Frequently Asked Questions

3X ENGINEERING range of product has been go through rigorous qualification and testing programs to ensure they are in accordance with international standards. All our products capabilities are certified by third party such as ABS, Bureau Veritas, TUV, Lloyd’s Register. All the successful customer qualifications also demonstrate the quality of our products and our capacity to adapt to specific and internal requirements of our clients.

Because our main values are « Innovation » and « Quality », an important part of our budget is dedicated to Research & Development (R&D). 3X ENGINEERING R&D team keeps exploring new technologies in order to continuously improve the quality of our products, technical services and develop new repair solutions.

Yes, our range of services also includes offshore and subsea services. We have developed a complete range of products dedicated to this specific application (REINFORCEKiT^® 4D SUBSEA, STOPKiT^® OFFSHORE (applicable for offshore and subsea environments), specific subsea application tools …

To apply this range of products our technicians and engineers are trained and certified to work offshore.

3X ENGINEERING is used to working offshore and has performed several risers repairs and reinforcements in various countries. In the last few years, our experience in subsea repair (including deepwater) has been multiplicated thanks to subsea projects performed successfully in India, Vietnam, Colombia… . Applying 3X products in deep water is very sensitive and needs to be performed with high-qualified staff and specially designed equipment.

Have a look to our subsea case studies

Our head offices with our specialized technical team are located in Monaco.

Thanks to our large network of distributors around the world we are able to answer very quickly to local requests.
All our distributors have an emergency stock of 3X products and are trained and certified to install them.

If your area is not covered by one of our distributor, our Logistic Department will organize fast shipment of 3X materials and our Technical Team based in Monaco will be deployed very quickly to perform the repair.

To date, we are represented by about 60 distributors all around the world. And we are always looking for new partners to enlarge this network and expand our presence worldwide.

Yes, 3X operates a Quality Management System which complies with the requirements of ISO 9001 (2015).
Click on this link to visualize our ISO 9001 certificate.

3X ENGINEERING has been using composites solutions for over 25 years. Initially introduced in the aerospace industry, their efficiency has been proved in various markets including Oil & Gas. Because of their mechanical properties, composites are able to offer a solid solution with long-term guarantee (up to 20 years) and relative low cost compared to other methods. This repair technique is quick and can be installed without shutdown. Choosing to use composite repair system is therefore not only a fast and reliable solution but also a cost-effective option for companies, as it will minimize production loss.

The following list is non exhaustive but we are used to working for the main operators in Oil & Gas industry across the world like TOTAL, CHEVRON, CONOCOPHILLIPS, SHELL, PETRONAS, PETROVIETNAM, INDIAN OIL, ECOPETROL, PEMEX, ADGAS, GASCO, PERENCO, ESSO, EXXONMOBIL …

A composite material is made from two or more components materials with significant different physical or chemical properties. When combined, it creates a material with characteristics different from the individual components. The individual components remain separate within the finished structure.

In our case, Kevlar^® reinforcing fibers are wetted with epoxy polymer matrix. The result is a unique material with outstanding performance to protect and reinforce your assets.

Pre-preg PU water activated system is a quick and ready-to-use solution. Fabrics are already pre-impregnated with the resin. The user does not have to mix the resin and apply it to the fabric on jobsite. It has been originally designed for medical use for broken arms or legs. This technology has been adapted several years ago for pipeline industry because of fast implementation.

Wet lay-up system means that the user has to mix the resins and apply it to the fabric on site. This operation can be done by hand or by an impregnating machine (at 3X we have developed the BOBiPREG^® machine to perform a quick impregnation of the fabric with the resin before application around the pipe). Even if this system is time consuming, it is very beneficial in case of specific or difficult application because the installer can pre-cut and position the dry fabric optimally on the pipe. Moreover the final composite installed by experienced applicators is a better-quality product.

3X product warranty (original product, packed, non-used) covers all branded products to be free from defects in material from its production date until expiry date. Warranty is limited to the replacement of defective materials.

3X products implementation warranty is applicable only if realized by a team from 3X Monaco, designed and applied as per ISO 24.817 or ASME PCC-2, limited for external and non-evolutive defect.

