INNOVATIVE REPAIR SOLUTION FOR YOUR INSTALLATIONS
DEFECT TYPES Damaged offshore wind CPS
SUBSEA COMPOSITE
REPAIR SOLUTION FOR
PIPE REINFORCEMENT
NEW
APPLICATION
WIND SECTOR
Fig. 1: Offshore wind farm view
Fig. 2: Preformed composite sleeve
to be installed
Fig. 3: Composite sleeve + R1D installation
Fig. 4: Composite wrapping on progress
Fig. 5: Good job !
12.9" pipe, water, seamless, design pressure
PIPE DETAILS
2 bar, design T° 20°C
LOCATION Europe, Offshore Wind
3X SOLUTION REINFORCEKiT® 4D SUBSEA
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® 4D SUBSEA (R4D-S), specially designed for subsea environment.
SCOPE OF WORK
According to ASME PCC-2 standard and 3X calculations, it was decided to apply
REINFORCEKiT® 4D SUBSEA (R4D-S) using R3X65S resin.
Preliminary operations were performed underwater before composite wrapping.
Inspection and measurement of the defect to define the preformed composite plate to
be applied.
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.
1/ Preformed composite sleeve was installed over the defect and maintained using
REINFORCEKiT® 1D (R1D) - 3X water activated prepreg system. Tie wraps were
added on R1D during curing time to avoid a tape disbonding.
2/ P3X28 subsea primer was applied on the whole surface to be repaired to provide
good grip with the composite material.
3/ Composite wrapping was then completed using Kevlar® tape impregnated with
R3X65S subsea resin. The tape impregnation was performed using BOBIPREG (3X
specific device allowing quick and regular impregnation resin/fiber) in a storage and
preparation space and then transfered to the 2 divers for application underwater.
==> 20 layers of R4D-S were applied over 750mm length to repair the cable.
4/ Id plate was finally installed for traceability.
RESULTS
This project was a great opportunity to enlarge our range of application and confirm
our proven expertise and know-how in subsea 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.
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 INNOVATIVE REPAIR SOLUTION FOR YOUR INSTALLATIONS
SUBSEA COMPOSITE
REPAIR SOLUTION FOR
PIPE REINFORCEMENT
Fig. 1: Composite plate installed (step 2)
Fig. 2: Pipe recovered with primer (step 3)
Fig. 3: Kevlar tape impregnation
using BOBIPREG
Fig. 4: Composite wrapping on progress
(step 4)
Fig. 5: Repair overview
DEFECT TYPES Subsea corrosion internal defects
8" pipe, straight line, oil, design pressure 56.9 bar,
PIPE DETAILS
design T° 65°C
LOCATION Qatar, subsea
3X SOLUTION REINFORCEKiT® 4D SUSBEA
OVERVIEW
The goal of this repair, performed in September 2022 by 3X ENGINEERING (3X) local
distributor POWER ENGINEERING CORPORATION under the supervision of 3X Subsea
Specialist was to reinforce a 8" oil pipeline suffering from 3 internal corrosion defects at
15-meter depth. To restore pipe integrity and prevent further deterioration, it was decided
to repair the defected area using 3X composite repair solution REINFORCEKiT® 4D
SUBSEA (R4D-S), specially designed for subsea environment.
SCOPE OF WORK
According to ASME PCC-2 standard and 3X calculations, it was decided to apply
REINFORCEKiT® 4D SUBSEA (R4D-S) using R3X65S resin. Twenty-six layers of R4D-S
have been determined to repair the pipe over 800mm.
Preliminary operations were performed underwater before composite wrapping: pipeline
excavation, defect localisation, concrete removing and surface preparation by gritblasting
to get a good surface profile superior to 60µm. Composite wrapping was performed by
divers previously trained and supervised by 3X Subsea Specialist who checked the
product implementation remotely (from control room).
See below the main stages for composite repairs (same procedure for all defects):
1/ P3X30 subsea primer was applied on the defects to provide good adhesion between
the pipe and composite plates.
2/ Composite plates recovered with F3XSB high performance subsea filler were
positioned to cover 2 defects out of 3 and fastened with ratchet belt until curing was done
(1 plate 130x130mm and another one 100x100mm - no plate was needed for defect
No.3).
3/ P3X30 subsea primer was applied on the whole surface to be repaired to ensure
perfect adherence with composite wrapping.
4/ Composite wrapping was then completed using Kevlar® tape impregnated with
R3X65S subsea resin. The tape impregnation was performed using BOBIPREG (3X
specific device allowing quick and regular impregnation resin/fiber) in a storage and
preparation space and then transfered to divers for application underwater.
==> 26 layers were applied over 800mm length to cover and repair the 3 defects.
5/ Last layer of P3X30 subsea primer all over the repair and plastic grid were installed
as protection. Id plate was finally installed for traceability.
RESULTS
Samples of resin were taken during each tape impregnation for quality control.
Hardness measurements were performed 3 days after job completion and
concluded this successful subsea repair despite the constraints to work in subsea
environment and the limited time to perform the repairs because of the depth.
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 INNOVATIVE REPAIR SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR INSTALLATIONS
Fig. 1: Divers training on progress
Fig. 2: Surface profile checking using roughness
tester
Fig. 3: BOBiPREG machine overview - Kevlar®
tape impregnation with resin on progress
Fig. 4: Diver entering into diving cage ready to
go underwater for composite wrapping
For more information about our technology and products, visit our website www.3xeng.com or send us an e-mail at info@3xeng.com
DEFECT TYPES External corrosion and leak in subsea environment
PIPE DETAILS 48” oil line – max. op. temp. 25°C – calculated pressure 17.85 bars
LOCATION MIDDLE EAST
3X SOLUTION
OVERVIEW
The objective of the repair, performed in October 2020 by 3X ENGINEERING (3X) and
its local distributor, was to reinforce a 48” subsea pipe damaged by external
corrosion defect and leak at 5-meter depth.
SCOPE OF WORK
According to ISO 24.817 and 3X repair calculations, 14 layers of have been
determined to reinforce the pipe section damaged by external corrosion and
additional 46 layers of to repair the leak.
Underwater, preliminary operations (pipeline excavation, defect localization etc …)
were performed prior to surface preparation by grit blasting to get a good surface
profile (superior to 60µm). Divers were trained prior to the installation to share all
important information relative to 3X procedures.
The composite repair was performed following 2 stages of reinforcement:
1ST STAGE ➔ 14 LAYERS OF ON APPROX. 27M TO REINFORCE THE SECTION DAMAGED BY
EXTERNAL CORROSION.
 P3X30 primer application on the whole surface to be repaired to ensure a good
bonding of the composite system on the pipe.
 Kevlar® tape impregnated with R3X1050S resin and wrapped around the pipe.
The tape impregnation was performed using BOBiPREG (3X specific machine
allowing a quick and regular impregnation resin/fiber). Fourteen layers were
necessary to repair the external corrosion defect (i.e. 7 passes of 50% overlap).
Because of the important length of the repair and in order to achieve the expected
performance according to 3X procedures, 27m could not be wrapped continuously.
So, the 27m repair length was made in sections of 2m max. During this stage, 1.9m
was free of composite centred on the leaking defect. This section was the last one
to be wrapped (see below 2nd stage).
2ND STAGE ➔ ADDITIONAL 46 LAYERS ON 1.2M TO REPAIR THE LEAKING DEFECT.
 P3X30 primer application around the defect (the surface was freshly prepared
using grit blasting before this targeted application).
 F3XSS filler application to seal the leak. Filler was applied on a rigid composite
plate, the plate was then given to the diver and positioned over the leak and
fastened tightly with ratchet belts.
 P3X30 primer application on the 1.9m section still to be reinforced.
 Kevlar® tape impregnated with R3X1050S resin and wrapped around the pipe.
This wrapping was done in 2 steps: 14 layers to reinforce the 1.9m free of composite
+ 32 layers on 1.2m length centered on the defect ➔ total of 46 layers.
Finalization and validation of the repair: reference plate positioning for traceability
purpose + hardness measurements.
RESULTS
This project was the longer one performed by 3X in subsea environment and was
successfully repaired using despite the various complicated parameters: 48”
large pipe diameter, leaking defect, 27-m length of repair requiring a composite
wrapping in many sections.
 INNOVATIVE REPAIR SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR INSTALLATIONS

