What is hot tapping process?
Hot tapping, also known as pressure tapping, is a method of connecting (either by drilling or cutting) to a pressurised system, such as a pipeline or pressure vessel, without removing the pipe or tank from service.
Can you hot tap a natural gas line?
Hot tapping has found wide application in the oil and gas sector. It is often difficult to shut down pipelines due to disruptions it causes in product supply to customers and other facilities. Hot tapping can be used to tie in new connections to an existing pipeline in operation without disruption to flow.
What is hot tapping and line stopping?
Hot tapping allows an opening to be cut or drilled into a pipe that is carrying product under pressure. Line stopping is the process of inserting a plugging head into a pipeline to temporarily block the flow of product or to isolate a section of pipe while diverting the product flow using a bypass.
What are pressure taps?
[′presh·ər ‚tap] (engineering) A small perpendicular hole in the wall of a pressurized, fluid-containing pipe or vessel; used for connection of pressure-sensitive elements for the measurement of static pressures. Also known as piezometer opening; static pressure tap.
What is a hot tap tee?
Mechanical Hot Tapping Fittings facilitate the connection of new branch pipework to existing infrastructure without the requirement for welding. Mechanical fittings are routinely used to provide a flanged tee branch to enable hot tapping into an existing pipeline while under pressure with no interruption to production.
What kind of tape do you use for gas lines?
Teflon tape for gas fittings, also known as gas-rated Teflon tape, is yellow in color and clearly states it is for gas lines and connections. The tape works on all gas line types, including butane, propane and natural gas lines.
Can you hot tap same size pipe?
Welding of Hot Tap Fitting The size of set-on branch shall be at least one pipe diameter smaller than the diameter of the run pipe. Full size hot tap connections are not recommended as there is a possibility for the hot tap cutter to cut into the run pipe.
How does line stopping work?
THE LINE STOPPING HEAD The head is inserted into the line with our line stop actuator. When the pivot wheel contacts the bottom of the pipe, the head and sealing element roll into position and creates a seal, allowing you to perform work downstream.
Is hot tapping safe?
The principal dangers lie in the fact that when hot tapping you don’t depressurize the pipeline and so are dealing with high pressure and/or high temperature situations. Plus, in certain circumstances you have to weld the hot tap machine to the pipeline, there is also a danger of igniting combustible gases or material.
What is a hot tap fitting?
The hot tap procedure involves attaching a branch connection and valve on the outside of an operating pipeline, and then cutting out the pipe-line wall within the branch and removing the wall section through the valve. Hot tapping avoids product loss, methane emissions, and disruption of service to customers.
How do you hot tap a gas line?
The hot tap procedure involves attaching a branch connection and valve on the outside of an operating pipeline, and then cutting out the pipe-line wall within the branch and removing the wall section through the valve. Hot tapping avoids product loss, methane emissions, and disruption of service to customers.
What is hot tapping in natural gas?
Hot tapping is an alternative procedure that makes a new pipeline connection while the pipeline remains in service, flowing natural gas under pressure. The hot tap procedure involves attaching a branch connection and valve on the outside of an operating pipeline, and then cutting out the pipe-line wall within the branch and removing the wall
What are the basic steps involved in hot tap operation?
Hot-tap operation involves the following basic steps: Welding a suitable tapping fitting such as split tee or reinforced flanged fitting. Installing a hot-tapping valve.
What is hot tapping and when is it required?
Hot tapping involves safety hazards and should be undertaken only if the required modification cannot be delayed until the next available shutdown. It requires close coordination between Engineering Team, Operations Personnel, Integrity Assurance Team, Inspection Team, Loss Prevention Team and the Hot Tap Contractor.