For more information and warranty exclusions, please ask for 3X WARRANTY POLICY document.

3X ENGINEERING products origin: European Community.

Only trained and certified applicators can install 3X products efficiently and thus guarantee the long-term of the repair.

3X ENGINEERING provides a technical training to its distributors in order to rise the quality of the repair to the highest level. We can also arrange training session for clients on request. Individual certificates are provided at the end of the training, based on applicators ability.

Thanks to our large distributors network, we have certified applicators situated around the world able to apply 3X products. If not, our dedicated technical team based in Monaco can be sent on-site to perform the installation.

Only trained and certified applicators can install 3X products efficiently and thus guarantee the long-term of the repair.

3X ENGINEERING provides a technical training to its distributors in order to rise the quality of the repair to the highest level. We can also arrange training session for clients on request. Individual certificates are provided at the end of the training, based on applicators ability.

Thanks to our large distributors network, we have certified applicators situated around the world able to apply 3X products. If not, our dedicated technical team based in Monaco can be sent on-site to perform the installation.

Yes, R4D technology can be applied without shutdown except if through wall defect. It is one of the main benefits of this technology because it avoids costly shutdown and production loss. In case of leakage, the process must be temporarily decreased or stopped.

No heating or post-curing is required. The curing will be done naturally at ambient temperature. However curing time can be shortened if needed (please refer to the Technical Data Sheet for values).

According to defect characteristics and if the product is applied by 3X specialists or certified applicators with a prior good surface preparation, the repair is designed for a lifetime of 20 years. This cannot be guaranteed in case of internal defect because it is impossible to plan the evolution of the defect.

The number of layers depends on several parameters (defect type, kind of pipe, original diameter, wall thickness, design pressure, temperature, environment …).

3X ENGINEERING has developed its own software called REINFORCEKiT ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (R.E.A) to design the composite repair and define the number of layers and material requirements in accordance with existing international standards. In case of dent or specific requirements, 3X can provide Finite Element Analysis (F.E.A) simulation to design the repair or to comply with clients’ own standards.

In case of hole or leaking defect, 3X has designed a specific system called FIXOKiT®. This sealing system allows to plug through-wall defects with or without residual flow. The system is a specific implementation and is based on the injection of pre-polymerized epoxy filler into the through-wall defect.

FIXOKiT® is effective for most hole configurations up to 50mm diameter and adapts to different geometries and environments. This system can be installed on irregularities such as welds, making it the best system for repairing through-wall defects before composite wrapping designed as per ISO 24.817 and ASME PCC-2.

Yes, R4D product is ABS type approved.

 ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) provides classification, technical, and regulatory services for the marine industry.

ABS develops safety rules, guides, standards and other criteria for the design, construction, and survey of marine vessels (FPSO etc …) and structures including all materials, equipment and machinery. ABS certifies companies that provide services, such as measurements, tests, or maintenance, of safety systems and equipment.

Thanks to this certification 3X is able to apply R4D product on ABS regulated assets.

Without ABS Type Approval, a composite repair system is only considered as a temporary repair, to be removed during next shutdown (few months).

REINFORCEKiT® 4D system is considered as long-term composite repair with this Type Approval certification

Yes, a good surface preparation is essential to get optimal resin bonding and guarantee the sustainability of the repair. The prepared surface should match with Sa2½ or St3 standards and roughness reaches at least 60 microns (Rz). It can be done using grit blasting or Bristle Blasting (MONTI technology distributed in France by 3X).

Our composite products have been designed according to international standards ISO 24.817 and ASME PCC-2.

REINFORCEKiT® 4D is a wet lay-up system made of Kevlar® tape and specific bi-component epoxy resin.

ONLINE REPAIR

• No shutdown required for R4D repair (except in case of leakage).

LARGE RANGE OF APPLICATION

• REINFORCEKiT^® 4D repairs internal and external corrosion, weld defects, leaks, dents, mechanical damages…
• REINFORCEKiT^® 4D repairs all pipe diameters with no pressure restriction.
• REINFORCEKiT^® 4D repairs all pipe geometries (straight, oval, elbow, tee …) transporting various fluids and gases.
• REINFORCEKiT^® 4D repairs pipe operating up to 150°C (302°F).
• REINFORCEKiT^® 4D repairs pipe in onshore, offshore or subsea environments.

