Hot Tapping
Hot Tapping
Hot Tapping
Title:
Document Owner:
Author/Creation Team:
Disclaimer:
Change Procedure:
General
General
General
General
i-ii
CHANGE
Incorporated changes required by Global Hot Tap LER Team
to include:
1. Approval by specific roles to proceed with
engineering evaluations for a Hot Tap,
2. Approval by specific roles to perform a Hot Tap,
3. Definition of hot welding, lower hazard service and
higher hazard service,
4. Updates to Hot Tap EMETL documents,
5. Example Hot Tapping Request Form
6. Hot Tap checklist aids for performing hazard
assessment and developing work plans, and
7. Example Contingency Action Plan.
Changed the title from Non-Electrical to HOT Tapping and
removed all sections that referenced not work.
Deleted Hot Work References and Kept Hot Tapping Sections
Safety standard were revised for organizational terminology.
Safety Standard M-62 has been revised to include
references to new Global Design Aids for Hot Tapping as
well as an authorization level change.
DATE
6/2008
3/2002
12/13/01
2/14/00
2/1/97
1/1/97
1/05
M-62
Electronic Availability:
This
document
is
available
electronically
on
the
\\Txnt56\ehs_texas\Approved\RspCareEmployee Health & Safety\Texas
Operations Safety Standards. Updates, if any, will be made to the electronic
version of this document..
Disclaimer:
The Dow Chemical Company has provided for the compilation of the
information in this document as a part of an effort by its employees to collect
and share their experience and expertise in safety, loss prevention and security.
The contributors to this document believe the information provided is accurate,
and they have provided this information in good faith. However, no warranty,
express or implied, is given by The Dow Chemical Company. Other than The
Dow Chemical Company employees, those who use this document should use
their independent judgment in evaluating information contained herein, and
assume the risk for using the information provided in this document. The user is
solely responsible for compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Retention:
Until superseded. Audit all documents annually.
SCOPE
This standard covers the minimum requirements and considerations for hot tapping or hot
welding on equipment containing hazardous material or pressure.
II.
DEFINITIONS
HOT TAPPING is mechanical cutting, drilling, boring, etc. into a line or equipment
containing hazardous material or pressure.
HOT WELDING is welding on any process line or vessel containing material or operating
under pressure or vacuum.
LOWER HAZARD SERVICE is Potable Water, Process Water, Brine (not containing
caustic), Nitrogen, Cooling Tower Water, Low Pressure Steam / Condensate (<10 Barg).
HIGHER HAZARD SERVICE All others.
III.
REQUIRED REFERENCES
A. The following EMETL Standards contain the engineering evaluation, design,
welding procedure and post testing requirements for hot taps:
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M-62
1.
2.
3.
Note: These EMETL standards are based on the following Recognized and
Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices:
American Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended Practice (RP) 2201; Safe
Hot Tapping Practices in the Petroleum and Petrochemical Industries.
API RP 2009; Safe Welding, Cutting, and Hot Work Practices in the Petroleum
and Petrochemical Industries.
B. Link to the Global Hot Tap Website.
IV.
PROCEDURES
A. OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES
1.
Hot Tapping or hot welding is not permitted on the following before being
cleared:
1) Equipment containing materials such as Chlorine that will react with iron or
steel at elevated temperatures and/or pressures;
2) Equipment containing material having an upper flammable limit of 40
percent or above, or which contains its own oxygen sufficient to cause a
spontaneous reaction;
3) Steam lines above 475 psig (32.7 barg);
4) Ethylene lines.
5) Additional restrictions are found in General Specification for hot tapping
EMETL G4S-4201-01, (see Section 3.3 and Appendix A in the EMETL
document)
Reviewers
Maintenance Leader
Approvers
Production Leader
Notification PSTL, Site RCL, Eng. Rep. Site Leader, BML , Eng. Rep., PSTL
Safety Standard M-62
Revisions 6/08
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M-62
Notes:
.A
Welding and/or hot tapping on lines containing the materials listed in EMETL G4S4201-01 Section 3.3; should not be performed unless the prescribed reviews are
conducted.
.B
Welding and/ or hot tapping on lines under vacuum is not recommended and should not
be performed unless the prescribed reviews n EMETL G4S-4201-01 are conducted.
.C
Hot taps on piping systems (e.g., utilities, vent headers) could impact other facilities.
Consideration must be given to the impact of the loss of the functionality of these systems
on those facilities.
3.
4.
5.
Comply with the requirements of the following EMTL Standards for Hot Taps
that contain the engineering evaluation, design, welding procedure and post
testing requirements. EMETL G4S-4201-01 requires the completion of the
Global Hot Tap Checklists (Appendix F) or an equivalent.
Obtain final approval to proceed with the Hot Tap. The following personnel
(or their designee) are responsible for the final review and approval for
performing the hot tap. The intent is to ensure that the hazard assessment and
work plans have been completed, the identified risk is acceptable and the
contingency plans are adequate. The MOC process shall be utilized to
document final approvals prior to initiating the Hot Tap.
Lower Hazard Service
Reviewers
Production Leader,
Production Leader(s) of
other impacted facilities. Site
RCL, Technology Center
Director, Maintenance
Leader, PSTL
Approvers
Note:
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M-62
7.
Assure the work area is cleared of flammable materials before work covered by
this standard begins. Special considerations must be given to underground
sumps and drains.
8.
Vacate all non-essential personnel from the affected area prior to the Hot Tap.
9.
Assure all test instruments are operable before and after each use.
10. Test the work area with a combustible gas indicator before allowing Hot Tapping
and/or Hot Welding to begin. The readings shall be essentially zero. (Consider
using a continuous combustible monitor.)