DEFECTS TYPE subsea dent

PIPE DETAILS 16” gas line – max. op. temp. 45°C – calculated pressure 93 bars
LOCATION VIETNAM
3X SOLUTION

OVERVIEW
The objective of the repair, performed in July 2020 by 3X ENGINEERING
(3X) local distributor PETROENERTECH, was to reinforce a 16” subsea pipe
with dent (about 49.4-meter depth).

Figure 1: Defected area identification
Figure 2: Composite plate with subsea filler application using
ratchets belts for tightening (step 1)
Figure 3: Composite wrapping on progress (step 3)
SCOPE OF WORK
According to ASME PCC-2 and 3X repair calculations, 41 layers of
have been determined to reinforce the
damaged pipe section (dent size 280x260x35mm – 5.5% metal loss –
7.9% dented depth) with a 20-year lifetime design.
Underwater, preliminary operations (defected area identification, sand,
rock and concrete removing etc …) were performed prior to surface
preparation by sandblasting to get a good surface profile (superior to
60µm).
The composite repair was then performed following 4 main stages:
 Composite plate covered with 3X subsea filler was applied over the
defected area and maintained in position with 3 ratchet belts. After filler
curing (3 hours), the belts were removed.
 3X subsea primer application over the dented area (previously
delimited) to ensure a good bonding between the steel pipe and
composite wrapping. Hygrometric conditions were then checked before
beginning the next step.
 Kevlar® tape impregnated with R3X1050S resin and wrapped around
the pipe. The tape impregnation was performed using BOBiPREG (3X
specific machine allowing a quick and regular impregnation resin/fiber).
To make continuity between 2 rolls of tape, metallic plates specifically
designed by 3X for subsea operations were used. Forty-one layers were
necessary to repair the defect for a total of 1.6m repair length.
 Reference plate was positioned over the repair for traceability
purpose. Thickness measurements were performed before installing a
protective cover to preserve the line from marine aggressions.
Finally, hardness measurements were performed to validate the repair.

