REINFORCEKiT® 4D, External corrosion (4 defects) – Europe
High-performance composite repair solution for pipe reinforcement
Overview
The objective of the repair, carried out in July 2022 by 3X ENGINEERING (3X) and its local distributor was to reinforce a 20.9" gas pipeline suffering from 4 external corrosion defects, situated in 4 different locations. 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. Hardness measurements were performed 2 days after job completion and concluded the good achievement of this repair using REINFORCEKIT® 4D product. This composite reinforcement is designed for lasting 20 years.
 Defect type |
External corrosion (4 defects) |
Details |
20.9" gas pipeline, straight line, calculated pressure 39 bars, max. op. temperature 20°C |
Location |
Europe |
3X Product type |
REINFORCEKiT® 4D |
SCOPE OF WORK
According to ASME PCC-2 standard and 3X calculations, it was decided to apply R4D using R3X55 resin. Four layers of composite were determined to reinforce each defected area. Surface preparation was completed using sandblasting 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 (the procedure was the same for the 4 defected areas):
- F3X8 filler was applied on the defected area to smooth the shape.
- One layer of R3X55 resin was then applied on the defected area (previously delimited) 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 R3X55 resin (4 layers were installed for a total repair length of 1040mm for 1st site, 1900mm for 2nd site, 890mm for 3rd site and 3500mm for last site).
- Last layer of R3X55 resin was applied all over the repair as finishing stage and id plate was installed over each reinforcement for traceability.
