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Requirements in Executing A Hot Tap - ION PRO

The document discusses the requirements for executing a hot tap on hydrocarbon pipelines. It outlines that a hot tap allows a new connection to be made to a pressurized pipeline without interrupting flow. A critical analysis is required to justify hot tapping by evaluating safety, piping conditions, system configuration, operating conditions, available equipment, economic factors, and regulatory compliance. General safety restrictions for hot tapping include limitations based on fluid type, equipment type, temperature range, and hazardous materials. Detailed planning documentation like design documents, drawings, procedures, and risk assessments are necessary before executing a hot tap.

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© © All Rights Reserved
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
204 views25 pages

Requirements in Executing A Hot Tap - ION PRO

The document discusses the requirements for executing a hot tap on hydrocarbon pipelines. It outlines that a hot tap allows a new connection to be made to a pressurized pipeline without interrupting flow. A critical analysis is required to justify hot tapping by evaluating safety, piping conditions, system configuration, operating conditions, available equipment, economic factors, and regulatory compliance. General safety restrictions for hot tapping include limitations based on fluid type, equipment type, temperature range, and hazardous materials. Detailed planning documentation like design documents, drawings, procedures, and risk assessments are necessary before executing a hot tap.

Uploaded by

Hous Boukado
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 25

06/06/2022 02:53 Requirements in Executing a Hot Tap - ION PRO

Requirements in Executing a Hot Tap


Feb 3, 2021 | Hot Tapping

1. Introduction
This article details the technical and safety requirements for
executing a hot tap on hydrocarbon pipelines, piping or tanks.

Hot tapping is a method of making a new connection to an existing


pressured pipeline or vessel without interrupting or emptying that
section of pipe or vessel. This means that a pipeline can continue to
be in operation while maintenance or modifications are being
executed.

Another definition According to API RP 2201: Hot Tapping is a


technique of attaching a mechanical or welded branch fitting to
piping or equipment in service and creating an opening in that
piping or equipment by drilling or cutting a portion of the piping or
equipment within the attached fitting.

Hot tapping has found wide application in the oil and gas sector. It is
often difficult to shut down pipelines due to disruptions it causes in
product supply to customers and other facilities. Hot tapping can be
used to tie in new connections to an existing pipeline in operation
without disruption to flow. And in combination with line plugging can
be used to divert flow around a pipeline or piping section that is
under repair or maintenance.

2. Critical Analysis Justifying Hot Tapping

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As a prerequisite to any hot tap operation, a detailed job analysis


encompassing both safety and technical considerations is
performed.

A hot tapping operation is a highly safety-sensitive activity and


should not be taken as a routine operation. It should only be
performed if a facility shutdown is not feasible – an assessment that
takes in various considerations, such as:

Safety: Hot tapping involves hot work, i.e. welding on pipelines,


piping or tanks in operation. And so, a proper hot work risk
assessment must be done. Safety is the most critical element in
every hot tapping operation. If the safety of the personnel and the
environment is not guaranteed, hot tapping shall not be
performed. Safety mentioned here also include threats that may
arise from pollution or release of toxic product in case of hot tap
failure.
Condition of the piping, pipeline or tank to be tapped: The
condition of the equipment or piping must be critically analysed to
determine if it is safe to perform the hot tap. Equipment or
pipelines that are subject to deterioration beyond a set limit shall
not be tapped.
System Configuration: The configuration of the system must be
such that hot tapping can be performed without any hindrance.
This is usually a more critical criteria for piping configurations and
tanks than for pipelines. Where access to the line is restricted, hot
tapping should not be performed. This includes the surrounding
environmental conditions such as soil conditions, water tables,
vegetation overgrowth, etc.
Operating conditions of a pipeline, piping or tank. As will be
discussed later, there are various operational limitations to hot
tapping such as fluid temperature, pressure, the velocity of flow,
etc. The operating data of the system must be critically analysed to
ensure that hot tapping can be successfully executed within these
parameters.
Availability of a suitable hot tapping machine: The available
machine to perform the hot tap must be able to execute the task
successfully. Machine selection is crucial because the selection of
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the wrong machine could result in a failed hot tapping operation.


