Hot tapping is a method that permits a pipeline fitting together to be made without having to interrupt operation, and thus releasing gas into the atmosphere. The procedures include matters such as making connection to branch connections and creating more opening or else cutting out an aperture in the operating hot tapping pipeline without necessarily disturbing the flow or else when a product is lost. Hot taps are the first procedure in full line plugging through utilizing inflatable, temporary full body plugs known as stopples. They also allow for such possibilities as new integration with existing systems, the introduction of devices in the flow path, and new bends, either permanent or temporary.  

Applicability

The two hot taps can be positioned in either a vertical or horizontal direction with respect to the pipe. However, there has to be enough space to accommodate tapping machine, fitting and valve. Today, technology annuls making taps to all types of pipelines, at all pressures, diameters, and compositions and old pipes connected on to new ones Also, there available portable tapping machines allowing a tiny hot tap to be done in one shot without any more secondary bracing blocking. 

Actually, hot tapping equipment is available for nearly all the pipeline size, pipe type, and the maximum operating temperature involved in transmission as well as distribution. The necessary equipment for a hot tap application would for instance include a drill, a branch fitting and a valve. The following describes hot tapping equipment: 

• Fitting: 

The Four-B process guarantees the connection is made within a fitting, that is, a simple welded nipple to connect, for instance, a small one-inch connection; where the pipe size is the same as the parent pipeline, the full-encircersion split-sleeve tee is used. During welding the tee that is positioned around the pipeline imparts mechanical support to the branch as well as the carrier pipe.

• Drilling machine: 

The drilling machine usually comprises a mechanically operated straight or telescopic boring bar that controls a cutter. In order to assist the hole saw in cutting out the coupon or curved section of the pipeline wall, the cutting tool will next make a pilot hole. The pilot drill has an arrangement called the ‘catch’ which on the operation pushes back and draws the cut-out pipe wall or coupon away from the valve. 

• Valve: 

The valve on a hot tap connection needs to be designed such that the coupon the piece of wall that has been cut out by the drilling machine can be withdrawn. 

Hot piping basic steps 

It is then inserted into the fitting where it connects to the pipe line through a process which involves use of steel welded, cast iron bolted or use of Plastic bonded.

In the case of cutting the coupon in the pipeline the process that involves the use of an open valve is referred to as hot tapping. In hot tapping services, a special gadget helps to store the ‘coupon’ which is later to be removed. The coupon can be pulled through the valve and closed to remove them. 

The separate tapping machine should be removed and substituted with the branch pipeline since it is no longer required. The new connection is live either when the branch pipeline has been purged of air and if the valve has been opened.