WV Pipeline Hot Tap

When a customer in West Virginia needed to quickly expand their existing pipeline without interrupting service, they turned to I3 Engineering to get the job done.  Our team of experts completed the design, sourced materials, and managed the contractors through the job's completion all within just a few weeks.

The solution?  Hot tapping — a specialized procedure that allows new connections to be made on active, high-pressure steel natural gas pipelines without stopping the flow of gas. This efficient method is ideal for making modifications or expansions to the pipeline system while it remains in service, minimizing environmental and economic impact.

First, a branch connection and valve are attached to the live pipeline. Then, a tapping machine cuts a section of the existing pipeline wall, called a “coupon”, which is extracted through the valve. Once removed, the valve is closed and the cutting tool is taken out, leaving a fully operational new outlet!  

The result? An additional outlet for their gas, zero downtime, and uninterrupted service for their customers!