Pipeline Hot Tap

Hot tapping, or pressure tapping, is the method of making a connection to existing piping or pressure vessels without the interruption of emptying that section of pipe or vessel. This means that a pipe or tank can continue to be in operation whilst maintenance or modifications are being done to it. The process is also used to drain off pressurised casing fluids.

Hot tapping is also the first procedure in line stopping, where a hole saw is used to make an opening in the pipe, so a line plugging head can be inserted.

Situations in which welding operations are prohibited on equipment which contains:

• Mixtures of gases or vapours within their flammable range or which may become flammable as a result of heat input in welding operations.
• Substances which may undergo reaction or decomposition leading to a dangerous increase in pressure, explosion or attack on metal. In this context, attention is drawn to the possibility that under certain combinations of concentration, temperature and pressure, acetylene, ethylene and other unsaturated hydrocarbons may decompose explosively, initiated by a welding hot spot.
• Oxygen-enriched atmospheres in the presence of hydrocarbons which may be present either in the atmosphere or deposited on the inside surface of the equipment or pipe.
• Compressed air in the presence of hydrocarbons which may be present either in the air or deposited on the inside surfaces of the equipment or pipe.
• Gaseous mixtures in which the partial pressure of hydrogen exceeds 700 kPa gauge, except where evidence from tests has demonstrated that hot-tapping can be done safely.

Based on the above, welding on equipment or pipe which contains hazardous substances or conditions as listed below (even in small quantities) shall not be performed unless positive evidence has been obtained that welding/hot tapping can be applied safely.

Typical Hot Tpping Procedure
1) A fitting is permanently secure to line
2) A permanent valve is installed on the fitting

3) A tapping machine is installed on the fitting and the valve is opened. After pilot drill penetrates, the tapping machine fills with product, and air is purged from the housing. The tap is make trough the line and the coupon is retained

 

4) The valve is closed, and the tapping machine is removed. A branch connection is added, and the valve is opened. The new connection is ready to put into service. This field proven Procedure is quick and precise.

 

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