Hot Tapping: Marks & Spencer

HOT TAPPING CASE STUDY

Client:  Smart Tec Solutions Ltd, on behalf of Marks & Spencer, Stockport

About: Smart Tec Solutions are a major mechanical engineers who are a primary contractor for Marks & Spencer.

The problem:

Marks & Spencer needed a new gas fed air handling unit to deliver warm air to an extension being constructed to a retail unit.

The retail outlet was still operating as normal so their gas had to remain live, this ruled out the option of purging the gas line and necessitated live tapping the line instead.

Known for our expertise in hot tapping, we were called in to conduct the under pressure drilling on behalf of Smart Tec Solutions. 

Our solution:
To check if the pipe was thicker than the minimum required 3.7mm, we first conducted an ultrasonic thickness test.

We then began welding the 3” connection onto the 6” gas main.

A pressure test was then issued to search for leaks on the weld and valve.

Once the safety checks were done, we attached the under-pressure drill and began hot tapping the new gas connection.

Finally, a safety blank was connected to avoid leaving an open end. 

 
Specialisms involved:

• Ultrasonic thickness test
• Welding
• Pressure test 
• Under pressure drilling (hot tapping)
  

Client testimony:

“We’ve used Ormond Pipework for our hot tapping for years, they’ve always been professional.” 

Pete Woodall, forman, Smart Tec Solutions

12/09/2023