USER-FRIENDLY PRODUCT

• Light product, no overload on corroded pipelines.
• No hot work.
• No heating or post-curing required.
• Fiber not hazardous for user.

In 2021, 3X ENGINEERING has placed on the market a new type of Kevlar^® Fiber (called 6040) more efficient on several scenarios (severe corrosion) than the “traditional” Kevlar® Fiber (newly called 8020 and used since R4D creation).

Both types are the same material (Kevlar 49), have the same surface weight (400gsm) and use the same resin consumption per m². The difference is in the warp/weft ratio (80/20 to 60/40).

Fiber type 8020 is composed of 80% fiber in the circumferential direction and 20% in the axial one.

Fiber type 6040 is composed of 60% of fiber on the circumferential direction and 40% in the axial way (this fiber type will improve the performance for the composite laminate in axial direction).

The main objective of having the choice between the 2 tapes is to be more mechanically efficient and much more cost effective by reducing the number of layers of a design when the calculation is giving a favor to the circumferential or to the axial reinforcement.

REA software will recommend directly the most favourable fiber type, as each case is specific and depends on several added parameters (type and size of defect, pipe diameter, environment …).

REINFORCEKiT^® 4D range of product can be used for unlimited pressure and temperatures ranging from -50°C to +150°C (-58°F to +302°F). A specific one is dedicated to subsea application (REINFORCEKiT^® 4D SUBSEA).

REINFORCEKiT^® 4D is a very versatile product and can be installed on all kind of pipe geometry (straight, oval, elbow, tee) also including weld, dent or leaking defect and transporting most common fluids (oil, water) and gas.

REINFORCEKiT^® 4D can be installed on all pipe diameters and all environments (onshore, offshore and subsea).

Because Kevlar^® tape has lots of advantages compared to carbon fiber or fiberglass:

• Strong but not rigid
• Non-conductive
• Abrasion resistant
• No galvanic effect or cathodic protection issue
• High mechanical properties
• Non-hazardous for users (it can be handled without any risk for the applicator)
• High strain at failure allows the composite sleeve deformation according to pipe elongation
• Large range of application (applicable on welds, oval pipes …) and available in various width sizes (25, 50, 100 & 300mm)

Yes, STOPKiT^® products can be applied under pressure. It is the most efficient repair in the world able to seal a leak online in few minutes.

STOPKiT® is a temporary repair system and must not be used more than few weeks. It is difficult to exactly evaluate how long it will be efficient as it depends on several parameters (hole diameter, pressure, environment …). For long-term solution, refer to our R4D product.

No, surface preparation is not required. The pipe only needs to be cleaned with acetone and the external surface must be free of sharp edge.

ONLINE LEAK SEALING

STOPKiT® is an emergency stop leak solution for pipe applicable without shutdown or de-pressurization.

LARGE RANGE OF PERFORMANCE

STOPKiT® can be applicated on pipe operating up to 150°C (302°F).

STOPKiT® can be applicated on pipe diameters from 2’’ to 56’’.

STOPKiT® can be applicated onshore, offshore and also underwater.

STOPKiT® (50) can stop leakage online up to 25mm hole diameter and 120 bars (1740 psi).

STOPKiT® (100) can stop leakage online up to 50mm hole diameter and 50 bars (725 psi).

STOPKiT® (SD) can stop leakage online up to 20mm hole diameter and 150 bars (2175 psi).

USER-FRIENDLY PRODUCT

Easy to store and light product.

Quick installation (about 5mn).

Easy installation (can be done by a single person).

STOPKiT® packaging is made of rubber patch, belt(s) (number of belts depends on pipe diameter), stainless steel bars, bolts & screws and STOPKiT® Positioner (specific device developed to center the patch on the leak and prevent slipping during tightening).

We have 3 ranges of models called STOPKiT® 50, STOPKiT® 100 and STOPKiT® SD.

1/ STOPKiT® 50 can fix a leakage of maximum 25mm size and up to 120 bars (1740 psi), with temperatures ranging from -20°C to +150°C (-4°F to +302°F), on pipe diameters from 4” to 56”.

