- Hot tapping allows new piping to be tied into a network without interrupting the gas supply.
- This is done by welding a split tee onto the pipe which is then tapped under pressure.
- Using so-called plugging devices, we can isolate parts of the pipeline under pressure. The gas is then piped though mobile bypass lines.
- 3" – 56” Pipelines
- -20°C – 100°CTemperatures
- Ambient to 2220 psi Pressure Range
- Hot Tapping process consists of following steps:
Step 1: Weld the fitting to the line and bolt the valve to the pipe fitting.
Step 2: Bolt the hot tap (HT) machine to the valve.
Step 3: Check for leaks in bolted connections by pressure testing through the hot tap adaptor. Make sure the valve is fully open throughout the testing.
Step 4: Start cutting the pipe by advancing the cutter till the cut is complete. The section of the pipe which is removed is known as the “coupon.” This is retained by means of u-wires, which are attached to the pilot drill.
Step 5: Once the cutter has cut through the pipe, the hot tapping equipment or machine can be stopped. Withdraw the cutter into the hot tap adapter and close the valve.
Step 6: Prior to removing the hot tapping equipment or machine, the pressure from inside the tapping adapter is bled off. The machine is then removed from the valve, and a new pipe outlet is established.