INSTANT QUOTES: 07917667450 | info@ormondpipework.co.uk
Hot Tapping Contractors
Ormond Pipework Services Ltd is one of the UK's leading specialists in Hot Tapping and Under Pressure Drilling.
We work directly with customers in all industries, and as specialist hot tapping subcontractors for other commercial gas & mechanical engineers.
Hot tapping on pipework is the process of installing a branch connection to an existing pipe without interrupting the supply. The procedure is also known as live tapping, cold tapping, or under pressure drilling.
Hot tapping allows interventions with no down time or interruption to the supply, avoiding the need to drain wet systems or purge gas systems. The installation is completed without leakage or loss of supply. This makes it significantly faster and more cost effective.
Common Materials
Hot tapping is possible on all common pipework materials, including:
- Mild steel
- Cast iron
- MDPE
- Copper
Common Applications
Hot tapping can be safely conducted on all types of pipework mediums, including:
- Natural Gas
- Compressed Air
- Chilled Water
- Domestic Hot Water
- Mains Water
- Tank Cold Water
- Boosted Cold Water
- Heating Pipework
Get in touch now to arrange a free site visit or an instant quote over the phone.
Client testimonials
"Ormond have done our hot tapping for the last 10 years, we trust them to always get the job done.”
–Jamie Griffin, Webber N.W Ltd, on behalf of Jaguar Land Rover
“Ormond Pipework made my job easy and I would highly recommend them”
–Anna Page, Great Bear Distributions
“Very professional. We choose Ormond every time for our pipework.”
Pete Woodall, Smart Tec Solutions, on behalf of M&S
"We have used Ormond's hot tapping services for over 20 years, and will continue to do so.”
Richard Milner, South Yorkshire Mechanical, on behalf of Barnsley Hospital
Or describe your project requirements via the form below:
Our recent hot tapping projects
Our Hot Tapping process
Hot tapping, also known as pressure tapping, live tapping, or under pressure drilling, is a method of making a connection to existing pipework or without the interrupting or draining or purging, of that section of pipe.
This means that a pipe or tank can continue to be in operation whilst maintenance or modifications are being made. The process requires a high level of skill and should be undertaken only by experienced professionals.
Here are the main stages for a typical hot tapping procedure:
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before starting the hot tap operation, a comprehensive risk assessment must be carried out. This involves understanding the type and pressure of gas in the pipeline, the material of the pipeline, and the temperature. Site-specific hazards should also be identified and mitigated.
Selection of the Hot Tap Location
The appropriate location for the hot tap should be selected carefully. This location should have sufficient structural integrity to withstand the additional forces applied during the hot tap process. An ultrasonic thickness test is carried out to check the thickness of the pipe parent pipe wall.
Installation of the Hot Tap Fitting
The hot tap fitting, often profiled saddle branch, or mechanical tapping tee, or split tee type is installed onto the existing pipeline. This is typically done by welding, although other methods may be used depending on the pipeline material and operating conditions. Mechanical clamps can also be used on gas and water supplies without the need for hot work.
Pressure testing
After welding, non-destructive testing is carried out to ensure that the welding job is sound and that there are no defects. This can be done using methods like pneumatic or hydraulic testing
Installation of the Hot Tap Machine
The hot tap machine, which contains the drill, is installed onto the fitting. It’s important to ensure a secure connection between the hot tap machine and the fitting to prevent gas leakage.
Pressure Test
Prior to cutting into the pipeline, a pressure test is performed to verify the integrity of the setup.
Performing the Hot Tap
The hot tap machine drills into the live pipeline, through a full bore valve which can be either flanged or threaded bsp, depending on the size of the branch. 50mm and below normally threaded, above 50mm flanged, PN16.
Retraction of the Cutter and Coupon
After the cut is made, the cutter and the coupon (the removed section of pipe) are retracted into the hot tapping machine.
Installation of the Valve
Once the hot tap has been completed, the valve is closed, and the hot tap machine can be removed safely. The new valve provides a secure, leak-tight means of accessing the contents of the pipe within the pipeline.
Final Inspection and Testing
After the hot tapping machine is removed, another round of testing is performed to ensure that the new setup is secure and leak-tight.
Hot Tapping FAQs
What is the difference between cold tapping and hot tapping?
Hot tapping is a welded connection and cold tapping is a clamp connection requiring no hot works. Both methods achieve the same thing but depending on the circumstances one may be more advantageous than the other.
Can you weld directly onto live gas pipes and is it safe?
Yes in fact the majority of hot tappings we carry out are welded to live gas pipework. However if welding is not possible, a permanent mechanical clamp can be used to form the branch.
Is there any leakage or spillage from the pipework?
No leakage occurs during the process. However, a very small amount of residual liquid (approx. one pint) is retained in the drill rig on removal.
Does the system need to be closed down, drained or purged?
No, all systems remain fully-operational during the process.
Can you hot tap chilled water pipe?
Yes and we carry out hot tapping on chilled water very regularly.
What are the hazards with hot tapping?
The main hazard is with inexperienced operatives carrying out the works. Other hazards are hot works (welding), and working with high temperatures or pressures.
What size branch can you install?
In theory any size of branch can be installed. However, our equipment allows us to drill a range from 1/2" to 8” at pressures of up to 4 bar on gas and 16 bar on all other applications.
Read our detailed
guide to hot tapping.
Why Ormond Pipework Services Ltd?
All our staff are Gas Safe registered, hold IPAF licences, CSCS cards, and have been DBS (formerly CRB) checked and are accredited to and have achieved either City and Guilds, NVQs, ACS, or NJIC standards as part of their training and are fully conversant with the latest legislation for our industry.
We boast competitive prices, operate with a flexible, can-do attitude, and bring 40 years’ experience to every job.
Contact us now for a free, competitive quote.
Trusted by:
Accredited by: