The Benefits of Hot Tapping

If you’re looking for a way to isolate pipelines without cutting off the main supply, hot tapping is a method that involves using a specialist machine to access a pipeline and create new branches without the need for stopping operations. This means that, unlike other methods, there is no need to switch off or deactivate the pipe, as hot tapping involves minimal disruption to operations. 

Here at Seal Team Systems, we offer a range of hot tapping services, and are experts in online leak sealing who have done so for many years now. For that reason, we are more than qualified to tell you all about the great benefits hot tapping can offer. If you would like to know more, keep reading this helpful article put together by our industry experts below!

In order to connect to a pressurised system, such as a pipeline or pressure vessel, without taking the pipe or tank out of operation, one uses hot tapping, sometimes referred to as pressure tapping. This can be done by drilling or cutting. By doing this, environmental risks are avoided, saving money and maybe saving lives.

Pipeline connections installed while they are still in use are referred to as “hot tapping” in this context. It is frequently employed in relation to welding any type of equipment that is already in operation. The addition of branches for system upgrades or the repair of regions that have experienced mechanical damage or corrosion usually include hot tapping. This welding can be done without taking a pipe out of operation or perhaps releasing a lot of greenhouse gases, such methane, but there are clear financial and environmental benefits.

Like a lot of tasks related to working in industry, hot tapping does have some dangers, especially when not done by an experienced professional. This can include burn-through, decomposition of the product flowing, or the risk of hydrogen cracking, though these risks are relatively low. 

• If the unmelted area beneath the weld pool is not sturdy enough to contain the internal pressure of the pipe, burn-through will happen when welding onto a pressurised pipe. The risk of burn-through decreases as pipe wall density increases.
• When heated under pressure, unstable decomposition of the flowing product can result in violent reactions; this is avoided by taking extra care to keep the internal wall temperature below a critical level. The type of the flowing product will determine the critical temperature.
• Due to the increased heat flow from the weld region, hot tapping raises the risk of hydrogen cracking. Hard microstructures and hydrogen cracking are more likely to occur with shorter cooling times. Low-hydrogen electrodes and careful heat application lessen the risk of cracking. 

Sometimes, blockages or leaks can occur in pipes that are moving liquid or gas and, in most cases, this would require the manufacturing units to be shut down for a few hours or even days to resolve the issue. This will cost you both time and money. When hot tapping, a pipe does not need to be closed so that repairs may be made. Because of this, there will be far less disturbance. This enables the branching out of new lines without disrupting service to other portions of the facility.

It is normal for silt accumulations that had been asleep for a while to be reawakened by the movement of pipes or the maintenance done on them. The quality of the liquid within might therefore degrade as a result of this. The pipe is not touched when hot tapping is being done, thus the sediment is not disturbed and there is a much lower chance of the flowing product to become compromised or lowered in quality.

When a pipeline requires repairs, it is rather normal for the entire system to need to be drained before the work can begin. This is done so that the repairs may be carried out more efficiently. Not only does this take a great deal of time, but it also requires a significant financial investment. Because hot tapping makes it possible for operations to continue indefinitely, the system does not need any drainage in order to carry out its duties effectively.

If you’re considering hot tapping, it’s important that you choose a professional company to help you with it – this is where our team at Seal Team Systems comes in! We’ve been providing high quality hot tapping services for many years, and we’re on hand to provide you with the best advice and guidance in the industry! 

Our team also offers 24/7 online leak sealing, valve refurbishment and supplies, and a range of products, including injectable sealants and gland packings! Get in touch for more information!