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Hot tapping is a means by which access is made to the inside of an operational pipeline, using either a drill or a circular cutter. It is done for any number of reasons, including attachment of a branch connection to the line, installation of an internal probe or monitor, to relocate or divert the pipeline, and to stop or redirect flow in a line for maintenance purposes.
Taps may be vertical, horizontal, or at any angle around the pipe as long as there is sufficient room to install the valve, fitting and tapping machine. T.D. Williamson, Inc., manufactures a range of drilling/tapping machines that will cut 1/2" through 102" (13mm through 2,591mm) holes in pipelines and piping. Unless otherwise specified, these machines have a maximum operating pressure of 1,480 psi at 100°F (104 bar at 38°C). All meet NACE MRO175-97.
Hot Tapping and Plugging Basic Concepts
Hot Tapping is the procedure for cutting or drilling an opening into a pipe which is carrying product under pressure. A "hot tap" allows access to the inside of an operating pipeline without shutdown or spillage.
TDW's tapping machines perform hot taps to help solve maintenance problems at minimal cost with no shutdown or spillage. The machines can handle standard pressures to 1,480 psi (104 bar) or 2,220 psi (155 bar) for special high pressure equipment. The machines work at temperatures up to 700ºF (371°C) with special equipment. Temporary plugging is the process of inserting a plugging head into a pipeline to serve as a block valve after a hot tap is made. The line can be kept in service by diverting product flow through a bypass piping installed around an isolated section. |