RESULTS
This subsea reinforcement was successfully performed using
product. Despite COVID-19 pandemic,
this project was effectively conducted by PETROENERTECH, under the
supervision of 3X Specialist by videoconference throughout the repair.
Figure 4: Repair overview with identity plate positioned This demonstrates the adaptability of 3X and its distributors facing the
current health crisis.

For more information about our technology and products, visit our website www.3xengineering.com
 INNOVATIVE REPAIR SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR INSTALLATIONS

DEFECTS TYPE 2 dents in subsea environment

PIPE DETAILS 48” oil line – max. op. temp. 35°C – op. pressure 18.2 bars
LOCATION QATAR – Halul Island
3X SOLUTION REINFORCEKiT® 4D SUBSEA (R4D-S)

OVERVIEW
The objective of the repair, performed in April 2020 by 3X ENGINEERING
(3X) and its local distributor PEC, was to reinforce a 48” subsea pipe
damaged by 2 dents (between 7 and 10-meter depth).

SCOPE OF WORK
According to ISO 24.817 and 3X repair calculations, 32 layers of R4D-S
have been determined to reinforce the damaged pipe section (dent No.
Figure 1: P3X30 primer application on defected area (step 2)
1 measured 840mmx445 and dent No. 2 measured 770mmx482mm).
Underwater, preliminary operations (pipeline excavation, concrete
removing etc …) were performed prior to surface preparation by grit
blasting to get a good surface profile (superior to 60µm).
The composite repair was then performed following 6 main stages
(these steps are the same ones for the 2 dented defects):
 Before primer application, ratchet belts were installed over the pipe
near the defect to ensure the good composite plate installation and
tightening (step 3).
 P3X30 primer application right on the defect to ensure a good
Figure 2: Composite plate application using F3XSS filler and
ratchet belts (step 3)
bonding of the composite plate (step 3).
 F3XSS filler application on rigid composite plate. The plate was then
given to the diver and positioned over the dent and fastened tightly with
ratchet belts (previously installed – see step 1).
 Another P3X30 primer layer was then applied on the whole surface
of the repair to provide a good adhesion of the composite material with
the surface before wrapping. No specific curing time was required.
 Kevlar® tape impregnated with R3X1050S resin and wrapped around
the pipe. The tape impregnation was performed using BOBIPREG (3X
specific machine allowing a quick and regular impregnation resin/fiber).
Thirty-two layers were necessary to repair the defect (i.e. 16 passes of
50% overlap) for a total of 3m repair length.
Figure 3: Composite wrapping on progress (step 5)
 Finalization of the repair with reference plate positioning for
traceability purpose and validation of the repair using hardness
measurements.

RESULTS
The subsea reinforcement was successfully repaired using
REINFORCEKiT® 4D SUBSEA product. This project was a great challenge
due to the large diameter of the line and the shallow water position of
the defects. Meantime, all the teams involved in the project faced with
this international COVID-19 pandemic, with all the constraints and
Figure 4: Repair overview
difficulties associated for the manpower, the shipment of the material,
the quarantine time…
For more information about our technology and products, visit our website www.3xengineering.com
 INNOVATIVE REPAIR SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR INSTALLATIONS

DEFECT TYPE Subsea caisson reinforcement

PIPE DETAILS Sea water caissons (from 920 to 960mm OD) – Calculated
pressure 6 bar - Installation temperature 14°C
LOCATION NORWAY (North Sea)
3X SOLUTION

OVERVIEW

The objective of the repair, performed early July 2018 by 3X ENGINEERING (3X) and its local distributor FUGLESANGS,
was to reinforce 3 subsea caissons damaged by 10 defects at Oseberg South platform, located in the North Sea. These
caissons presented notches and holes (holes to be sealed up to 300mm in diameter) caused by corrosion. In 2012, after
inspection and confirmation of corroded defects, temporary patches with metal strips were installed on the holes as
emergency solution.

SCOPE OF WORK

Before 3X intervention, divers inspected the 3 caissons to take new measurements of the defects.
According to ISO 24.817 and 3X repair calculations, from 14 to 28 layers of (composite
product specifically dedicated for subsea environment) were determined to repair holes (except at tee location, only
4 layers were recommended). For each defect, a specific design was made according to the caisson’s information and
the characteristics of the defect. All calculations were performed again on site to adapt the design of the repairs to the
real defects that had evolved since the last inspection (2012). Only holes were repaired using composite wrapping. For
notches, primer application was enough.
Underwater preliminary operations were performed. Sea life and temporary metallic patches previously applied were
removed prior to surface preparation (surface profile superior to 60µm). This step, performed using grit blasting, is
required for a good bonding between the steel and the composite. Water temperature measurements were performed
to make sure they met 3X requirements for composite application.
The repair was then performed following 5 main stages:
 Cleaning of the prepared surface. Due to sea conditions (waves, currents), the dives were not performed
continuously waiting for safe conditions. It was therefore necessary to clean and remove the flash corrosion and sea life
residues that appeared from the last dives using a metallic brush.
 Metallic plates application over the holes. Each hole was covered by a metallic plate (previously prepared on-site to
fit with defect size) and sealed with F3XUW9 high-performance filler curing underwater using ratchet straps and
magnets. After 2 hours of curing, the straps were removed.
 Primer application over the entire surface to be repaired. The whole areas to be wrapped, including metallic plates,
were covered using P3X28 specific primer for subsea use. It will protect the caisson from corrosion and will ensure the
bonding between the steel and the composite.
 Composite wrapping. The wrapping process, using Kevlar® tape impregnated with R3X1050S resin , was
performed either with the Tape Wrapping Machine (TWM) or manually by the divers depending on defect location. For
straight repairs the TWM was used. For the repairs located on tee, the manual wrapping was preferable. In both ways,
Kevlar® tape was wrapped helicoidally around the pipe with 50% covering. The impregnation of the Kevlar® tape with
R3X1050S resin was made using BOBiPREG® machine (specific machine designed by 3X that allows a quick and regular
impregnation of the tape with the resin before application). The repair length of each defect varied between 780 to
2340mm for a total composite wrapping length of 6800mm.
 Finalization and validation of the repair. Samples of each filler, primer and resin were taken during installation for
quality control. Hardness measurements were performed to check the good curing of the products applied.
 INNOVATIVE REPAIR SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR INSTALLATIONS

Fig. 1: View of the platform and caissons Fig. 2: Measurement of the defects Fig. 3: Surface preparation using grit blasting

Fig. 4: Cleaning of the surface using Fig. 5: Metallic plate application over the defect using Fig. 6: Primer application over the whole surface
metallic brush ratchet straps to be repaired

Fig. 7: Tape impregnation with resin using BOBiPREG® Fig. 8-9-10: Mechanical (Tape Wrapping Machine) and manual wrapping on progress
s

RESULTS

The subsea caissons reinforcements were successfully performed using product.

After- repair inspection concluded the quality of the job performed by 3X and FUGLESANGS teams. This job was a great
challenge because it was a first time 3X operated in such particular conditions. The sea water temperature of 14°C was
very low compared to other jobs performed previously around the world. 3X wide range of products, the development
of specific devices added to the experience of our qualified technicians allowed us to manage with success these specific
repairs in difficult conditions.

For more information about our technology and products, visit our website www.3xengineering.com
or send us an e-mail at info@3xeng.com

Figure 1: Design of the repair
Figure 2: Preparation of the composite plate with filler
Figure 3: Plate installation with ratchet belts
Figure 4: Composite wrapping in progress
Figure 5: Subsea markers and reference plate installed
For more information about our technology and products, visit our website www.3xengineering.com
or send us an e-mail at info@3xeng.com
Composite Repair Specialist
DEFECT TYPE Internal metal loss
PIPE DETAILS 16” gas line – max. op. temp. 45°C – op. pressure 125 bars
LOCATION VIET-NAM
3X SOLUTION
OVERVIEW
The objective of the repair, performed in May 2018 by 3X ENGINEERING
(3X) and its local distributor PETROENERTECH, was to reinforce a 16”
subsea pipe suffering from internal corrosion at 45-meter depth.
SCOPE OF WORK
According to ASME PCC-2 and 3X repair calculations, 70 layers of R4D-S
have been determined to repair the defect.
Underwater, preliminary operations were performed prior to surface
preparation by sandblasting to get a good surface profile (superior to
60µm).
The repair was then performed following 5 main stages:
 Preparation of the composite plate recovered with F3XSS filler and
application over the defect using ratchet belts for tightening (after 2
hours of curing, the belts were removed).
 P3X32 primer application on the whole area to be repaired before
wrapping to ensure a good bonding between the steel pipe and the
composite.
 Kevlar® tape impregnated with R3X1050S resin and wrapped around
the pipe. The tape impregnation is performed using BOBIPREG (3X
specific machine allowing a quick and regular impregnation resin/fiber).
Seventy layers were necessary to repair the defect (i.e. 35 passes of 50%
overlap) for a total repair length of 1503mm.
 Specific subsea markers installation on the composite (to avoid any
contact with the pipe), on each side of the repair. For that reason, it was
necessary to increase the length of the repair of 150mm each side to be
able to install these markers.
At client’s request, 3X created and installed these subsea devices to
localize easily the defect at pigging inspection.
 Finalization of the repair with reference plate positioning for
traceability purpose and protective cover application over the repair to
protect the pipe from subsea aggressions.
RESULTS
The subsea reinforcement was successfully performed using
product. The good collaboration between 3X
specialists, PETROENERTECH, PVMTC (diving company) and the client’s
representatives is also the key to success of this job.
• TYPE OF DEFECTS : Leaking crack & non-leaking crack
• PIPE DETAILS : 32” gas line – max. operating temp. 20°C – operating pressure 1160 psi (80 bar)
• LOCATION : MIDDLE-EAST
• 3X PRODUCT : REINFORCEKiT 4D SUBSEA (R4D-S)