The machine must be able to work under the operating conditions
such as temperature, pressure, flow rate etc. If a machine that can
effectively operate under all identified conditions is not available,
hot tapping shall not be performed.
The economic aspect of the hot tap operation must be thoroughly
evaluated. A situation whereby the cost of hot tapping is
significantly higher than the cost of the shutdown and routine
maintenance should be avoided. See our article on this site that
expands on this economic evaluation of a shutdown vs hot
tapping.
Welding Suitability. Can safe welding of the hot tap fitting be
performed on the pipeline? Can welding be performed on the
pipeline at the operating conditions and material of the tank or
pipeline/piping? This must be justified before performing a hot
tap.
Regulatory requirements. All regulations (be that industry codes,
local bylaws, etc.) must be carefully evaluated before performing
any hot tapping operation and must not proceed if the regulations
are not met.

3. General Safety Restrictions


Although over time, there have been significant improvements in hot
tapping technology, there are still several restrictions which aim at
increasing the safety of the process.

It must be noted that these restrictions vary among companies and


are also dependent on the capability of hot tap machines and
personnel.

Typically, hot tapping should not be performed on:

Pipelines, piping or storage tanks that contain a mixture of


flammable gas and air
Heat exchangers or pressure vessel
Jacketed storage tanks or piping

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Storage tanks or piping that requires Post Weld Heat Treatment. If


Post Weld Heat Treating is required, further analysis and
consultation with professionals shall be performed
Storage tanks and piping containing unsaturated hydrocarbon that
undergo exothermic decomposition due to high temperature that
will result from welding activities. These hydrocarbons include
ethylene, propylene, etc.
The decks, roofs, floating roofs or pontoons of storage tanks
Cladded pipes or tanks, unless approved after critical examination
by qualified personnel. However, hot tapping may be performed
on internally flow coated pipes or equipment
Pipelines or tanks when the fluid content is below 0 Celsius (32
Fahrenheit) or above 200 Celsius (392 Fahrenheit) unless
permitted by the client after critical evaluation of the tapping
operation
Equipment under vacuum, i.e. pressure less than atmospheric
pressure unless a thorough evaluation by engineering
Equipment and piping containing hazardous materials. As defined
in SHELL DEP 31.38.60.10-Gen, Section 3.2, Table 1, hazardous
materials include Acetylene, Acetonitrile, Butadiene, Caustic soda /
Sodium Hydroxide, Chlorine, Hydrogen sulphide, Hydrofluoric acid,
Oxygen, Propene (Propylene), Propene oxide, Sulphuric acid.

4. Documentation Required in Executing Hot


Tapping
Before executing a hot tap, detailed planning and design shall be
performed. This shall entail preparing different documents which are
reviewed and approved by the client and other stakeholders. Some
of the documentation to prepare include:

