REINFORCEKiT® 4D, Internal acidic corrosion – Central Asia
High-performance composite repair solution for pipe reinforcement
Overview
The aim of the repair, performed in October 2019 by 3X ENGINEERING (3X) local distributor was to reinforce a 42" gas pipeline damaged by 3 internal acidic corrosion defects, leading to hazardous loss of containment in one location. To restore pipe integrity and prevent further deterioration, it was decided to repair the defected areas using 3X composite repair solution REINFORCEKIT® 4D (R4D).
Results
Samples of resin were taken during each tape impregnation for quality control and hardness measurements were performed 72 hours after job completion and concluded this successful repair using REINFORCEKIT 4D product. Congratulations to our distributor for this excellent job mixing several geometries and big diameter.
 Defect type |
Internal acidic corrosion (3 defects) |
Details |
42" gas pipeline, straight line, bend and tee, op. temp. 50°C, design pressure 20 bars |
Location |
Central Asia |
3X Product type |
REINFORCEKiT® 4D |
SCOPE OF WORK
According to ISO 24.817 standard and 3X calculations, it was decided to apply R4D using R3X70+ resin recommended for internal corrosion. Three damaged areas were identified to be repaired: 2 defected areas on straight lines and 1 defected zone occuring on area made up of bend and tee. Surface preparation was completed using Bristle Blaster machine to remove remaining coating and create a good surface roughness (superior to 60µm Rz) and ensure a good bonding between the pipe and the composite repair system. Then hygrometric conditions were checked and the surface was degreased and cleaned.
The composite repairs were then completed following the main stages mentioned below:
- One layer of R3X70+ resin was applied on the whole prepared surfaces to ensure the good impregnation of the first tape layer.
- Composite wrapping was then completed using Kevlar® tape impregnated with R3X70+ resin. The repair design relies on the occurrence of maximum through-wall defect of 20mmx20mm.
- Defect No. 1 bend and tee: 6 layers were applied on the tee (2000mm) and 6 layers also applied on the bend (3000mm) with additional layers applied on the leak area (total of 18 layers for 600mm).
- Defect No. 2 straight line: 6 layers were applied for a total length of 500mm.
- Defect No. 3 straight line: 6 layers were applied for a total length of 2500mm.
- Last layer of R3X70+ resin was applied all over the repairs as finalization stage and id plate was installed over each reinforcement for traceability.