OVERVIEW
The objective of the repair performed in August 2017 by 3X
ENGINEERING (3X) and its local distributor was to seal 2 cracks and
reinforce the pipe integrity at 70-meter depth.

SCOPE OF WORK
- According to ASME PCC-2 and 3X repair calculations, it has been
decided to make 2 different repairs as shown in Figure 1.
Eighty-eight composite layers of REINFORCEKiT 4D SUBSEA (R4D-S) Fig. 1: Design of the repair

product have been determined to repair Defect No. 1 (external

crack with through wall section) and 20 layers for Defect No. 2 (non-
opened crack).
- Underwater, several preliminary operations have been performed
prior to surface preparation to get a good surface roughness
(between 60 µm and 100µm surface profile).
- 3X wrapping reinforcements have been performed following Fig. 2: F3XUW9 filler application Fig. 3: P3X32 primer application
using dispensing gun
several stages. It is important to note that working at 70-meter
depth requires saturation dive.
1/ For both defects, F3XUW9 filler has been applicated to fill the
cracks and reshape the pipe geometry.
2/ P3X32 primer applied under the composite plates and over the
damaged areas (previously delimited on the pipe) to ensure good
bonding.
Fig. 4: Composite plates fixing Fig. 5: P3X32 application before
wrapping
3/ Composite plates application on both defects recovered with
F3XSS filler and strongly maintained with ratchet belts for curing.
4/ P3X32 primer applied on the whole surface of the repair before
wrapping.
5/ Kevlar® tape pre-impregnated with R3X1050-S resin (using
special devices developed by 3X) wrapped around the pipe. Eighty-
eight layers were necessary to repair Defect No. 1 (i.e. 44 passes of
Fig. 6: BOBIPREG - 3X specific machine for Kevlar® tape impregnation
50% overlap for 1,85-meter length repair). For Defect No. 2, 20
layers were applied (i.e. 10 passes of 50% overlap for 0,82-meter Fig. 7: SUBSEA HANDLES - 3X specific tool to ensure proprer tensile
strength during tape application
length repair).

RESULTS
Pipeline has been re-pressurized a few days after repair without any
problem known at the moment. This job was a great challenge
3X CASE STUDY – 2017-09-002

because of the 70-meter depth. Even if 3X ENGINEERING is now

experienced in subsea repairs this job is the first one performed at
this depth. Fig. 8: Repair overview Fig. 9: Plate positionning for traceability

For more information concerning our operations and range of products, please contact us at : 3X Engineering - 9 Avenue Albert II - 98000 Monaco
Phone : +377 92 05 79 81 - Fax : +377 92 05 72 71 - E-mail : info@3xeng.com - www.3xengineering.com
• TYPE OF DEFECT : Dent defect in subsea environment with ZERO VISIBILITY
• PIPE DETAILS : 36” OD – operating temp. 25°C – max. op. pressure 362 psi
• LOCATION : Qua Iboe Terminal – Offshore Nigeria (BOP)
• 3X PRODUCT : REINFORCEKiT 4D SUBSEA (R4D-S)

OVERVIEW

The objective of the repair performed in September 2016 by 3X

ENGINEERING and its local distributor SAVIC was to reinforce a
damaged subsea pipe section over 2.5 meter length, due to dent
defect (13,1 % dented depth) situated at 16 meter depth with zero
visibility. Design of the repair by Finite Element Analysis.

SCOPE OF WORK

- After Finite Elements Analysis (FEA), 50 composite layers of

REINFORCEKiT 4D SUBSEA (R4D-S) product have been determined
to perform the reinforcement designed for 5 years.
- Underwater, several preliminary operations (sediments
excavation, removal of concrete and existing coating, marking of the
surface to be wrapped) have been performed before the essential Deck view of the vessel and divers screen control.

step of surface preparation (grit blasting) to get a good surface

roughness (60µ minimum surface profile).

