Saturday, December 17, 2016

Important Information On Wet Tapping

By Joyce Taylor


Basically, wet taps and hot taps are usually synonymous and they describe a process where a hole is cut in an existing pressure main. A tapping valve and sleeve are normally used to help in cutting the hole while the under pressure offers a permanent branch connection. Generally, wet tapping can be done on pipes of all types and under various flow and pressure conditions without interrupting the system.

The installation process is beneficial to the relevant professionals and the system itself since they are able to change aspects of the system without disrupting it. This happens regardless of pressurization. This is an advantage to the customer as they save a lot of money which would have been spent on cutting mechanical tee and shutting down the system.

When making a hole on the already existing main, its size normally depends on the service type required. These process uses fittings that are custom-designed and which contains a valve to control the new connection, a system pressure, as well as drilling machine for cutting the pipes. These taps may be done on all pipe types such as cast and ductile iron, steel, copper, asbestos cement, concrete and PVC pipes. The process is not only time saving but also cost efficient, since there is no system shutdowns.

In the installation process, the tapping sleeve is mounted on the main. Normally, the type of sleeve used usually depends on system requirements and the one overseeing the system. Once the mounting has been carried out, a valve is installed and a test of the pressure on the material newly installed is performed. The pressure testing is done to make sure the integrity is maintained.

Once the test has been verified, a tapping machine is attached to the valve. Depending on the kind of application selected for the job, a hole is made into a pressurized vessel, a tank, or the main. The tapping machine moves through the tapping sleeve and valve. Then, the bit cutter is attached to the shaft to make the cut into the wall of the pipe. The cut pipe is then retracted from the main and the valve is then closed and the machine disconnected.

Wet taps appear in areas like water mains, sewers, residential services and commercial land services. They ensure that that the flow of products of services is not disrupted. They are different from hot tabs in that they are carried out on various products apart from sewage or water. Hot taps are carried out in industries like chemical plants, refineries or hospitals.

However, the process may not work successfully because of several reasons. Such reasons may include incompatible materials and equipment, inexperienced personnel, and pipe materials that have not been recommended or that are difficult to install the taps. To avoid the problems, use equipment, material, and services from the same manufacturer.

Upon hiring a company for the task, consider one with enough experience. The service provider should also be able to provide the service and ensure safety during repair and changing of the pipeline without shutdown of the whole system.




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