2/ STOPKiT® 100 can fix a leakage of maximum 50mm size and up to 50 bars (725 psi), with temperatures ranging from -20°C to +150°C (-4°F to +302°F), on pipe diameters from 4” to 56”.

3/ STOPKiT® SD, specifically designed for pipe diameters 2” and 3”, can fix a leakage of maximum 20mm size and up to 150 bars (2175 psi), with temperatures ranging from -20°C to +150°C (-4°F to +302°F).

The maximum pressure varies according to pipe diameter and temperature.

STOPKiT^® can be installed on several pipe geometries (straight, oval, elbow also including weld), and is recommended to stop various type of leaks (oil, gas, water and many other aggressive fluids).

Different sizes of STOPKiT^® are available to be suitable with pipe diameters from 2’’ to 56’’ and applicable to onshore (STON reference), offshore and subsea environments (STOF reference). Each STOPKiT^® reference is dedicated to one single diameter.

ROLLERKiT^® has a long-term service lifetime (estimated at 20 years). It may vary depending on conditions.

A single ROLLERKiT® (made of 86 pads) allows up to 28 repairs according to pipe diameter. A minimum of 3 pads is necessary to be installed on the support. To determine the number of pads needed by pipe diameter, please refer to the table in the product TDS.

Yes, a surface preparation is needed to ensure the adhesion of the ROLLERKiT^®. The surface must present a Sa2½ and a minimum roughness of 60μm.

PREVENTIVE & CURATIVE SYSTEM

• ROLLERKiT^® is not only a preventive system against corrosion that protects pipe support against corrosion. It will also repair the pipe support thanks to the combination of the 3 components (pad, fiberglass and epoxy resin). The application of the epoxy resin will stop the corrosion development and will prevent from further corrosion.

LARGE RANGE OF APPLICATION

• ROLLERKiT^® can be installed both on support (any kind of support) and pipe diameters from 4’’ to 56’’.
• ROLLERKiT^® can be installed on onshore and offshore environments.
• ROLLERKiT^® can be installed on pipe operating up to +150°C (+302°F).

ROLLERKiT^® is made of techno polymer PPS pads thermo-welded on glass fiber fabric and epoxy resin. Pads are designed to support the weight of the pipe (according to ASME B31.1) and glass fiber fabric ensures the pads assembly. All these components are applied with the resin on a corroded surface, and that will stop the corrosion.

ROLLERKiT^® is designed to protect support area of pipes operating between -30°C and +150°C (-22°F and +302°F).

ROLLERKiT^® can be installed both on pipe and on support.

Depending on the level of corrosion, ROLLERKiT^® can directly be applied on the pipe for superficial corrosion or on the composite repair (R4D) in case of severe corrosion.

Two references are available (ROL-28 & ROL-56) to be installed on pipe diameters from 4’’ to 56’’ for onshore, offshore or subsea installations.

A crack/crevice between pipe and support traps water. Water cannot evacuate and creates corrosion that quickly causes wall loss.

Yes, REINFORCEKiT® PATCH technology can be applied without shutdown except in case of through-wall defect.

REINFORCEKiT® PATCH is a long-term product. For an external defect the repair is designed for a lifetime of 20 years.

Yes, a good surface preparation is essential to get optimal resin bonding and guarantee the sustainability of the repair. The prepared surface should match with Sa 2½ or St3 standards and roughness reaches at least 60 microns (Rz). It can be done using grit blasting or Bristle Blasting (MONTI technology distributed in France by 3X).

REINFORCEKiT^® PATCH is designed according to international standards ISO 24.817 & ASME PCC-2 & API 653.

REINFORCEKiT® PATCH is a composite patch repair system tailored made for each repair. It is made of Kevlar® patches and 3X bi-component epoxy resin. The dimensions & number of patch and the quantity and type of resin will depend on the defect and will be calculated using 3X REA software (in accordance with existing international standards).

ONLINE REPAIR

No shutdown required for REINFORCEKiT® PATCH repair (except if leakage).

