Hot Tapping and Line Stopping

EPCM has an extensive track record of successful hot tapping and line stopping operations. 

Hot tapping refers to installing connections to a pressurised system, such as a pipeline or tanks, without any shutdowns. It is used for economical, safe and fast tie-ins, repairs, modifications and bypass of fault systems.

Line stopping isolates and bypasses a specific part of the network. It can involve multiple hot taps, line stop actuators, plugging heads, and a bypass line. 

Our services are designed to keep your system running. We can seal a high-pressure steam leak while the boiler is still in service, isolate a bad pump without affecting flow in the header, or pressure grout damaged refractory with the fire still burning.

We own and build our specialised equipment. Our capabilities in using them ensure that we can meet virtually every possible material, pressure, temperature and size application.

How is a hot tap done?

Typically, a weld-on or bolt-on saddle is attached to the pipe with a flanged outlet. A flanged valve is bolted onto the saddle, and a pressure-tight tapping machine attached to the valve. Next, the tapping machine bores into the pipeline. Once the tap is completed, the valve is closed, the tapping machine is removed, and the new branch connection is now live.

HOT TAP & LINESTOP SOLUTIONS

• Pipeline tie-ins
• Re-routing process piping
• Repairing pressure letdown stations
• Pressure and vacuum installations
• Quality control sample points
• Pressure gauge/monitoring points
• Wet tapping
• Probe and meter Installation
• Angle hot taps
• Fitting taps (elbows, end caps, etc.)
• Subsea hot tap
• Containment wall tap
• Storage tank taps
• Linestops (pivoting head, folding head, extreme duty)
• Freeze stops
• Bag stops
• Tandem linestops
• Thermowell installations
• Flowmeter installations
• Injection quill installations
• Manway taps
• Cold taps