Using Hot Tap Services For In Service Pipeline Connections

By Author: david lee
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Definition –

Hot tapping is a procedure to add new connections to a pipeline, while this pipeline remains in service. Natural gas transmission and distribution companies need to make new connections every day to their pipelines to expand or modify their system. And hot tap services make the job pretty easy.

Some of the big benefits of hot tapping are as follows:

Unlike shutdown reconnect (where the companies are required to shut down a portion of their system), hot tapping does not result into emission of methane, product loss, inconvenience to customers, and costs associated with evacuating the existing pipeline system. Hot tapping truly makes pipeline connection a pretty easy job. And it doesn’t even take much time.

How hot tap services are performed:

The procedure involves attaching a branch connection and valve on the outer surface of the pipeline and cutting out the pipeline wall within that branch and then removing the wall section through the valve. The best thing about this procedure is you do not have to resort to methods like complete shutdown. Gas transmission ...
... and distribution companies save a hell lot of money, and also save their customers from disruption of service. There are many more benefits that hot tapping offers.

Hot tap services are not new to the world. But, the recent improvements in the designs have led to better results within minimal time period. Hot tapping is also referred to as line tapping, pressure tapping, pressure cutting, and side cutting.

The impacts associated with shutdown reconnect are both environmental and economic. The procedure leads to emission of methane in the environment. And the repair work can also lead to service interruption to the customers. Hot tapping, on the other hand, involves making a cut on the pipeline to add a new connection without venting gas to the atmosphere.

One more thought –

On any given day, hot tapping or under pressure drilling is better than shutdown reconnect. The cost of the service also pays with the revenues and time loss saved with the service.

Presently, there are hundreds of companies in the market, which are into providing hot tap services to the gas transmission and distribution companies. And they all are more or less good enough to help you out with your frequent line connection requirements.

However, there is no harm in checking out with 2-3 service providers, and hire the one, which best meets your specific requirements.