REINFORCEKiT® STRUCTURE, Damaged offshore wind turbine – Europe
Composite solution for structural repair
Overview
The goal of this 1st job performed in wind sector in December 2022 by 3X ENGINEERING (3X) specialists was to restore an offshore wind CPS at 9-meter depth where there was a default on the CPS bend stiffener interface. To guarantee the cable integrity, it was decided to repair the defected area using 3X composite repair solution REINFORCEKIT STRUCTURE made of Kevlar® tape and 3X specific subsea resin.
Results
This project was a great opportunity to enlarge our range of application and confirm our proven expertise and know-how in structural repairs. Composite wrapping was done effectively in less than 60 minutes and hardness measurements performed 13 days after job completion concluded the success of this job.
 Defect type |
Damaged offshore wind turbine |
Details |
12.9" pipe, water, seamless, design pressure 2 bars, design temperature 20°C |
Location |
Europe |
3X Product type |
REINFORCEKIT® STRUCTURE |
SCOPE OF WORK
The repair design was performed according to ASME PCC-2 standard and 3X calculations. Preliminary operations were performed underwater before composite wrapping: inspection and measurement of the defect to define the preformed composite plate to be applied, and surface preparation of the defected area using diamond point tool to achieve a good surface state and ensure a good bonding with the composite repair. These preliminary operations and composite wrapping were performed by divers previously trained and supervised by 3X Subsea Specialist who checked the product implementation remotely (from control room).
This particular application, previously defined and prepared by 3X team, needed different stages to be optimal:
- Preformed composite sleeve installation: Preformed composite sleeve was installed over the defect and maintained using 3X water activated prepreg system. Tie wraps were added on prepreg system during curing time to avoid a tape disbonding.
- Subsea primer application: 3X subsea primer was applied on the whole surface to be repaired to provide good grip with the composite material.
- Composite wrapping: Composite wrapping was then completed using Kevlar® tape impregnated with 3X subsea resin (20 layers were applied over 750mm length to repair the cable).
