www.tdwilliamson.com August 2005 In This Issue: Archives Check out the past issues of our newsletters. Click Here FeedBack Have a suggestion, comment, or idea? Let us know about it. Click Here Contact Us! Subscribe Print Version Click the printer above to print out the text version of this newsletter. TDW Job-Site Solutions Visit TDW's Web site to learn more about how professionals in your industry have teamed up with TDW to solve their pipeline maintenance problems! Visit TDW Job-Site Articles HotTapsTDW.com PiggingTDW.com US Toll Free 1-888-839-6766 International 1-918-447-5100 Your Source for Piping Solutions. TDW's New SHORTSTOPP® Keyhole System for Hot Tapping and Plugging Steps into the Spotlight By Bob Warterfield The much anticipated arrival of TDW's new SHORTSTOPP® Keyhole System has followed a very interesting and accelerated course of development. Originally, the Gas Technology Institute (GTI) approached TDW with a request for proposal (RFP) to develop a light weight hot tapping and plugging system for 2-inch through 12-inch pipe, and if possible design it to work through a keyhole. The keyhole aspect was not a design requirement of the RFP. The initial challenge for TDW centered on defining what could be considered "light weight" equipment. After surveying numerous customers to determine criteria for "light weight," it appeared that no clear definition could be agreed upon. Eric Freeman, P.E., Manager, Special Projects for TDW and his group consisting of members from marketing, manufacturing and engineering began to question the value of producing a "lighter" hot tapping and plugging system. They knew that most TDW HT&P systems were already designed to be light and manageable, and they knew that most gas company installation and maintenance trucks were equipped with cranes to handle anything "heavy." The group began to shift their primary focus toward the prospect of adapting HT&P technology for keyhole applications. GTI, who was providing the majority of the funding for the project, agreed to the change in direction. GTI's own market research indicated that various keyhole applications are gaining popularity within the industry. The research also indicated that there is already a market waiting for HT&P keyhole equipment. With emphasis shifting from a light weight re-design to keyhole adaptation, a significant problem surfaced immediately. The size of fittings that could be used in keyhole applications would be limited. For example, an HT&P fitting for a 12-inch pipe would not be able to fit down the maximum 18-inch diameter excavation used in keyhole installations and repairs. Adjustments to the original plan were obviously necessary. Based on budget and time constraints, it was decided to develop HT&P keyhole technology for 2-inch pipe, analyze the results and then expand the product line in the near future to include additional sizes. According to Freeman, the group first stepped back and asked themselves a very critical question before proceeding. Developing a new technology would require taking up many valuable man-hours and there would be additional expense involved in materials and support services. Would TDW be willing to take on this particular project if co-funding for development was not available? After examining available market research and industry trends, the answer was, "Yes." Training Center Manager Richard Ryan was selected to be project manager and the development process quickly gained focus and momentum. The project formally got underway in June of 2004 and by June of 2005, all design, development and testing was completed on schedule and on budget. Shortly after the project was set in motion, it was determined that an older plugging machine design that TDW developed in the '70s but never commercialized had numerous characteristics that were ideal for use in keyhole applications. A special version of the SS 275 system was originally designed with internal bypass and equalization features. The B275 became the foundation for the HT&P keyhole project. Then, rather than electing to go with a totally new fitting to be used in the keyhole process, it was found that a variation of TDW's popular bolt-on style fitting with non-slip rubber gaskets could be used. The design process for tools and fittings included the use of aluminum materials wherever practical to further reduce weight and make it easier for technicians to lower and lift. According to Richard Ryan, research provided considerable guidance in terms of how the new machine would perform in keyhole applications. The information provided valuable insight from potential buyers regarding what they wanted in terms of performance expectations and features. Project Design Engineer Mark Morgan attended several keyhole workshops in various locations around the country so that he would fully understand the keyhole process. He