Design documentation. Material selection reports, wall thickness


calculations, etc. The material selection report shall show the
reasons for selecting the materials, the compatibility of the
material to the pipe, resistance to corrosion, etc.
Drawings. The drawings to be prepared shall include general
arrangement drawings of the piping network, sections and details,
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etc.
Material Take-off. This is a document that will aid the procurement
of all materials required to execute the hot tap successfully. It will
show the required quantities of valves, bolts and nuts, flanges,
pipes for branch connection, etc.
Safety plan and documentation which shall include a detailed Job
Hazard Analysis. The safety plan should, at minimum, cover
escape routes, firefighting, safety equipment, gas detectors and
first aid facilities.
Transportation procedures. Shall cover how the hot tap machines,
components and personnel will be transported to and from the
site. This can become crucial if the hot tap location is remote or
hard to reach.
Site preparation procedures. For hot tap locations in congested
areas, the site shall be cleared. In the absence of an access road to
the hot tap location, temporary roads shall be created (if feasible).
For buried pipelines excavation shall be carried out around the
pipeline.
Hot tapping procedures. The procedure shall indicate the general
information about the activities, including the angle of tap,
machine operation procedure, etc.
Welding procedures. The welding procedure is a critical document
showing the type of welding, type of electrodes to use for welding,
welding current, requirements for preheating, welding
temperature, welding machines, etc.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) procedures. This document usually
will highlight how the welded joints integrity shall be validated. It
may cover activities including hydrotest, UT, MPI, etc.
Hydrotest procedures. This may be part of the NDT Procedure or a
stand-alone document. This will show the test pressure, medium
to use for the test, duration of the test, etc.
Hot tap checklist. A summary of all the activities that have to be
completed before the commencement of hot tapping. It is usually
in a tabular form with activities completed checked and the
personnel responsible indicated.
Hot tapping close-out report. After successful completion of a hot
tap the close-out report is a summary of all activities that where
performed, a summary of lessons learned etc.
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5. Hot Tapping Requirements


This section highlights some of the essential requirements before
performing hot tapping operation. Although each hot tap is unique
and should be evaluated on merit, these points do give a general
overview.

5.1 Hot Tapping on Pipelines or Piping


Tapping into pipelines and piping is the most common type of hot
tapping operation. Some requirements are:

The pipe material and the fittings used for the hot tapping
operation shall be compatible with the material of the run pipe.
The pipes and fittings shall have a rating equal or higher than that
of the existing run pipe.
Welding procedures shall be prepared and reviewed by an
experienced engineer to confirm that the welding can be
successfully performed on the pipeline or piping.
Hot tapping shall be performed preferably in position vertically
downward on horizontal pipelines. Before an angled hot tap is
performed a detailed job hazard analysis and technical analysis
shall be performed.
Hot tapping and welding should not be performed on flare/vent
lines because there is the possibility of oxygen ingress, thereby
leading to the formation of flammable mixture. If tapping must be
performed on flare lines, it must be confirmed that the line is free
of oxygen ingress – if this cannot be confirmed the line must be
continuously purged with inert gas or steam during a welding
operation. Gas detectors shall be used to check continuously for
oxygen and other hazardous gas ingresses.

5.2 Requirements for Tapping into Tanks or Vessels


The main danger in welding on the exterior of a tank or vessel is the
ignition of a flammable atmosphere in the vapor space above the
liquid level.

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There are additional requirements that must be fulfilled to perform


hot tapping into a tank or vessel successfully. Some of these
requirements are clearly stated in section 9.1 of API RP 2201 -below
is a summary of these requirements:

Welding on the exterior of the tanks shall not be performed unless


there is a procedure on the ground to prevent flammable
gas/vapor from reaching the vicinity of the welding location.
Reliable gas detecting devices must be located at a strategic
location. Work shall be stopped immediately when gas/vapor is
detected.
There must be mitigation for every identified possible hazard.
Hazards may result from
Tank venting which may circulate vapor around the location
where welding is performed. These vapor results in the
formation of a flammable atmosphere around the welding
location.
Overflowing of products within the tank which may result in
spillage of products into the welding area.
Inadvertently allowing the level of liquid in the tank to fall below
the welding point. The welding point is not the direct point of
welding alone but a defined region around the weld point.
When the liquid in the tank falls below the welding point, the
heat sink provided by the liquid is lost thereby exposing the
vapor space in the tank to the welding point, which is a possible
source of ignition.
Welding shall not be performed above the liquid level on a
cladded tank or double-walled tank unless approved by qualified
personnel.
The minimum liquid level above the point of welding shall be 3ft
as recommended by API RP 2201 and ExxonMobil GP 03-01-04.
SHELL DEP 31.38.60.10-Gen also recommends 39 inches.
As much as possible, there should be no flow into or out of the
tank.
Welding shall be performed by qualified personnel, preferably with
previous experience in welding on live pipelines.

