What Are the Key Benefits of Hot Tapping Equipment?

Hot Tapping is a method of reconnecting an existing pipe or pressure vessel while the pipe or vessel section is still operational. The entire operation is completed while the pipe is powered or in normal operating condition. The specialized hot tap equipment allows the connection to a pipe system or vessel without shutting down or stopping production. Hot taps can be safely performed on almost all types of pipe, from carbon steel, and can be connected to systems with oil, gas, fuel, steam, water, and many other types of pipe at pressures up to 1,480 psig @ 100 degrees Fahrenheit under normal conditions. However, we are prepared to work at temperatures up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is Hot Tapping?

Hot taps, also known as pressure taps or pipe stops, are a technique for creating connections or branch connections in a pressure vessel or pipe. They allow for modifications, repairs, or additions without shutting down the system or stopping the flow.

How Hot Tapping Works?

The process of hot tapping involves tapping branch taps and drilling holes in the active pipe without disrupting the flow of gas and without releasing or losing product. Hot taps allow new pipes to be connected to an existing system. The equipment can be installed into the flow stream. Permanent or temporary bypasses are available and are a preparatory step for plugging the pipe with an inflatable temporary balloon plug.

Hot tapping systems are available for almost all pipe sizes, materials, and pressure ratings. Common components of a hot-tapping machine include a drill, a pipe fitting, and a valve. The drill drills a hole in the pipe wall and the pipe fitting wraps around the entire pipe and creates a sealed connection between the hot tapping machine manufacturers and the hole in the pipe wall. The valve may be a block valve or a control valve for reconnecting the pipe wall and allows the removal of the drilled section of the pipe wall after cutting.

Hot tapping systems can be set up or down and used at any angle around the pipe where there is sufficient space to install valves, fittings, and tapping machines. Depending on the size of your pipe, lightweight hot-tapping machines may be available that can be installed and operated by one person.

The Process of Hot Tapping:

• Installing hot taps with the required branch and flange sizes
• Ball valves or gate valves
• Hot-tapping machines with cutters and adapters
• Advantages of hot tapping equipment
• No shutdown is necessary, so there is no loss of production
• No product loss within the pipe – no release to the environment
• Reduced workforce and resource planning costs
• In combination with line stop operations, valves can be repaired or replaced, damaged/corroded pipe or fittings replaced, or long lengths of pipe replaced.

Benefits of Hot Tapping:

This process can be performed on almost any type of pipe that carries liquids under pressure, from carbon steel to PVC. Adding new connections to the pipe isn’t the only reason for hot taps. Product sampling points, pressure control switch installations, inspections, and drains are just a few examples of hot-tapping processes. Not only are they cost-effective, but they are also a safe and efficient way to keep facilities operating during major infrastructure repairs and upgrades.