- 3X wrapping reinforcement has been performed following several

stages :
1/ A foot print of the dent has been done in order to manufacture Composite plate manufacture on the foot print of the dented area &
primer application (training picture).
appropriate composite rigid plate.
2/ Primer (P3X32) application on the defect, using a dispensing gun,
to provide a good adhesion of the composite materials.
3/ Five rigid composite plates recovered with F3XSS filler positioned
over the dent and strongly fixed with ratchet belts during curing
Composite plates preparation with filler on the back & strapped on the
time of 3 hours (illustration picture). pipe with ratchet (onboard picture for training).

4/ Kevlar® tape pre-impregnated with R3X1050-S resin (using

special 3X device called BOBIPREG) wrapped around the pipe.
82 Kevlar® rolls were necessary to cover the dent with the
appropriate thickness composite needed.
5/ Finally, a neoprene soft cover has been applied to protect the
repair from shells and other sea elements. Mixing of the resin and tape impregnation using BOBIPREG (3X specific
tool ) to avoid lack of resin.

RESULTS
Divers and 3X were working together to repeat each steps of the
implementation with ZERO VISIBILITY.
Zero injury, schedule respected and repair design controlled
conclude this job. A special thanks to client representatives and ADS
3X CASE STUDY – 2016-09-001

team (divers) for their precious help to complete this project

successfully in the best conditions. 3X divers wrapping tool sent on a basket for divers & divers composite
application (ILLUSTRATING PICTURE ONLY).

For more information concerning our operations and range of products, please contact us at : 3X Engineering - 9 Avenue Albert II - 98000 Monaco
Phone : +377 92 05 79 81 - Fax : +377 92 05 72 71 - E-mail : info@3xeng.com - www.3xengineering.com
• TYPE OF DEFECTS : Leak & 3 external defects in subsea environment
• PIPE DETAILS : 48” OD – max. operating temp. 25°C – calculated pressure 259 psi
• LOCATION : SAUDI ARABIA, Dammam
• 3X PRODUCT : REINFORCEKiT 4D SUBSEA (R4D-S)

OVERVIEW

The objective of the repairs performed in August 2016 by 3X

ENGINEERING and its local distributor ASSET PROTECTION
CONTRACTING was to reinforce a subsea pipe damaged by 4
defects: 1 leak and 3 external defects situated at 6-meter depth.
Repair calculation & design
SCOPE OF WORK

- According to ISO 24.817 and 3X repair calculations, 30 composite

layers of REINFORCEKiT 4D SUBSEA (R4D-S) product have been
determined to repair the leak and 4 layers for each corroded
defects.

- Underwater, several preliminary operations have been performed Defect No. 1 (leak) : composite plate with filler & primer applications
prior to surface preparation (gritblasting) to get a good surface
roughness (60-micron surface profile).

- 3X wrapping reinforcements have been performed following

several stages:

1/ Primer (P3X32) application on the whole defect surface to

provide a good adhesion of the composite materials. Defect No. 1 (leak): wrapping on progress & repair overview

2/ One composite plate coated with F3XSS filler positioned over the
hole and strongly fixed with ratchet belts during curing time of 24
hours (only for leak repair).

3/ P3X32 applied on the whole pipe surface before wrapping.

Defect No. 2: pipe section coated with primer & repair overview
4/ Kevlar® tape pre-impregnated with R3X1050-S resin (using
special 3X BOBIPREG device) wrapped around the pipe. Thirty layers
were necessary to seal the leak (i.e. about 15 passes of 50% overlap)
and 4 layers for the 3 following defects.

RESULTS

After several repairs conducted underwater around the world, 3X Defect No. 3: primer application & repair overview

ENGINEERING confirms its efficiency and capabilities in subsea

pipeline maintenance. This job was a great challenge because of the
large pipe diameter and the number of defects situated on 4
different locations for a total repair length of 21m. A special thanks
3X CASE STUDY – 2016-08-001

to client representative and ZAMIL MERDAID company, which

provided very competent divers and help us and our local
distributor to deliver the repair successfully and on time. Defect No. 4: pipe section coated with primer & repair overview

For more information concerning our operations and range of products, please contact us at : 3X Engineering - 9 Avenue Albert II - 98000 Monaco
Phone : +377 92 05 79 81 - Fax : +377 92 05 72 71 - E-mail : info@3xeng.com - www.3xengineering.com
• TYPE OF DEFECT : Dent damage in subsea environment
• PIPE DETAILS : 18” OD – design temp. 60°C – design pressure 138 barg
• LOCATION : VIET-NAM, Ca Mau
• 3X PRODUCT : REINFORCEKiT 4D SUBSEA (R4D-S)

OVERVIEW

The objective of the repair performed in June/July 2016 by 3X

ENGINEERING (3X) and its local distributor PETROENERTECH was to
reinforce a damaged subsea pipe section over 1.5 meter length, due to
dent defect situated at 48-meter depth (3.8 % dented depth).
Design of the repair by FEA (stress distribution after repair)
SCOPE OF WORK

- Finite Elements Analysis (FEA) simulation has been performed by 3X to

determine the number of layers necessary to perform the reinforcement 
60 composite layers of REINFORCEKiT 4D SUBSEA (R4D-S) product have to
be implemented.