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During welding, burn-through the tank or vessel wall must be


prevented. Adequate precautions, including heat/temperature
control, must be put in place.
Hot tapping or welding activities on floating roofs, pontoons, or
decks are prohibited. These areas of a tank are subjected to
flammability hazards.

5.3 Other Requirements for Considerations


5.3.1 Welding Requirements
A welding procedure shall be developed for the hot tap welding job.
All welders shall be qualified per applicable codes and specifications.
Consideration may be given to welders with previous experience. As
stated in API RP 2201 section 6.8, welding shall not be permitted
closer than 18inches to a flange or threaded connection or
approximately 3inches to a welded seam (including a longitudinal
seam of welded piping) unless determined by an engineering review
to be acceptable. All welds shall be visually inspected and tested
before connection of the hot tap machine. Dye Penetrant Testing,
Ultrasonic or Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) may also be utilized;
however, pressure tests may be used to validate weld integrity.

5.3.2 Weld Testing


Welded joints must be tested to validate their integrity. If the
temperature of the piping, pipeline or tank permits it, a hydrotest
should be used to test welded joints per applicable codes. The test
pressure should be a minimum of 10% more than the operating
pressure; however, if an internal collapse is envisaged, the test
should not exceed 10% of the operating pressure. The test pressure
may be reduced as per applicable codes. If the temperature does not
permit a hydrotest, air or nitrogen with soap solution may be used
on the weld.

5.3.3 Process Fluid Velocity Requirements


Hot tapping or welding shall not be performed on piping or pipelines
under no-flow condition. When there is no flow, there is a possibility

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of hazardous gas accumulation. However, when there is flow the


heat is carried from the welding location, reducing the possibility of
an explosion. Unless determined otherwise by qualified personnel,
the flow velocities below are recommended for pipelines or piping.

The minimum recommended flow velocity for gas pipelines or piping


as per SHELL DEP 31.38.60.10-Gen is 1.3 ft./s, which is also the
recommended flow velocity as per ExxonMobil GP 03-01-04.

For Liquid Lines, the minimum recommended flow velocity as per


SHELL DEP 31.38.60.10-Gen is 1.41ft/s.

Note, when the flow rate is too high, there is a tendency of rapid
cooling of the welding area, which will affect the welding process and
weld quality.

The maximum recommended flow velocity for gas piping or


pipelines as per SHELL DEP 31.38.60.10-Gen is 30ft/s while 32.8ft/s is
recommended flow as per ExxonMobil GP 03-01-04.

For Liquid Lines, the maximum recommended flow velocity as per


SHELL DEP 31.38.60.10-Gen is 5.75ft/s while 16.4ft/s is the
recommended flow velocity as per ExxonMobil GP 03-01-04.

5.3.4 Pressure Requirements


All hot tapping machines have pressure ratings at which they can
operate effectively. The pressure rating of the machine must be
confirmed before the start of hot tapping. The operating pressure of
the pipeline must be below the maximum pressure rating of the hot
tap machine.

Also, the maximum pressure resulting in the pipeline during the


operation should not be higher than the maximum allowable
pressure. The maximum allowable pressure can be calculated from
ASME B31.4 for liquid pipelines, ASME B31.8 for gas pipelines and
ASME B31.3 for process piping. Consideration shall be given to

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increase in temperature resulting from welding activities in


calculating the maximum allowable pressure.

For safety reason, as recommended in SHELL DEP 31.38.60.10-Gen


hot tapping shall not be performed on the pipeline when the fluid
pressure exceeds 1015 psi. However, there are hot tapping machines
rated for ~1450 psi.

