How to Reduce Risks of Hot Tapping?

If you work with pipelines, you'll be aware of what hot tapping is. For those who don't, it's a method that connects pressurised systems like pipelines, or high-pressure vessels, without removing the pipes and tanks which are in service. This process needs to be undertaken with utmost care as it plays a key role in reducing hazards and allows for continued operation. This is why we recommend getting the help of a leading hot tapping machine supplier.

However, this process often involves risks of burn throughs, decomposition of the product flowing through the pipelines, and hydrogen cracking. All of the aforementioned risks are very dangerous!

What are the risks capable of?

Burn through occurs when a pipe is being welded and the un-melted area lying beneath the welding point is not strong enough to take the internal pressure. A precautionary measure taken to avoid this is to use pipes with thick walls.

Alternatively, the unstable decomposition of a flowing product causes volatile heat reactions. To prevent this, you'll need to use API modelling and computer technology assistance. It helps you prevent the internal wall temperature of the pipe to exceed critical levels of the product flowing.

The risk of hydrogen cracking occurs due to shorter cooling times and an accelerated flow of product in your pipeline. This risk can be mitigated by using low hydrogen electrodes. The heat input should also be undertaken cautiously.

Other factors to consider

Using hot taping as the last option is a good choice. However, when undertaking this process it's recommended you understand and create a hot tap design. Understanding the characteristics of your product and the metallurgy of the pipe being welded is important too. We recommend contacting a hot tapping machine supplier before buying your equipment so they can help you understand how to keep the process safe and machines to use.