INNOVATIVE REPAIR SOLUTION FOR YOUR INSTALLATIONS
DEFECT TYPES SF6 gas leaks on flanges
ONLINE SF6 LEAK
SEALING SOLUTION
FOR FLANGE REPAIR
Fig. 1: Type of flange to be fixed
Fig. 2: Soft shell installation
Fig. 3: Composite reinforcement
Fig. 4: Hard shell installed and
hold with ratchet belts
Fig. 5: REFLANGEKiT installed
Final overview
DETAILS Inspection cover - AREVA - tension 400kv -
pressure 5.2 bars - install. temp. 25°C
LOCATION UK
3X SOLUTION REFLANGEKiT®
OVERVIEW
The objective of the repair, performed in July 2017 by 3X ENGINEERING (3X) and its
local distributor EMT was to repair 5 leaking flanges with SF6 gas.
SCOPE OF WORK
After data analysis and 3X calculations, 3X Engineering Department decided to
manufacture a specific mould so that REFLANGEKiT® product perfectly fits to the flange
geometry and seal SF6 leaks.
All the following information describe the steps performed to fix the leaks on live assets.
The same implementation was completed for each flange. The flanges to be repaired
were located at 4m-high, therefore scaffholding with waterproof shelter was used in case
of bad weather.
Before installing REFLANGEKiT® product, hygrometric conditions were checked and
surface preparation was performed using Bristle Blaster® to get a good surface
roughness and then ensure the perfect bonding of the product.
The repairs were then performed following below stages:
1/ Soft shell installation around the leaking flange. The goal is to protect all the functional
parts and concentrate SF6 gas leak into the valve (located on the top).
2/ Soft shell insulation using specific 3X filler and soft shell compression with adhesive
tape to reduce SF6 gas volume inside.
3/ Composite reinforcement (made of fiberglass and 3X epoxy resin) was applied over
the shell to reinforce the repair system.
4/ Hard shell application.The rigid sleeve was prepared to fit perfectly with the location of
the valve and installed over the flange (hold with ratchet belts).
5/ 3X epoxy resin injection into the rigid sleeve through an overflow.
6/ Valve closing. After 3X resin curing, the vent was removed and the valve was closed
and sealed .
7/ Finalization of the repair. The valve was finally covered with 3X resin and hardness
checking was performed to make sure REFLANGEKiT® system was fully efficient.
RESULTS
This REFLANGEKiT® model was specially designed for the particular geometry of the
flanges and was installed for the first time worldwide. The repairs were performed with
success on safe conditions according to 3X procedures.
info@3xeng.com www.3xeng.com
 Composite Repair Specialist

DEFECT TYPE SF6 gas leakages on flanges

FLANGE DETAILS Open cone insulators – tension 400 kv - pressure 5.2 bars – temp. 25°C
LOCATION SAUDI ARABIA
3X SOLUTION

OVERVIEW

The objective of the repair, performed early 2018 by 3X ENGINEERING

and its local distributor ASSET PROTECTION CORP., was to repair 15
flanges with SF6 leakage.

Figure 1: Concept
Figure 2: View of flange type to be fixed
Figure 3: Surface preparation using Bristle Blaster®
Figure 4: Soft shell installation
Figure 5: Rigid shell installation
RESULTS
SCOPE OF WORK
After data analysis and onsite inspection, it was decided to repair the
flanges using our product specifically designed to seal
SF6 gas leakage online.
Surface preparation was completed, using Bristle Blaster® machine, to
remove the existing coating and get a good surface cleanliness of Sa 21/2
and roughness Rz > 60 µm, in order to ensure a good bonding of the
product.
The repair was then performed following 7 main stages:
 Preparation and installation of the soft shell around the defected
flange. The goal is to protect all the functional parts and to concentrate
the SF6 gas leak in a single point located on the top (= the valve).
 Insulation and compression of the soft shell using specific 3X filler
and adhesive tape.
 Composite reinforcement is then performed with glass fiber
impregnated with 3X resin.
 Preparation and installation of the rigid shell around the composite
reinforcement.
 3X resin injection into the rigid shell through an overflow positioned
on the top. The valve is protected from the resin by a Teflon vent
protection during injection of the resin.
 Valve closing and leak control. After 3X resin curing, the vent is
removed and the valve is closed using a plug. The imperviousness of the
valve is then checked using SF6 gas detector to be sure that the leak is
stopped.
 The flange repair is finalized recovering the valve with resin. The
is then painted with a protective coating and an
identification plate is positioned on it for traceability.

This job has been successfully managed by 3X specialists and all the
leakages have been sealed using product. The client is so
Figure 6: installed and recovered with
protective coating satisfied that he ordered 13 more repairs for another site.

For more information about our technology and products, visit our website www.3xengineering.com
or send us an e-mail at info@3xeng.com