5.3.5 Hot Tapping Loads


External loads are a significant concern when performing hot
tapping. All external load effects on the pipeline must be carefully
analysed and mitigated. When performing hot tapping the weight of
the machine and personnel performing activities may be evenly or
unevenly distributed on the pipeline, which can cause pipeline
failure. All lines to be hot tapped must be properly supported to
counter the effect of external loads. Also, when performing this
analysis, the corroded or as-is state of the pipeline should be used to
perform the analysis.

5.3.6 Minimum Wall Thickness of Pipeline (Run Pipe)


Before performing a hot tap on a pipeline, piping or tank, the wall
thickness shall be confirmed. This may be confirmed utilizing
Ultrasonic Thickness measurement.

The measured wall thickness shall be used to run an analysis to


confirm that the pipe can withstand all loads resulting from
operating conditions and external loading resulting from hot tapping.

Also, the thickness of the pipeline goes a long way in influencing the
success of the hot taping operation. For pipelines with thickness less
than ¼ in the probability of burn-through occurring is very high.
However, this may be mitigated to an extent by maintaining an
appropriate fluid flow rate, using electrodes with a diameter of 3/32
in or smaller for the first weld pass to limit heat input, etc.

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Hot tapping should only start after wall thickness verification has
been performed.

5.3.7 Minimum Thickness of Branch Connection


The new pipeline to be connected using hot tapping shall be
analysed for all loads after its wall thickness has been calculated.
Generally, the wall thickness may be calculated as per ASME B31.4
for liquid pipelines, ASME B31.8 for gas pipelines or ASME B31.3 for
process piping.

5.3.8 Temperature Considerations


Allowable temperature shall be considered for both hot tapping
machine, fittings and pipeline.

There are hot tapping machines with the capacity to handle


o
temperature up to 300 C.

The maximum metal temperature resulting from hot tapping


operation shall be critically examined by qualified personnel. Also
the minimum surrounding temperature should be evaluated prior to
commencement of welding activities. As recommended by API RP
2201 Section 6.7, welding should not be performed when
o o
atmospheric temperature is colder than -50 F (-45 C) unless special
precautions are taken. These precautions include providing
temporary shelter for welding, providing space heaters.

Welding procedure shall be developed indicating if preheating is


required, the electrodes to be used for welding, etc.

The maximum temperature resulting from welding shall be


estimated. This shall be estimated using the actual wall thickness of
the pipe. The maximum temperature shall take into account the
reaction of the fluid transported.

5.3.9 Hot Tap Location


Selecting the location of the hot tap is crucial. Hot tap locations shall
be readily accessible and free of obstructions.
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Hot tapping shall only be performed upstream of rotating equipment


(pumps, compressors, etc.), control valves if there are filters,
strainers or traps installed downstream of the hot tap location
before the equipment.

5.3.10 Hot Tap Valve or Block Valve


Hot Tap valve shall be appropriately sized to suit the branch
connection required. Valves used shall have a rating equal or higher
than the existing piping or pipeline rating and shall be full port.
Consideration shall be given to sandwich valves; however, gate
valves and ball valves can be used. All valves, bolts, nuts and gasket
shall be new because they may form part of the system. All valves
shall be tested as per applicable codes and standards, including a
test for seat leakage.

5.3.11 Hot Tapping Machine


Hot tapping machines will be of appropriate rating in terms of
temperature and pressure. It is required that the hot tapping
machine must be centred on the valve and aligned with the fitting to
ensure uninterrupted cutting of the coupon.

One key factor that must be considered when selecting a machine is


the Total Travel Distance of the machine. This is specific to each
machine.

Before the start of hot tapping, it shall be confirmed that the


selected machine can travel the required distance from the hot tap
valve until the entire coupon is cut.

Total Travel Distance may be estimated using the below formula.


This formula should be modified to suit each application. For
illustration purposes assume the Position of the Cutter just after
Cutting the entire coupon and a minor travel distance to ascertain
that coupon has been cut.

