Welcome to T. D. Williamson, Inc. Global Solutions! March 2004 _______________________________________________________________________________ In this issue: - New: PE Tapping System Exceeds Expectations - LineMaster™ Training - Upcoming Trade Shows _______________________________________________________________________________ t h i s m o n t h ' s f e a t u r e - New: PE Tapping System Exceeds Expectations _______________________________________________________________________________ In late 2003, a T.D. Williamson, Inc. customer needed to supply natural gas to a new subdivision in the southeastern area of the United States via a 4-inch polyethylene (PE) branch pipeline. The existing 8-inch gas line was buried approximately 10 feet deep running down the center of a four lane, traffic congested road. The 8-inch PE line, with an operating pressure of 99 psi, required the reduction to 4-inch PE pipe using an 8-inch by 4-inch tapping saddle with a full port ball valve. Using traditional practice, the TDW customer would squeeze the PE line, cut the line and fuse an inline tee with reducers in the line to create the tie-in and branch connection. However, the company preferred not to take the risk of stress cracking on the 8-inch PE pipe by squeezing and needed another alternative. Talking with the TDW representative in the area led the company to a viable, cost-effective option that wouldn't require shutting down the line to existing customers and maintain the valuable revenue stream during a peak season and avoiding the costs and disruption of re-lighting individual pilot lights along the shut down pipeline. TDW's SHORTSTOPP® PE System is built on proven, patented, pressure control technology that TDW has used in the European market for many years. With the SHORTSTOPP PE System, the customer needed a smaller excavation area than required with other options. An area approximately 5 feet wide by 10 feet long by 10 feet deep was dug in the road. In comparison, an excavation area of three larger holes would be required for squeezing the line due to the company's standard operating procedures of not allowing workers to work in holes with blowing gas from PE pipe. Choosing the SHORTSTOPP PE System for this connection benefited the customer with installation costs and time savings. Overall, the company saved in installation and material costs on this one hot tap compared to the normal cost of a job that required squeezing to install a branch line due to multiple holes, larger excavation and restoration costs, labor and other additional fees. To Learn more http://www.tdwilliamson.com/hottaptdw/PE_Plug_Machine.html LineMaster™ Training Program _______________________________________________________________________________ T.D. Williamson, Inc. continues to provide the most comprehensive hot tapping, plugging and pigging instruction available in compliance with Department of Transportation covered tasks, standards and requirements. Rigorous hands-on training and operator qualification LineMaster™ programs are TDW's commitment to the industry. LineMaster Training assists you with ensuring your technicians are trained at the highest level available. In our state-of-the-art facilities and with our pressurized simulated pipeline, TDW's LineMaster Training program is an in-depth series of classes designed to fulfill DOT Pipeline Safety Operator Qualification rules. To meet DOT requirements, training programs must include classroom time, written exams and hands-on simulated conditions. TDW's LineMaster Training meets these requirements. TDW LineMaster Training is the best in the business. The company you've trusted with your piping maintenance needs for more than 80 years has the experience to train your technicians and operators effectively and efficiently. 2004 Class Schedule April 6-7 Pigging Products 12-15 Transmission Equipment 19-22 Distribution Equipment May 11 T-101 Equipment July 13-14 Pigging Products To Learn more http://www.tdwilliamson.com/training.hml For more information, call TDW at 918-447-5400 or 800-571-7447. Upcoming Trade Shows _______________________________________________________________________________ Don't forget to visit TDW's booth at upcoming trade shows. We are attending several in the next few months, including: Events - 2004 Trade Shows | Dates | Locations NACE-Corrosion Engineers | Mar. 28 - Apr. 1 | New Orleans, La. API Pipeline Conference | April 13-15 | New Orleans, La. Offshore Technology | May 3 - 6 | Houston, Texas SGA Gas Transmission & Distribution | July 21-23 | Houston, Texas _______________________________________________________________________________ Any questions please call 1.888.839.6766 or 1.918.447.5100 Click Here to Unsubscribe or contact us at subscribe@tdwilliamson.com: