ONLINE LEAK SEALING SOLUTION FOR EMERGENCY PIPE REPAIR
| DEFECT TYPE | Pinholes (50mm & 10mm Ø) – Hydrostatic tests |
| DETAILS | 10” straight line – pressure 430 psi - 1160 psi (50mm - 10mm respectively) – temperature 30°C |
| LOCATION | BARANOA - ATLANTICO (COLOMBIA) |
| 3X PRODUCT | STOPKiT® |
OVERVIEW
The objective of this test, performed in Colombia, was to contain water leaks of different diameters (50mm & 10mm) on 10” straight line.
As per the technical training given by 3X ENGINEERING specialists to the client, STOPKiT® were successfully installed.
Two defects were simulated, in order to test STOPKiT® 50 (patch size 50x50mm – can fix a leakage of max. 10mm size and up to 1160 psi) and STOPKiT® 100 (patch size 50x100mm – can fix a leakage of max. 50mm size and up to 435 psi).
SCOPE OF WORK
Hydrostatic tests were performed at different pressures for the two holes (50mm & 10mm Ø). These leaks were stopped using STOPKiT® 100 and STOPKiT® 50 respectively. The aim was to evaluate the performance of the product as an emergency leak sealing system.
The procedure for both leaks was performed following 4 main stages:
1- Position the STOPKiT® next to the leak using STOPKiT® Positioner device and tight softly to let a free sliding capacity.
2- Slide the STOPKiT® over the leak. Rubber patch is perfectly centered on the leak thanks to STOPKiT® Positioner device.
3- Tight alternatively the right screw and the left screw to keep the two bars parallel. Repeat until torque reaches 40 Nm for both screws.
4- Screw anti-vibration nuts. Leak sealing completed.
RESULTS
STOPKiT® 100 exceeded the pressure values specified by the manufacturer and maintained the pressure during the decrease-increase pressure cycles. STOPKiT® 50 reached the pressure values specified by the manufacturer and maintained the pressure during the decrease-increase pressure cycles.
The results of this tests proved the capabilities of STOPKiT® products to control efficiently on-line leakages. This is a temporary solution that allows to deal with the emergency and schedule peacefully the permanent repair in the upcoming weeks or months.