Hot tapping procedure

How does Hot tapping machine work? What is tapping process? Hot tapping , or pressure tapping , is the method of making a connection to existing piping or pressure vessels without the interrupting or emptying of that section of pipe or vessel. Hot tapping , also known as pressure tapping , is the process of making connections to an existing pipeline, network or pressurised vessel without having to empty it beforehand. In effect, the process enables the container that is being operated on to continue functioning as normal, meaning that downtime can be avoided and pipelines can continue throughput with the minimum of interruption.

Hot tap fitting should be attached prior to the arrival of TDW Services.

This will allow customer to repair or replace a faulty valve or repair welding on fitting. A hot tap shall not be considered a routine procedure , but shall be used only when there is no practical alternative. Hot Taps shall be installed by trained and experienced crews. It should be noted that hot tapping of sour gas lines presents special health and metallurgical concerns and shall be done only to written operating company approved plans. Can be performed with out the need to shut down the plant.

No need for loss of production or supply to other areas Additional branches allowing supply to and from other areas of plant etc. Regardless of the size, complexity, or location of a pipeline project, hot tapping and plugging (HTP) is the preferred method for performing maintenance, repairs, or modification work that requires making safe entry into a live, pressurized line. Exhibit provides a general schematic of a hot tapping procedure.

Hot Tapping by definition involves Hot Work on equipment “in service”.

The basic steps to perform a hot tap are: 1. Connect the fitting on the existing pipeline by welding (steel), bolting (cast iron), or bonding (plastic) and install the valve. Install the hot tap machine through the permanent valve. While hot taps are most often done in piping system, they may also be done on pressure vessels and storage tanks to add nozzles. For hot tapping , and emergency action plan should also be drawn up. This should include a communication plan to all relevant parties involve firewatch has been familiarised with equipment on site, and all technical specifications such as temperature, pressure and process material are recorded.

Hot tapping is the last option when it is not possible to isolate the process line at any cost. On a basic level, hot tapping is an installation procedure that connects pipelines whilst they remain in service. It is implemented when repairs to pipelines are require due to damage or corrosion, or if the operator has decides to add branches to modify their current network.

In order to expedite the change, it is sometimes possible to make the attachment using a technique known as hot tapping or pressure tapping where the welding is carried out while the pipe of equipment item is in service. In the case of a pipe, the flowing fluid will remove the heat. Hot tapping identifies a procedure for installing a nozzle in the shell of a tank that is in service. It specifically refers to a method of adding a joint to a pressurized pipe or line that is in service. Using a hot tapping machine, the pipe fitter performs the procedure without shutting down the line or draining it.

This precise process requires our experienced engineers to drill a hole in a piping system under pressure, without draining or spilling the products inside. This Checklist is a necessary component of the Hot Tap Plan required for any hot tapping and shall be attached to hot work certificate. The Checklist should be progressively completed during the planning and execution stages of the hot tap.

HOT TAPPING This is an engineering procedure used to enable new branch connections to pipeline systems without draining down.

We hottap a pipeline via a new branch connection established by either welding or using bolt on tapping saddles depending on pipe material.