6cd7c1c-63f3-460c-a79e-7116a6d5e64b.jpg" style="width: 70%;" /></p>
<p><br />
Furthermore, KOA<sup>+</sup> undergoes rigorous post-production testing with advanced equipment to ensure <strong>safety, physical properties, and hydraulic performance</strong>. These tests confirm that the pipes can maintain <strong>a lifespan exceeding 50 years </strong>and <strong>resist corrosion</strong> even in extreme environments, such as exposure to seawater or acidic and alkaline soils. Some tests are so meticulous that they take over a year to complete, reinforcing product quality confidence.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>LEAPS stands for <strong>“Lightweight, Eco-Friendly, Affordable Pipe System,”</strong> which embodies the company’s vision of developing next-generation water and sewage systems using lightweight, sustainable, and cost-effective pipes. True to its name, LEAPS is preparing for a significant leap forward as a leader in composite material-based water and sewage systems.</p>
<p><br />
The innovative story of LEAPS continues. Stay tuned for more exciting insights in our next episode!</p>
- Composites
- GRP Pipe
- KOA+
- Infrastructure
- LEAPS
See More