Hot Tapping and Isolation
HOT TAPPING AND ISOLATION
The continuous need for network expansion has driven the development of live pipeline drilling — widely known as Hot Tapping. Its most common application is connecting a new branch to an existing network without shutting down the main line or losing any of its contents.
Advantages of Hot Tapping
- No costly shutdowns
- Uninterrupted supply to the consumer
- No product loss, or need for pipeline inerting and re-filling
- Applicable to the majority of pipeline contents, including liquid and gas fuels, water, steam, and more
- Applicable across a wide range of pipe materials, diameters, pressures, and temperatures
A Technology Backed by the Industry Pioneer
Onflow performs Hot Tapping & Plugging using T.D. Williamson technology — the absolute pioneer in this field, from developing the first tapping machine in the 1940s, through subsea tapping operations, to the most recent STOPPLE® Train isolation system. T.D. Williamson remains the leading force behind the development of this method and the most trusted partner in the industry, and Onflow is proud to bring that expertise to the Greek, F.Y.R. Macedonia, and Cyprus markets as their sole representative and service center.
Isolation & Plugging
Hot Tapping & Plugging is used to isolate a single section of the pipeline, through a single, double, or multiple-point plugging operation depending on the requirements of the application. Combined with a temporary or permanent by-pass line, it can be carried out without interrupting flow or the operation of the rest of the network.
This makes it particularly valuable for repairing or replacing pipeline sections or components — such as defective valves — or for modifying existing pipelines through new equipment installations or re-routings. Because Hot Tapping & Plugging isolates only the specific section where intervention is required, it avoids the complete purging or draining of large sections of the network, which can be impractical and cost-inefficient. With a temporary by-pass in place, the rest of the network stays fully operational throughout the works.
Hot Tapping and Isolation
Live pipeline drilling that connects new branches to an existing network — without shutdowns, product loss, or supply interruption.
No costly shutdowns
Uninterrupted supply
No product loss
Works on any pipeline content
Any size, pressure or temperature
Technology
Backed by the industry pioneer
Onflow performs Hot Tapping & Plugging using T.D. Williamson technology — the absolute pioneer in this field, from developing the first tapping machine in the 1940s, through subsea tapping operations, to the most recent STOPPLE® Train isolation system.
T.D. Williamson remains the leading force behind the development of this method and the most trusted partner in the industry, and Onflow is proud to bring that expertise to the Greek, F.Y.R. Macedonia, and Cyprus markets as their sole representative and service center.
How it works
Isolation and plugging, without shutting down the network
Hot Tapping & Plugging isolates a single section of the pipeline through a single, double, or multiple-point plugging operation, depending on the requirements of the application. Combined with a temporary or permanent by-pass line, it can be carried out without interrupting flow to the rest of the network.
Because only the specific section requiring intervention is evacuated, there's no need to purge or drain large parts of the network — impractical and cost-inefficient. With a by-pass in place, the rest of the network stays fully operational throughout the works.
Sole representative & service center for T.D. Williamson in Greece, F.Y.R. Macedonia, and Cyprus.