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Hot Tapping
Pipeline Pigging
PSI - Offshore |
US Toll Free
1-888-839-6766
International
1-918-447-5100
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Your Source for Piping Solutions.
During 2004, the city of Memphis, Tennessee was actively engaged in a sizeable urban renewal project in the downtown area. In order to accommodate increased flow to a large, new condominium complex, the local gas utility company needed to tap into a pressurized 12-inch polyethylene (PE) main line and establish a new 8-inch branch to assure ample service. Shutting down the 12-inch main, which serviced a significant section of the city, was to be avoided if at all possible.
TDW personnel prepare to fuse saddle to pipe. |
Hot tapping a gas line to establish a branch fitting is a common occurrence when the lines are in the 2-inch to 4-inch range, however a 12-inch PE main is another story. The fact was that there had not been any previous record of hot tapping a 12-inch PE line and establishing an 8-inch branch connection anywhere in the United States.
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Looking for answers, the gas company was already well familiar with the hot tapping equipment and technology provided to the industry by T.D. Williamson, Inc. In December of 2004, the gas company approached TDW with a request to design, build, test, and install everything required to hot tap their large pressurized PE line and establish a service connection.
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Fusion beads indicate a good melt. (left) Fused fitting is ready for attaching the valve.(right)
Project Engineer Mark Morgan headed the design and development group for TDW.
In order to affect the hot tap through an 8-inch ball valve, the TDW T203 Tapping Machine was selected because of the added stroke required to reach through the
larger valve.
The task during the design and build phase was to make sure all the parts fit together and functioned correctly when the new parts and equipment were assembled for the first time. Specific areas such as the hot tap cutter and the fusion process were focal points of extra design work.
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Morgan designed a new cutter with the ability to reach into the pipe and pull out the coupon. The new cutter was also designed to capture the chips in a continuous ribbon leaving very few chips in the pipeline after the tap. Due to the sheer size of the main, special heater faces used to fuse the fitting were made. Once all the required elements had been designed and built, a complete job was simulated and refined to the point that the process, when applied on site, would proceed in a routine manner.
Technicians attach the tapping machine
to the valve. |
Of course, we all know job sites can present their own special challenges, and such was the case on November 15, 2005 when three TDW personnel, Mark Morgan, Darrel Trout and James Signorelli were on hand to perform one of the largest PE hot taps in the United States. The tap was made horizontally through an 8-inch ball valve into a 12-inch PE gas line pressurized to 20 psi. TDW Trainer Darrel Trout, who is OQ certified, performed the actual fusions and hot tap with Morgan and Signorelli assisting. What started out as an unseasonably balmy 72-degree day took a sudden and drastic turn for the worse. At a critical point in the process, a very powerful storm passed through the Memphis area with nearby tornado warnings, 50 mph wind gusts, rain, lightning and 1-inch hail that pelted the work site for a short time. The crew had to suspend their work several times to seek nearby shelter until the storm passed. What should have taken approximately 4 hours to complete wound up taking most of the day.
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With no thanks to the weather, the resulting hot tap and service connection turned out exactly as planned. The gas company was very happy with the outcome and three of their engineers responsible for planning line taps were on hand to witness the entire procedure.
As a result of what was learned leading up to, and during the large PE gas main tapping project in Memphis, a longer, lighter tapping machine and larger PE saddles that will make future TDW installations quicker and easier, are now in development. Visit us at www.tdwilliamson.com or call 918-447-5500 or 800-695-0535.
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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.
| 2006 LineMaster Training |
March
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Locations
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| Mechanics Training |
6 - 10 |
Tulsa, OK - USA |
| Job Planning / FTG Design |
15 - 16 |
Tulsa, OK - USA |
| Transmission |
27 - 30 |
Tulsa, OK - USA |
New European Program call:
32-67-28-36-44 |
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Nivelles, Belgium |
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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
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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.
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