Hot tapping is connecting a branch connection to a pipe while the system is still operational and then drilling or cutting a hole in the pipe. While hot taps are typically installed in piping systems, they can also add nozzles to pressure vessels and storage tanks. Hot tapping makes it possible to add connections without depressurizing the system or process interruption. They can also be used to join pipes where it would be challenging to warm up the system for work. Hot tapping is also utilized to isolate pipe sections for maintenance by plugging or stopping the line.
Hot tapping is typically used to add branches for system upgrades or to fix regions that have experienced mechanical damage or corrosion. The ability to execute hot tapping welding without taking a pipe out of operation and potentially releasing significant amounts of greenhouse gases, such as methane, has clear economic and environmental benefits.
Hot tapping is a hazardous process by nature. Hot tapping should, therefore, often only be utilized in situations where it is not feasible to turn off the system. Care must be taken in inspection, testing, and design to guarantee that this procedure is carried out safely and dependably when specifying hot tapping. Therefore, hot tapping should only be considered after all other choices have been studied and ruled out. Each hot tap needs to be carefully planned, the hot tap location examined in detail, and the installation methods examined.
How to use hot tapping
Hot tapping is adding branch connections and drilling holes into an active pipeline without releasing any product or stopping the gas flow. Hot taps allow for the expansion of already-existing systems, the insertion of devices into the flow stream, temporary or permanent bypasses, and line plugging with inflated, temporary balloon plugs.
Hot-tapping solutions are available for most pipeline sizes, materials, and pressure ratings. The fitting, drill, and valve are typical parts of a hot tap machine. The fitting seals the opening in the pipeline wall where the hot tapping machine is located. Wall when the fitting wraps around the entire pipe and drills through the pipeline wall. The valve, which permits the pipeline wall piece cut out by the drilling machine to be withdrawn after the cutting operation, can either be a block valve or a valve for the new connection’s control.
Hot tap systems can be installed around the pipe at any angle that leaves room for the valve, fitting, and tapping equipment to be installed. They can be installed vertically or horizontally. There is also lightweight hot tapping equipment that only requires one person to install and operate, depending on your pipe size.
When to Abstain from Hot Tapping
Any of the following circumstances do not call for the use of hot tapping:
- Piping for volatile or dangerous mixtures.
- Piping that is likely to break down or become dangerous from the heat of welding, such as that which contains acids, chlorides, peroxides, or other substances (e.g., sulfuric acid or acetylene).
- Caustic-containment piping.
- Piping with chlorine or pure oxygen in it.
- Sulfur compound handling monel pipework.
Advantage
Pipeline owners and operators can complete without turning off the system, projects, or wasting product by using hot tapping to isolate and bypass specific pipeline portions.
