Hot Tapping Pipelines – All You Need to Know

Hot tapping pipelines (or under-pressure drilling) are amongst the most-effective and economical solutions wherein a new connection is made to the existing pipelines or tanks while the line is still operational. So beneficial! Isn’t it? A typical application employs a drilling machine, a full-ported valve and a fitting designed to contain system pressure. A branch connection is provided to a live pipe in a constant operation without leakage or loss of flow. So, here remains no need to shut-down the operation due to the maintenance or modification.

The process can be carried out on any types of pipes (almost all), such as iron, steel, plastic and concrete. Without any doubt, hot tapping pipelines come as an effective method when pipefreezing is not practical to implement.

At present, there are many companies around which provide a wide range of excellent pipeline services uk at very competitive prices. If you or your business is looking for a pipeline service provider, all you need to do is go online and search such companies. It is a good idea to spend some time doing extensive market research and then hire the services of one particular company which seems reliable and experienced. Make sure you do not opt for a new entrant.

What is Line Stopping?

Line Stopping is a method of producing a temporary isolation in a live main line, where some flow prevails and thus cannot be frozen, or a complete shutdown is not an option. There are numerous advantages of line stopping including the installation of a bypass so as to maintain the flow, thus reducing the need of a complete shut down or major disruption to services. 

Line Stopping is widely used on most common pipeline materials such as Steel, Cast Iron, Ductile Iron, Copper, Stainless Steels, Plastics and Cement Asbestos. One or more bespoke fittings are either welded or bolted on to the pipeline, to which valves are fitted. The pipe is under pressure drilled as required, and then the Line Stopping equipment or Stopple is installed. In case of a bypass requirement during the installation, the water flow in the main line is stopped.

The major advantage of Line Stopping is little or no disruption during the operation. It also reduces the chances of harmful gas exertion. There is no drain or back filling time. It is perfect for isolating sections of ring mains. It can be applied to a wide range of liquids, gases and compressed air. Moreover, it is well-suited for fire protection, sprinkler systems and hydrants etc.