REINFORCEKiT® 4D, External corrosion (3 defects) – Middle-East
High-performance composite repair solution for pipe reinforcement
Overview
The objective of the repair, carried out in June 2022 by 3X ENGINEERING (3X) local distributor was to reinforce 3 different lines transporting oil (located in Offshore platform) and suffering from external corrosion ==> sweepolet, 6" riser and 12" bended pipe. To restore their 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. Hardness measurements were performed 3 days after job completion and concluded the good achievement of these repairs using REINFORCEKIT® 4D product. Lifetime design for sweepolet and 12" bended pipe is 10 years and 20 years for the 6" riser.
 Defect type |
External corrosion (3 defects) |
Details |
Sweepolet (35°C, 9 bars); 6" riser (95°C, 220 bars); 12" bended pipe (70°C, 19 bars) |
Location |
Middle-East |
3X Product type |
REINFORCEKiT® 4D |
SCOPE OF WORK
According to ASME PCC-2 standard and 3X calculations, it was decided to apply R4D using R3X95 resin (specially used for repairing pipe operating up to 95°C). Four layers of composite were determined to reinforce each defected area. Surface preparation was completed using Bristle Blaster machine to get a good surface roughness (superior to 60µm Rz) and ensure a good bonding between the steel pipe and the composite repair system. Then hygrometric conditions were checked and the surface was degreased with acetone.
The composite repair was then completed following 4 main stages, as below:
- F3X8 filler was applied on the defected areas to smooth the shape (this step was not necessary for 6" riser reinforcement).
- One layer of R3X95 resin was then applied on the defected area to protect the surface from corrosion and ensure a good wetting of the composite wrapping with the steel pipe.
- Composite wrapping was completed using Kevlar® tape impregnated with R3X95 resin ==> 4 layers were installed for a total repair length of 120mm for sweepolet repair, 1300mm for riser repair and 402mm for bended pipe repair.
- Last layer of R3X95 resin was applied all over the repairs as finishing stage and id plate was installed over each reinforcement for traceability.
