Maintaining the productivity and safety of a facility is important when it comes time for repairs or modifications to its piping. Hot tapping, also known as pressure tapping, is used to repair or modify a particular system. The process allows workers to safely complete the job while the pipe or vessel is working.

Hot Tapping Process

During the hot tapping process, a connection is made to an existing pipeline or pressure vessel without interrupting the flow of its materials. The process allows the container being operated on to continue functioning normally. This capability saves time and money during the construction process of certain pipeline systems. Here is a quick look at the hot tapping process.

1. The hot tap tool is mounted on the valve and tested before attaching the gate valve.
2. The hot tap tool is operated to drill through the open valve and feed the cutter through.
3. A small hole is made by the drill to guide the cutter through the existing pipe wall.
4. Hot tap machine is retracted, the valve is closed, and hot tapping equipment is removed from the valve until the new lines are connected and ready for use.

Safety Requirements for Hot Tapping

Although it may seem like a fairly simply process, hot tapping comes with risks and requires serious attention to detail and careful work to get the job done right. This is because many pipes carry dangerous materials like gas or steam that can harm workers or bystanders if handled incorrectly. Our employees must complete a number of project safety trainings to make sure that we’re meeting every safety requirement.

Finding the right heavy industrial contractor to safely and effectively conduct hot tapping to make modifications to the piping of your structure is crucial to the success of your project. Contact Wollam Construction today at (801)938-9170 to discuss your project.