T.D. Williamson Newsletter

Your Source for Piping Solutions!

New PE Tapping System Exceeds Expectations

In late 2003, a T.D. Williamson, Inc. customer needed to supply natural gas to a new subdivision in the southeastern area of the United States via a 4-inch polyethylene (PE) branch pipeline. The existing 8-inch gas line was buried approximately 10 feet deep running down the center of a four lane, traffic congested road. The 8-inch PE line, with an operating pressure of 99 psi, required the reduction to 4-inch PE pipe using an 8-inch by 4-inch tapping saddle with a full port ball valve.

Using traditional practice, the TDW customer would squeeze the PE line, cut the line and fuse an inline tee with reducers in the line to create the tie-in and branch connection. However, the company preferred not to take the risk of stress cracking on the 8-inch PE pipe by squeezing and needed another alternative. Talking with the TDW representative in the area led the company to a viable, cost-effective option that wouldn't require shutting down the line to existing customers and maintain the valuable revenue stream during a peak season and avoiding the costs and disruption of re-lighting individual pilot lights along the shut down pipeline.

SHORTSTOPP® PE Tapping Saddle with Completion Plug

TDW's SHORTSTOPP® PE System is built on proven, patented, pressure control technology that TDW has used in the European market for many years. With the SHORTSTOPP PE System, the customer needed a smaller excavation area than required with other options. An area approximately 5 feet wide by 10 feet long by 10 feet deep was dug in the road. In comparison, an excavation area of three larger holes would be required for squeezing the line due to the company's standard operating procedures of not allowing workers to work in holes with blowing gas from PE pipe.

Technicians monitor the tapping progress as TDW's PS 2000 XL drilling machine cuts into the pipeline, allowing for the tie-in of a new polyethylene pipe.

Technicians secure bolts to attach the PS 2000 XL drilling machine to the SHORTSTOPP® PE saddle.

Choosing the SHORTSTOPP PE System for this connection benefited the customer with installation costs and time savings. Overall, the company saved in installation and material costs on this one hot tap compared to the normal cost of a job that required squeezing to install a branch line due to multiple holes, larger excavation and restoration costs, labor and other additional fees.

Safety issues when working with the SHORTSTOPP PE System are minimal. Due to the longer duration of traditional tie-in applications, the excavation of the street would require overnight barricading of the holes to ensure drivers and walkers in the area were aware of the holes.

Whether it's a new construction scenario like this or upgrades to an older system, TDW's SHORTSTOPP PE equipment is ideal for tie-ins and connections.

The electrofusion equipment used with the SHORTSTOPP® PE System fuses the tapping saddle to the pipeline. The customer's technician fuses the tie-in line with the existing distribution line once tapping is complete.

In addition to the quality of the TDW name being involved, TDW's technicians who work with the SHORTSTOPP PE System are the best trained and qualified in the industry. When considering the Department of Transportation regulations concerning Operator Qualification requirements, TDW knows the rules and ensures its technicians exceed expectations.

Online Product Info

Contact your TDW representative, call 918.447.5100, toll-free at 888.839.6766 or e-mail info@tdwilliamson.com.

LineMaster™ Training Program

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 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.

2004 Class Schedule

April

6-7 Pigging Products
12-15 Transmission Equipment
19-22 Distribution Equipment

May

11 T-101 Equipment

July

13-14 Pigging Products

Online Information and Registration

For more information, contact TDW at 918-447-5100 or toll-free at 888-839-6766. Or call your local TDW representative.

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:

Events - 2004 Trade Shows Dates Locations

NACE-Corrosion Engineers Mar. 28 - Apr. 1 New Orleans, La.

API Pipeline Conference April 13-15
New Orleans, La.

Offshore Technology May 3 - 6
Houston, Texas

SGA Gas Transmission & Distribution July 21-23
Houston, Texas

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