 LARGE RANGE OF APPLICATION

 REINFORCEKiT® PATCH repairs internal and external corrosion, weld defects, leaks, dents and mechanical damages with no defect size limitation.

REINFORCEKiT® PATCH repairs all tank and pressure vessel diameters with no pressure restriction.

REINFORCEKiT® PATCH repairs all tank and pressure vessel designs containing various liquid fluids and gases.

REINFORCEKiT® PATCH repairs tanks and pressure vessels with a service temperature up to 150°C (302°F).

USER-FRIENDLY PRODUCT

Light product, no overload on corroded tank.

No hot-work.

No heating or post-curing required.

Fiber not hazardous for user.

REINFORCEKiT® PATCH can be used for unlimited pressure and temperatures ranging from -50°C to +150°C (-58°F to +302°F). There is no limitation in defect size.

REINFORCEKiT^® PATCH is applicable on all tank designs and sizes (no limitation). It is compatible with most common fluids and gas.

Yes, R1D technology can be applied without shutdown except in case of through-wall defect.

The number of layers depends on several parameters (defect type, pipe diameter, wall thickness, design pressure, temperature, environment …).

3X ENGINEERING has developed its own software called REINFORCEKiT ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (R.E.A) to design the composite repair and define the number of layers and material requirements in accordance with existing international standards.

This is ONLY applicable in case of reinforcement application.

For protection application, 2 layers minimum are recommended.

Yes, surface preparation is necessary ONLY if you are using R1D as reinforcement solution. In this case, a good surface preparation is essential to get optimal resin bonding and guarantee the sustainability of the repair. The prepared surface should match with Sa 2½ or St3 standards and roughness reaches at least 60 microns (Rz). It can be done using grit blasting or Bristle Blasting (MONTI technology distributed in France by 3X).

REINFORCEKiT® 1D has been designed according to ISO 24-817 and ASME PCC-2 standards (only applicable for reinforcement application).

REINFORCEKiT® 1D is a water activated prepreg system made of fiber glass and 3X polyurethane resin. Fiber is already pre-impregnated with the resin.

REINFORCEKiT® 1D can be used for both pipe reinforcement and protection for coated pipes.

In case of reinforcement application, a proper surface preparation is required and R1D must be used with specific 3X filler and primer. The repair design and material requirements are provided by 3X software, according to international standards.

In case of protection application, only R1D prepreg is necessary. No calculations are needed (3X recommends to apply a minimum of 2 layers). Additional layers increase impact strength and resistance.

ONLINE REPAIR

No shutdown required for R1D repair.

TIME & COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION

REINFORCEKiT® 1D is a prepreg system. It does not require any mixing nor measuring è TIME SAVING.

REINFORCEKiT® 1D applied as protective coating: no calculation, no surface preparation and only 2 layers needed è COST EFFECTIVE.

USER-FRIENDLY PRODUCT

Factory saturated fiber.

No heating or post-curing required.

Fast and easy implementation.

REINFORCEKiT® 1D product can be used for unlimited pipe size and operating temperatures ranging from -50°C to +68°C (for reinforcement) and up to +88°C (for protection).

REINFORCEKiT® 1D can be installed on all kind of pipe geometry (straight, oval, elbow, tee) also including weld and transporting most common liquid fluids (oil, water) and gas. It can be applicated on all pipe diameters and in Onshore/Offshore environments.

Yes, STOPKiT® VESSEL can be applied under pressure. No shutdown or depressurization is required.

STOPKiT® VESSEL is a temporary repair system and must not be used more than few weeks. It is difficult to exactly evaluate how long it will be efficient as it depends on several parameters (pressure vessel size, hole diameter, pressure …). For long-term solution, refer to our REINFORCEKiT® PATCH product.

No, surface preparation is not required. The pressure vessel only needs to be cleaned with acetone and the external surface must be free of sharp edge.

ONLINE LEAK SEALING

STOPKiT® VESSEL is an emergency stop leak solution for tank and pressure vessel applicable without shutdown or de-pressurization.

LARGE RANGE OF PERFORMANCE

STOPKiT® VESSEL can be applicated on pressure vessel operating up to 80°C (176°F).

STOPKiT® VESSEL can be applicated on pressure vessel diameters from 58’’ to 138’’.