observed different techniques and tools being used, met with tool manufacturers and learned how keyhole tools were designed to function through an 18-inch opening in the ground. Armed with a clear understanding of the keyhole process and working environment, Morgan entered into the design phase. Several prototypes were built and tested on an elevated keyhole simulation stand situated in TDW's R&D lab. Reviews of prototypes from other TDW personnel provided additional insight and opinions that served to overcome design issues and refine the final product. In order to allow technicians to experience a real-world working environment, a keyhole test field was built near the pipeline test loop at TDW's Tulsa Manufacturing Plant. A total of 25, eighteen inch pavement holes were created that accurately simulate street conditions and provide TDW engineers and technicians access to sections of pressurized steel, cast iron and polyethylene pipe buried five feet below the surface. It was at the test field that the new SHORTSTOPP® Keyhole System passed its final review by an official from GTI and became a new product offering by TDW. Keyhole measuring device allows for above ground access to critical tapping and plugging measurements. TDW's valve tool makes installation simple. For more information: 1-918-447-5000 Since June of 2005, the TDW SHORTSTOPP® Keyhole System has been introduced at the AGA annual district conference and exhibit in Chicago. TDW technicians have also demonstrated installations for customers at DTE Energy (Michcon) in Detroit, Michigan, UGI Utilities in Reading, Pennsylvania and at the Midwestern Energy Association (MEA) conference in Ames, Iowa. A complete package of tools and equipment for hot tapping and plugging 2-inch steel and cast iron pipe through a keyhole is now available from T.D. Williamson. Additional work conducted in the TDW test field is targeted to result in new equipment for larger pipe sizes and different types of pipe material. Additional announcements will be made as new equipment becomes available to the industry. Online - Video View LineMaster™ 2005 Schedule T.D. Williamson, Inc. continues to provide the most comprehensive hot tapping, plugging and pigging instruction available in compliance with Department of Transportation covered tasks, standards and requirements. Rigorous hands-on training and operator qualification LineMaster™ programs are TDW's commitment to the industry. LineMaster Training assists you with ensuring that your technicians are trained at the highest level available. In our state-of-the-art facilities and with our pressurized simulated pipeline, TDW's LineMaster Training program is an in-depth series of classes designed to fulfill DOT Pipeline Safety Operator Qualification rules. To meet DOT requirements, training programs must include classroom time, written exams and hands-on simulated conditions. TDW's LineMaster Training meets these requirements. TDW LineMaster Training is the best in the business. The company you've trusted with your piping maintenance needs for more than 80 years has the experience to train your technicians and operators effectively and efficiently. 2005 LineMaster Training Dates Locations T-101 Class Sept 13 Tulsa, OK - USA Pigging Class Sept 14-15 Tulsa, OK - USA Transmission Class Sept 19-22 Tulsa, OK - USA Gas Distribution Class Sept 26-29 Tulsa, OK - USA T-101 Class Oct. 11 Tulsa, OK - USA Transmission Class Oct. 17-20 Tulsa, OK - USA Gas Distribution Class Oct. 24-27 Tulsa, OK - USA Transmission Class Nov. 7-10 Tulsa, OK - USA Gas Distribution Class Nov. 14-17 Tulsa, OK - USA New European Program call: 32-67-28-36-44 Nivelles, Belgium Class Information and Registration Form For more information, contact TDW at 918-447-5100 or toll-free at 888-839-6766. Or call your local TDW representative. New European LineMaster Training Program in Nivelles, Belgium contact Anne.Roberfroid@TDW.be or Call 32-67-28-36-44 Upcoming Trade Shows Don't forget to visit TDW's booth at upcoming trade shows. We are attending several in the next few months, including: Please check the entire 2005 show listing on the website. 2005 Trade Shows Dates Locations Offshore Europe September 6-9 Aberdeen, Scotland Deepwater Operations Forum October 4-6 Galveston, TX Rio Pipeline 2005 October 17-19 Rio, Brazil Rio Oil and Gas Expo TBA Rio, Brazil DOT-Deep Offshore Technology Nov. 8-10 Vitoria, Brazil You can submit other e-mail addresses by simply completing the fields below. Enter the email address you wish to add and select which version you wish to receive. email name Please choose the mailing list(s) you wish to join HTML Only Text Only To unsubscribe, forward this email and note "unsubscribe me". ® Registered trademarks of T.D.Williamson, Inc., in the United States and in foreign countries. 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