Hot Tapping
Reliable In-Service Connections Without Shutdowns
Add branches, instrumentation, or tie-ins to live pipelines, tanks, and vessels while maintaining flow and pressure. Our certified in-service welders, engineered fittings, and purpose-built tapping equipment let you complete modifications quickly and safely–reducing downtime, emissions, and cost.
WHY HOT TAP
• No Shutdown Required: Maintain production and avoid costly outages
• Safe, Engineered Process: Full engineering review, procedure control, and QA documentation
• Versatile Applications: Tie-ins, bypasses, instrumentation ports, wellhead work, and more
• Compatible With Most Media: Oil, gas, water, steam, chemicals–subject to engineering
Note: All work is performed under engineered procedures and jurisdictional code compliance.
Capabilities
Diameter:
¼” to 48” outlet size
Pressure Envelope:
Up to 5,000 PSI (35,000 kPA)
Design Temperatures:
Up to 371ºC (700ºF)
Extend Reach/Below-Grade Risers:
Up to ~6.1m (20ft) for 2”-8” branches; 10”+ branches up to ~3.5m (10ft)
Branch & Tap Types
Reducing branches (size reduction)
Olets: Weldolet®, Sockolet®, Threadolet®
Split Tee (size-on-size)
Extended-Reach/Below-Grade Risers
Valve Drill-Out
Thermowell, Pig Signal, & Injection Nozzles
Final pressure/temperature/material compatibility is confirmed case-by-case following engineering review and site conditions.
Typical Use Cases
Facility Expansion & Tie-Ins
Adding bypasses for future connections
Installing instrumentation (thermowells, pig signals, injection ports)
Tank nozzle additions for mixing, sampling, or transfers
Wellhead re-entry preparation (with cold tap, where appropriate)
Engineering & Work Package
Application review, calculations, materials selection, and permits
Fit-Up & In-Service Welding
Application review, calculations, materials selection, and permits
HOW IT WORKS
Pressure-Rated Valve Installation
Isolation valve torqued, tested, and locked open for tapping
Tapping
Boring bar advances through the valve, removes a coupon, and retracts with positive containment
Completion
Valve closed; flange/branch prepared for your tie-in or instrument. Documentation delivered
EXTENDED REACH
HOT TAP
QUALITY CONTROLS
• IN-HOUSE NDT (RT/UT/MT/PT AS APPLICABLE)
• HAZOPS/PERMITS ADMINISTRATION
• QC DOSSIERS WITH WELD MAPS, WPS/PQR/WPQS, AND PRESSURE TEST RECORDS
• COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE CSA/ASME CODES AND PROVINCIAL/STATE REGULATIONS
NEED IN-SERVICE MODIFICATION WITHOUT SHUTDOWN?
OUR SPECIALISTS ARE READY TO HELP.
COLD TAP (MECHANICAL TAPPING)
Some scopes call for a mechanical col tap–a drill-and-connect method using a mechanical tee where in-service welding is not desired.
Cold Tap Applications
Pressure confirmation and de-pressurizing
New construction or outage branch installations without purging stagnant fluids/gas
Wellhead re-entry and abandonment cut-and-cap
Full pipeline cut-and-cap programs
Mechanical/self-sealing branch fittings, including temporary or HDPE/PVC connections
QUALITY CONTROLS
• ENGINEERED PROCEDURES AND HAZARD ASSESSMENTS (HAZOPS)
• QUALIFIED IN-SERVICE WELDERS (WPS/PQR/WPQS)
• NDT EFORE/AFTER AS NEEDED
• PRESSURE OUNDARY INTEGRITY VERIFICATION
• FULL DOCUMENTATION TURNOVER
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Up to ~5,000 PSI & ~371ºC (700ºF), subject to. engineering review, materials, and fitting selection.
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In many cases, we recommend mechanical cold tap or specialty fittings–the final approach is determined yy engineering and the host material.
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Not for the tap itslef. If you require a tie-in cutover, we can help minimize downtime.
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Work is performed to applicale CSA/ASME and jurisdictional requirements.
