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Hot Tapping is a technique that allows a connection to be made on an operating pipeline or piping system, operating heat exchangers, vessels, columns, tanks without shutting down the system.The process involves attaching branch connections and cutting holes into the operating pipeline without interruption of gas flow, and with no release or loss of product. Hot taps permit new tie-ins to existing systems, the insertion of devices into the flow stream, permanent or temporary bypasses, and is the preparatory stage for line stop operation with Line Stop Plug.
We can perform Hot Tap on lines from 1/2" to 48" in diameter, in temperatures from cryogenic to 1350oF (732oC), and on pressures from vacuum to 4300 psig (296 Bar).
Our hot tap applications include the following:
- Prevent shutdowns
- New construction tie-ins
- Installation of by-pass systems
- Pressure and vacuum gauge installation
- New pipeline construction
- Sight glass installations
- Quality control sample points
- Valve installations
- Thermo well coupling installation
- Orifice taps for flow meters
- Offshore and underwater service
- Pipe inspection
- Temperature indicators
LINE STOP
Line Stop is a process of inserting a plugging head into a pipeline to temporarily blocking the flow of product or isolating a section of pipe on stream without shutdown while diverting the product flow using a bypass installed around an isolated section.
The line stop involves the use of our custom-designed full encirclement split tee fitting (A), the cutting of a hole in the pipeline (B), and the inserting of a process compatible plug to block and stop product flow (C).
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Our line stop plug provides a better, safer, seal on all types of pipe. After plugging, the valve is removed by installing a completion plug in the SealTite ® flange (D). Unlike other seals that depend on an O-ring alone, the SealTite® has a metal-to-metal seat backed up by a high temperature O-ring. If re-entry into the pipe is ever required, a safe re-entry and reseal can be made through the same closure flange.
Our line stops can be applied to pipes 1/2" to 48" in diameter, and enable pipelines and plant piping systems to be isolated for repairs or additions without causing an interruption in service or loss of products.
Line stops services include the following ranges:
- Piping systems from 1/2" to 48" in diameter
- Pressured piping systems to 1480 psig
- Piping systems with temperatures from -25oF (-32oC) to 550oF (288oC)
- Piping systems of carbon steel, stainless alloys, cast iron, concrete and plastic
- Piping systems containing steam, water, hydrocarbons, acids, bases, plus other chemicals and gases
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High Temperature LineStop®
 We also offer 1/2" to 16" high temperature, high pressure (HTHP) HiStops®. - HiStops® is used primarily to solve maintenance and engineering problems where operating conditions exceed conventional line stop ranges.
HiStops® can be used to isolate pipes with temperatures to 1200oF (649oC) and pressures to 2600 psig (179 Bar).
Basic engineering techniques applied to the HiStop® includes (A) the installation and pressure testing of a special HiStop® fitting welded to the pipe, the installation of the valve, and the (B) precision cutting and reaming operation to make a tapered hole through the pipe. The pipe is then plugged (C) with a precision-ground, tapered steel plug that provides the seal to the pipe. This permits the de-pressuring of the system for the necessary maintenance or project work.
A completion plug (D) with metal-to-metal seal and O-ring backup to permit HTHP operations is installed in the flange, thus allowing removal of the service valve and completion of the job.
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