- Underwater, several preliminary operations have been performed

Pipe before surface preparation Sandblasting in progress
(identification of the defected area, removal of concrete and existing
concrete). Then surface preparation by sandblasting has been done by
divers to get a good surface roughness (60-micron surface profile).

- 3X wrapping reinforcement has been performed following several stages :

1/ Primer (P3X32) application on the whole defect to provide a good

adhesion of the filler. Primer & composite plate with filler application (steps 1 & 2)

2/ A rigid composite plate coated with F3XSS filler to rebuild the pipe shape
has been positioned over the dent and strongly fixed with ratchet belts
during few hours.

3/ Second P3X32 application performed on the whole pipe surface to be

repaired before wrapping.
Composite plate application & second primer application (steps 2 & 3)
4/ Kevlar® tape pre-impregnated with R3X1050-S resin (using special 3X
device called BOBIPREG) wrapped around the pipe. Sixty layers of
composite materials were applied over the dent (i.e. 30 passes of 50%
overlap).

- Finally, various measurements (total length of the repair, repair

circumference and hardness measurements) have been made to make sure
the repair was done following requirements. Tape impregnation using BOBIPREG & R4D-S wrapping (step 4)

RESULTS

The 18” gas sea line was successfully completed within 4 days. The total
length of the repair was 1.53m. This project was a big challenge because of
the 48-meter depth and the huge number of layers of composite to be
applied. Thanks to our experience in subsea repairs added to the efficient
3X CASE STUDY – 2016-07-001

collaboration between PETROENERTHECH, client representatives and

PVMTC divers, this subsea repair was a big success.
Repair overview & measurements

For more information concerning our operations and range of products, please contact us at : 3X Engineering - 9 Avenue Albert II - 98000 Monaco
Phone : +377 92 05 79 81 - Fax : +377 92 05 72 71 - E-mail : info@3xeng.com - www.3xengineering.com
• TYPE OF DEFECT : Dent damage in subsea environment
• PIPE DETAILS : 16” OD – design temp. 65°C – design pressure 92.5 barg
• LOCATION : VIET-NAM, Su Tu Vang
• 3X PRODUCT : REINFORCEKiT 4D SUBSEA (R4D-S)

OVERVIEW

The objective of the repair performed in June 2016 by 3X ENGINEERING (3X)

and its local distributor PETROENERTECH was to reinforce a damaged
subsea pipe section over 1 meter length, due to dent defect situated at
55-meter depth (3.3 % dented depth).
Design of the repair by FEA (stress distribution after repair)
SCOPE OF WORK

- Finite Elements Analysis (FEA) simulation has been performed by 3X to

determine the number of layers necessary to perform the reinforcement 
30 composite layers of REINFORCEKiT 4D SUBSEA (R4D-S) product have to
be implemented.

- Several preliminary actions have been performed underwater

(identification of the defected area, removal of concrete and existing Pipe before surface preparation Sandblasting in progress

concrete …) prior to prepare the surface with sandblasting device. This step
is absolutely necessary to get a good surface roughness (60-micron surface
profile). To blast the whole surface to be repaired, 5 dives were conducted.

- 3X wrapping reinforcement has been performed following several stages :

1/ Primer (P3X32) application on the whole defect to provide a good

Primer application & composite plate with filler preparation (steps 1&2)
adhesion of the filler.

2/ A rigid composite plate coated with F3XSS filler to rebuild the pipe shape
has been positioned over the dent and strongly fixed with ratchet belts
during few hours.

3/ Second P3X32 application performed on the whole pipe surface to be

repaired before wrapping.
Composite plate application & second primer application (steps 2&3)

4/ Kevlar® tape pre-impregnated with R3X1050-S resin (using special 3X

device called BOBIPREG) wrapped around the pipe. Thirty layers were
necessary to cover the dent (i.e. 15 passes of 50% overlap).

- To make sure the repair was conform to requirements, various

measurements have been taken (total length of the repair, repair
circumference and hardness measurements).
Tape impregnation using BOBIPREG & R4D-S wrapping (step 4)

RESULTS

The 16” sea line was efficiently completed within 2 days. The total length of
the repair was 1.05m. This project was a big challenge because of the 55-
meter depth which is a very restrictive environment and needs diving
limited times. Thanks to our experience in subsea repairs added to the
great collaboration between PETROENERTHECH, client representatives and
3X CASE STUDY – 2016-06-001

PVMTC divers, this subsea repair was one more success.