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Figure 1: Estimating Total Travel Distance

TTD = VL + FL + CL + PBL

TTD = Total Travel Distance

Where VL = Length of Hot Tap Valve

FL = Nozzle Length (Height of the Flange Above the Fitting Header)

CL = Cutter Length

PBL = Length of Pilot Drill Bit Ahead Cutter

6. Typical Hot Tapping Checklist


As stated in previous sections, hot tapping is a high safety-sensitive
operation requiring multi-disciplinary activities. Before commencing
the operation, some considerations shall be fulfilled. These
considerations are clearly stated in API RP 2201 and other
companies’ specific regulations.

The Checklist below is an extract from API RP 2201; therefore, all


referenced sections in the Checklist are to API RP 2201. The attached
Checklist should be modified to suit each hot tap job to be
performed.
EACH OF THE
FOLLOWING
CONSIDERATIONS
Date Time
SHOULD BE SATISFIED
BEFORE STARTING THE
HOT TAP

Review/follow the hot


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tap machine
1
manufacturer’s
operating instructions.

Have the contents of


the line or vessel to be
hot tapped or welded
been assessed, and
2
MSDSs reviewed for
health hazards, to
assure procedure is
appropriate?

3 Is the material in the


line or vessel stable

under heated
conditions?

Has the connection


4 been designed per
Section 6 requirements?

Do the flanges, bolts,


gaskets, pipe, and valve
to be installed meet the
5
code for the line or
vessel to be hot
tapped?

Has the welding


procedure specification
6 been developed as
covered in this
standard?

Have approved work


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permits (e.g., Hot Work,


7
Hot Tap, Entry) been
obtained?

Review manufacturer’s
instructions to ensure
that the hot tapping
8 machine has suitable
pressure, temperature
ratings, and adequate
cutter travel for this job.

9 Has the valve been


pressure tested and the
cover fitted to assure

that it will work and fit


correctly?

Has the exact location


of the hot tap been
10 identified and marked
on the line or
equipment?

Is the area to be hot


tapped located on a line
in which flow has been
11
established or below
the liquid level of the
tank or vessel?

Has the area to be


welded been inspected
for thickness and
freedom from existing
12
ld l
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welds, laminations,
hydrogen attack, or
other metallurgical
imperfections?

Are tests and


13
inspections current?

If laminations or defects
have been found, has a
thorough engineering
14 evaluation been made
by a qualified person to
determine if and how to
proceed with the work?

15 Has the metallurgy of

the line or vessel been


established, and is it
compatible with the
connecting fitting?

Can the welding and


tapping area support
the weight of the hot
tapping machine, and is
16
there adequate hoisting
and support for the hot
tapping machine and
subsequent piping?

If PWHT of the welded


area is required, was an
17
appropriate review
conducted per 6.6.

Is there sufficient
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external clearance to
install the hot tapping
18
machine and extract the
cutter through the
valve?

Is there sufficient
internal clearance to
18 retract the cutter and
coupon through the
valve?

Is the hot tap fitting of


the proper length to
19 accommodate the
operation of the hot
tapping machine?

20 Have oxygen,
combustible gas, and
atmosphere
contamination tests
been conducted in the
hot tap area?

Has a dedicated fire


watch person been
assigned and
21
appropriate training and
firefighting equipment
provided?

Has the Fire Watch


person been provided
22
with a list of duties as
outlined in Table 2?

Are all personnel in the


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area equipped with


23
appropriate personal
protective equipment?

Is there adequate
storage area and room
24 for operational needs
and emergency access
or egress?

Has a procedure been


prepared and in place
25 to isolate the work area
in the event of a failure
and material release?

26 Are personnel trained to

implement the
contingency procedure?

Have the requirements


been defined for weld
inspection and pressure
27 testing, and is all of the
testing equipment on
hand and in good
working condition?