STOPKiT® VESSEL can be applicated Onshore and Offshore.

STOPKiT® VESSEL can stop leakage online up to 40mm hole diameter and 30 bars (435 psi).

USER-FRIENDLY PRODUCT

Ready-to-use and reusable product.

Quick installation (about 10mn).

Easy installation (can be done by 2 persons).

STOPKiT® VESSEL is sold in a rigid case including the following components: belt, rubber patch, tightening system (ratchet strap and screws), torque wrench, STOPKiT® VESSEL Positioner (specific device developed to center the patch on the leak), white marker, magnet system (only necessary for vertical installation) and additional 5 patches (reusable product).

STOPKiT® VESSEL can be installed on tanks, pressure vessels, columns (horizontal or vertical designs) up to 3.5m diameters (138”), and is recommended to stop various type of leaks (oil, gas, water and many other aggressive fluids).

STOPKiT® VESSEL range includes 4 references depending on pressure vessel size (from 1.5m to 2.5m and from 2.5m to 3.5m) and environments (Onshore or Offshore).

Yes, TANKiT® can be applied without shutdown except in case of through-wall defect.

TANKiT® is an emergency and temporary repair system. It is quite difficult to evaluate how long it will be efficient as it depends on several parameters (defect type and size, pressure, tank diameter). We recommend to switch on a long-term solution as soon as possible.

Yes, a good surface preparation is essential to get optimal resin bonding and guarantee the sustainability of the repair. The prepared surface should match with Sa 2½ or St3 standards and roughness reaches at least 60 microns (Rz). It can be done using grit blasting or Bristle Blasting (MONTI technology distributed in France by 3X).

TANKiT® is compliant with no standard but has been deeply tested and approved by 3X R&D Department.

TANKiT® is a pre-engineered product sold in ready-to-use kit. The kit includes steel plate with filler, 5 Kevlar® patches (300x300mm) with resin and set of accessories (including cover plate and set of 4 magnets) ==> 1 TANKiT® = 1 REPAIR.

ONLINE REPAIR

No shutdown required for TANKiT® repair (except if leakage).

 TIME & COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION

 TANKiT® is a ready-to-use product designed for emergency purpose. It does not require any engineering nor calculations.

TANKiT® is dedicated to one repair and is always made of 5 Kevlar® patches.

USER-FRIENDLY PRODUCT

Light product, no overload on corroded tank.

Cold welding system.

No heating or post-curing required.

Fiber not hazardous for user.

TANKiT® can be used for temperatures ranging from -50°C to +70°C (-58°F to +158°F). It can repair a defect up to 100mm size.

TANKiT® can be used on various tank and pressure vessel designs. It is compatible with most common liquid fluids and gas.

Yes, REFLANGEKiT® can be applied online and under pressure.

Yes, a good surface preparation is essential guarantee the sustainability of the repair. The prepared surface should match with Sa 2½ or St3 standards and roughness reaches at least 60 microns (Rz). It can be done easily using Bristle Blaster machine (MONTI technology distributed in France by 3X).

ONLINE SF6 LEAK SEALING

REFLANGEKiT® is a sealing technique applicable online and under pressure.

NON-INVASIVE SYSTEM

Flange, bolt and screw systems are protected during resin injection and disassembly (none risk of resin intrusion into the flange). REFLANGEKiT® can be removed easily without damage.

COST EFFECTIVE PRODUCT

 REFLANGEKiT® installation avoids a costly shutdown.

REFLANGEKiT® is made of a double shell concept system that encapsulates the leaking flange. The first soft cover protects the whole flange (including gasket, bolts and nuts), collects and concentrates SF6 leak through the valve (located on the top). The second hard shell (positioned above the soft one) contains 3X specific resin.

REFLANGEKiT® is designed to seal SF6 gas on G.I.S flanges operating between -50°C and +65°C.

REFLANGEKiT® can be installed on many flange geometries and is suitable for aluminium, stainless steel, ceramic and carbon steel materials. The product already exists for many flange types (for example SIEMENS, AREVA, ABB …). If existing models are not adaptable with your installation, 3X will manufacture it specially for you.