Hot Tapping Case Study: Alpla Plastics

HOT TAPPING CASE STUDY

Client:  Alpla, one of the largest producers of rigid plastic solutions worldwide, with 196 production plants in 47 countries. 

The problem:

Alpla acquired new machinery which needed two 1.5” supplies from their existing 4” low temperature hot water (LTHW) installation. 

However, the LTHW had to remain live in order to avoid production downtime. 

As one of the UK's leading hot tapping specialists, Ormond Pipework were brought in to under pressure drill the 4” LTHW and form two new branches. 

Hot tapping the new connections saved on time and cost as it avoided draining off, filling back up and downtime. 

Our solution:

Since the LTHW was located within the factory, it was agreed the safest option was to avoid hot works (welding) and therefore install clamps to form the new branches. 

Once the hot tapping clamps were attached and pressure tested, we began to under pressure drill the LTHW. 

Upon completing the hot tappings, our commercial gas engineers installed safety plugs to prevent leaving open ends. 

Tasks involved:

• Pressure test 
• Hot tapping/under pressure drilling