REINFORCEKiT® 4D, Internal metal loss – Middle-East
High-performance composite repair solution for pipe reinforcement
Overview
The aim of the repairs, performed in November 2022 by 3X ENGINEERING (3X) local distributor was to reinforce a 4.5" oil pipeline damaged by 6 internal corrosion defects located on bends and straight lines. 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 after job completion and concluded these successful repairs using REINFORCEKIT® 4D product.
 Defect type |
Internal metal loss (6 defects) |
Details |
4.5" oil pipeline, straight lines and bends, repair design temp. 50-85°C, design pres. 30-35 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 to suit with the technical specificities of the pipe. Six damaged areas were identified to be repaired: 3 defected areas on straight lines and 3 defected zones on bends. Surface preparation was completed using Bristle Blaster machine to achieve a good surface state and surface profile (superior to 60µm Rz) and ensure a good bonding between the pipe and the composite repair system. Then hygrometric conditions were checked and the whole prepared surfaces were degreased and cleaned using acetone.
The composite repairs were then completed following the main stages mentioned below:
- 3X filler application over the defects to provide good adhesion of the composite material.
- One layer of R3X95 resin was applied on the whole prepared surfaces to ensure the good impregnation of the first tape layer.
- Composite wrappings were then completed using Kevlar® tape impregnated with R3X95 resin.
- Defect No. 1 bend: 28 layers were applied for a total repair length of 431mm.
- Defect No. 2 straight line: 4 layers were applied for a total repair length of 5153mm.
- Defects No. 3 & 4 straight line: 6 layers were applied for a total repair length of 191mm for each defect.
- Defects No. 5 & 6 bend: 6 layers were applied for a total repair length of 199mm for each defect.
- Last layer of R3X95 resin was applied all over the repairs as fínalization stage and id plate was installed over each reinforcement for traceability.