FIRE
WATCH
DUTIES
INCLUDE:

Being able to
communicate effectively
1 Date Time
with personnel in the
area
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Watching for fires in all


2
exposed areas

Knowing how to use the


3 assigned fire
suppression equipment

Knowing how to activate


4
the facility fire alarm

Trying to extinguish a
fire only when obviously
5 within the capacity of
the equipment available
(extinguisher or hose)

6 Activating the fire alarm

when available
equipment is not
sufficient to suppress a
minor fire.

Maintaining a watch for


at least 1/2 hour after
completion of welding,
hot tap or other hot
work until the area has
7 been inspected and
found to be free of
leaks and ignition
sources (fires, hot spots
or smouldering
materials)

Note: Facilities may


choose to require
35 subsequent follow-up
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35 subsequeRequirements
t o o in Executing
up a Hot Tap - ION PRO
observations to check
for leaks.

EACH OF THE
FOLLOWING
CONSIDERATIONS Date Time
SHOULD BE SATISFIED
BEFORE WELDING:

Are the welders


qualified for the
approved welding
1
procedure
(specification) to be
used?

2 Is a preheat of the weld


area required?

Is the fitting properly


positioned to prevent
3
misalignment of the hot
tapping machine?

Have the pressure and


temperature of the
contained materials
4
been reduced as much
as the process
operation will allow?

Have the flow, pressure,


and level considerations
5
of 6.3, 6.9 and 9.1 been
considered?

EACH OF THE
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06/06/2022 02:53 Requirements in Executing a Hot Tap - ION PRO
EACH OF THE
FOLLOWING
CONSIDERATIONS
SHOULD BE SATISFIED
BEFORE CUTTING:

Has the weld been


1
inspected and tested?

Has the hot tap fitting


2
been pressure tested?

Have the hot tap valve,


packing, gasket, and
3
bolts been checked for
leakage?

4 Have the packing or

seals on the hot tapping


machine been checked?

Has the bleed-off valve


been checked to assure
5
it will hold, is operable,
and is not obstructed?

Are all bolts on the pilot


and cutter bit tight?
6
(e.g., torqued to
specification)

Is the coupon catcher


7
on the pilot bit?

Is the valve centred on


8
the flange?

Has cutting depth been


calculated to avoid
9
tti th it
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cutting the opposite
side of the pipe?

Has the boring bar been


10 run through the valve to
assure free passage?

Have the hot tapping


machine and valve been
11
purged, if
recommended?

EACH OF THE
FOLLOWING
CONSIDERATIONS
SHOULD BE SATISFIED
BEFORE REMOVING

THE HOT TAP


MACHINE:

Have the
manufacturer’s
instructions been
1 followed to be sure that
the boring bar is fully
retracted before closing
the hot tap valve?

Has the hot tap valve


2
been closed?

Has the bleeder valve


3
been opened?

Has all of the pressure


been bled from the hot
4 tapping machine before
removing the bolts from
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gRequirements in Executing a Hot Tap - ION PRO
the flange?

Have provisions been


made to contain or
5 control any liquid or gas
in the hot tapping
machine?

AFTER REMOVING THE


HOT TAPPING
MACHINE

1 The hot tap machine


should be cleaned,
removing the
hydrocarbons/chemicals

from the line or


equipment.

All rags, absorbent


pads, and other
2
cleaning materials must
be disposed of properly.

When the work is


completed, a follow-up
job site visit may be
3
done by operations and
craft personnel to see
that:

3a The work is complete,

No safety hazards have


3b been introduced during
the work activity.

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7. References

API RP 2201: Safe Hot Tapping Practices in the Petroleum &


Petrochemical Industries
ASME B31.4: Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquids and
Slurries
ASME B31.8: Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems
ExxonMobil GP 03-01-04: Hot Tapping
SHEL DEP 31.38.60.10-Gen: HOT-TAPPING ON PIPELINES, PIPING
AND EQUIPMENT

CONNECT

Resources

Company Brochure
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Entradas recientes

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Hot Tapping and Line Stopping
Hot Tap & Linestop In-Service Welding Considerations
Requirements in Executing a Hot Tap
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