Novices (2 days) or Experienced (1 day)
This training course provides the essential learning required for individuals to carry out Under Pressure Drilling and Tapping in accordance with recognised best practice. Under pressure drilling is often called ‘hot tapping’ as it’s a precise drilling process where a hole is cut into an operational pressure main (flowing pipe system). The objective is to not leak the contents of the main or interrupt flow. A tapping sleeve and valve are utilised to facilitate the cutting of a hole in the under pressure main, providing a branch connection. Typical under pressure drilling capabilities range from ¼” to 48” pipelines and this technique can be performed on all types of pipes.
In the water sector, under pressure drilling consists of fitting a t-junction or saddle/strap to the watermain, and then installing an isolation valve to a short section of the pipeline. Next, an isolation valve is fitted with the drilling head being connected to the flange. Once the drilling is concluded the valve is shut and the drilling rig removed. The system is then ready for a new live connection.
Under Pressure Drilling & tapping provides several benefits, for example: quick installation, no need to depressurise the system, not interrupting supply to customers, no water contamination issues, and no planning works for reconfiguring supply to customers.
Both theoretical and practical assessments are carried out in order to identify the risks and minimise the hazards of carrying out under pressure drilling and tapping within the Water, Gas and Power sectors. Applications are applicable to both traditional trench work and operations above ground.