Repair length & hardness measurements

For more information concerning our operations and range of products, please contact us at : 3X Engineering - 9 Avenue Albert II - 98000 Monaco
Phone : +377 92 05 79 81 - Fax : +377 92 05 72 71 - E-mail : info@3xeng.com - www.3xengineering.com
• TYPE OF DEFECT : Dent defect in subsea environment
• PIPE DETAILS : 24” OD – operating temp. 30°C – max. op. pressure 500 psi
• LOCATION : COLOMBIA, Cartagena
• 3X PRODUCT : REINFORCEKiT 4D SUBSEA (R4D-S)

OVERVIEW

The objective of the repair performed in February 2016 by 3X

ENGINEERING and its local distributor CPS was to reinforce a
damaged subsea pipe section over 1.6 meter length, due to dent
defect situated at 4 meter depth (7.4 % dented depth).
Design of the repair by Finite Element Analysis
SCOPE OF WORK

- After Finite Elements Analysis (FEA), 10 composite layers of

REINFORCEKiT 4D SUBSEA (R4D-S) product have been determined
to perform the reinforcement.

- Underwater, several preliminary operations (surface cleaning to

get a suitable free span, removal of concrete and existing coating,
marking of the surface to be wrapped) have been performed before Surface preparation / Sandblasting
the essential step of surface preparation (sandblasting) to get a
good surface roughness (60-micron surface profile).

- 3X wrapping reinforcement has been performed following several

stages :
1/ Primer (P3X32) application on the defect, using a dispensing gun,
to provide a good adhesion of the composite materials. Primer & composite plates with filler applications (steps 1 & 2)

2/ Two rigid composite plates recovered with F3XSS filler positioned

over the dent and strongly fixed with ratchet belts during curing
time of 2.5 hours.
3/ Second P3X32 application performed on the whole pipe surface
to be repaired before wrapping. Composite plates fixing & second primer application (steps 2 & 3)

4/ Kevlar® tape pre-impregnated with R3X1050-S resin (using

special 3X device called BOBIPREG) wrapped around the pipe. Ten
layers were necessary to cover the dent (i.e. about 5 passes of 50%
overlap).

- Finally, a neoprene soft cover has been applied to protect the

repair from shells and other sea elements. BOBIPREG (3X pre-preg machine)
Kevlar® tape with 3X resin impregnation

RESULTS

After several subsea repairs conducted recently in Viet-Nam, 3X

ENGINEERING confirms its know-how in pipeline maintenance in
underwater environment. A special thanks to client representatives
3X CASE STUDY – 2015-03-001

and CPS team for their precious help to complete this project
successfully within one day and in the best conditions.
R4D-S wrapping (step 4) & protective cover installation

For more information concerning our operations and range of products, please contact us at : 3X Engineering - 9 Avenue Albert II - 98000 Monaco
Phone : +377 92 05 79 81 - Fax : +377 92 05 72 71 - E-mail : info@3xeng.com - www.3xengineering.com
• TYPE OF DEFECT : Axial Slot External Corrosion in Subsea Environment
• PIPE DETAILS : 10” OD - max 50°C pipe temp. - 20 bar design pressure
• LOCATION : INDIA
• 3X PRODUCT : REINFORCEKiT 4D SUBSEA (R4D-S)

OVERVIEW

The objective of the repair performed in December 2014 by 3X

ENGINEERING and its local distributor 3X INDIA was to reinforce 11
leaking defects over 1.7 meter length of a subsea pipe section due
to severe corrosion.

SCOPE OF WORK

- After calculations and Finite Elements Analysis (FEA), 26 layers

have been determined to perform the repair.

- Underwater, after removal of metal clamps and concrete over the

pipe, a surface preparation was performed to get a good surface
roughness (60-micron surface profile).

- The wrapping repair has been performed following several stages :

1/ Special subsea filler (F3XSS) application to fill the leaks and
provide a solid and smooth curvature.
2/ Sandblasted thin steel plates (with filler), fixed with straps during
curing time, installed over the defected area.
3/ Second filler application performed to ensure removal of sharp
edges and stress concentration areas.
4/ Primer application on the entire repair using a gun with bi-
component cartridge.
5/ Wrapping using Kevlar and R3X1050-S resin on the whole repair
surface (steel plates and pipe) to avoid differences of level and to
increase quality of the 1st layer wrapping.

- A protective cover has been applied to protect the recently

installed layers and a 72-hour curing time has been allowed before
pressuring the pipe.

RESULTS

Based on its experience acquired during two recent subsea projects

on 32” pipe at 62-meter depth, 3X Engineering has been able to
conduct with success this complicated job. Applying our products in
deep water is very sensitive and needs to be performed with high-
qualified staff and high-performance equipments. This pipe repair
3X CASE STUDY – 2015-01-001

was successfully completed and after service, no leak was observed.

For more information concerning our operations and range of products, please contact us at :
3X Engineering - 9 Avenue Albert II - 98000 Monaco
Phone : +377 92 05 79 81 - Fax : +377 92 05 72 71 - E-mail : info@3xeng.com - www.3xengineering.com