11. Provide an appropriate fire extinguisher (both size and type) and assure that the
workers know how to use it.
12. A Safe Work Permit must be issued before any work is started.
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M-62
C. WORK PREPARATION METHODS FOR EQUIPMENT AND/OR PIPING
Use one or both of the following methods to prepare the equipment and piping for
HOT TAPPING ON EQUIPMENT CONTAINING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
OR PRESSURE.
1.
b.
D. PRECAUTIONS
1.
Any vents or leaks from the equipment into the area may be flammable and
present a hazard. If an inert purge is being used, assure there is adequate
ventilation.
2.
3.
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M-62
ATTACHMENT A
When using a plug (i.e.; sewer plug, plumber's plug, inflatable bag), be sure the following precautions
are met: (See Appendix A-D)
1.
2.
Ensure the plug is properly secured and sealed so that it does not become a projectile or
does not leak.
3.
4.
Have a continuous purge of an inert gas or water to give a constant safe pressure. Do not
allow pressure to build up or fall to zero.
a.
Continuously monitor pressure with a device sized to measure a few inches of water
(such as a manometer), or have a "safety attendant" responsible for observing the
pressure gauge to assure the inert gas sweep is constant.
b.
Purging may be initiated from either side of the plug. Place pressure monitor between
point where purge is introduced and the sewer plug, or on the purge line downstream
of the purge supply valve.
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M-62
APPENDIX A
CLAMP
CHAIN
COUPLING
BAR STOCK
SEWER PLUG
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M-62
APPENDIX B
Manometer
Nitrogen Purge
Sewer Plug
Water
Page 9
M-62
Page 10
M-62
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M-62
Production Leader, Maintenance Leader, Site RCL, PSTL, Engineering rep. (All Hot Taps)
Technology Center Director / Designee, BML, Site Leader
The following hot tap is proposed for your approval on piping, vessels, tanks, etc., in service in your area, or in an
area affecting your operations:
Unit or Area _____________________________________________________________
Location:______________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_______
Project Description:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________
Alternate solutions considered:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________
TYPE OF PROPOSED INSTALLATION
HEADER OR VESSEL INFORMATION
LINE SIZE (cm or in.) ___________________ METALLURGY __________________
OPERATING PRESSURE __________ TEMPERATURE ______________
PROCESS DESCRIPTION____________________________________________
BRANCH CONNECTION INFORMATION
LINE SIZE (cm or in.) _______________________. FLANGE RATING _________ (Barg or Psig)
GASKET MATERIAL ______________ METALLURGY ___________________
A location sketch of the proposed hot tap is recommended. The hot tap location must have scaffolding (where
required for access), insulation must be removed and the equipment must be marked for the exact hot tap location
prior to notifying Pressure Equipment Inspection.
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M-62
AREA INSPECTOR_____________________________________________________________DATE
____________
PRESSURE EQUIPMENT ENGINEER_____________________________________________DATE
____________
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M-62
Location _____________________________________________
Date ________________________________________________
Job _________________________________________________
Prepared by _____________________________________________
Table 1 - Before Starting the Hot Tap
Each of the following considerations shall be satisfied BEFORE STARTING THE
HOT TAP
1
Have the contents of the line or vessel to be hot tapped or welded been assessed, and
MSDSs reviewed for health hazards, to assure procedure is appropriate?
Has the connection been designed per EMETL G4S-4201-01 Section 7 requirements?
Do the flanges, bolts, gaskets, pipe, and valve to be installed meet the code for the line
or vessel to be hot tapped?
Has the welding procedure specification been developed as covered in EMETL G4S4201-03?
Have approved work permits (e.g., Hot Work, Confined Space Entry) been obtained?
Review manufacturers instructions to ensure that the hot tapping machine has
suitable pressure, temperature ratings, and adequate cutter travel for this job.
Step Included
in Procedures?
Initials
Checked by
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M-62
Table 1 - Before Starting the Hot Tap (continued)
9
Has the valve been pressure tested and the cover fitted to assure that it will work and
fit properly?
10
Has the exact location of the hot tap been identified and marked on the line or
equipment?
11
Is the area to be hot tapped located on a line in which flow has been established or
below the liquid level of the tank or vessel?
12
Has the area to be welded been inspected for thickness and freedom from existing
welds, internal pitting, laminations, hydrogen attack, or other metallurgical
imperfections?
13
14
If laminations or defects have been found, has a thorough engineering evaluation been
made by a qualified piping or vessel designer and welding SME to determine if and
how to proceed with the work?
15
Has the metallurgy of the line or vessel been established, and is it compatible with the
connecting fitting? Verified with Positive Materials Identification (PMI)?
16
Can the welding and tapping area support the weight of the hot tapping machine,
reaction forces during cutting. Is there adequate hoisting and support for the hot
tapping machine and subsequent piping?
17
Is there sufficient external clearance to install the hot tapping machine and extract the
cutter through the valve?
18
Is there sufficient internal clearance to retract the cutter and coupon through the
valve?
19
Is the hot tap fitting of the proper length to accommodate operation of the hot tapping
machine?
20
Have oxygen, combustible gas, and atmosphere contamination tests been conducted in
the hot tap area?
21
Has a dedicated fire watch person been assigned and appropriate training and fire
fighting equipment provided?
22
Has the Fire Watch person been provided with a list of duties as outlined in Table 2?
23
Are all personnel in the area equipped appropriate personal protective equipment?
24
Is there adequate storage area and room for operational needs and emergency access or
egress?
25
Has a procedure been prepared and in place to isolate the work area in the event of a
failure and material release?
26
27
Have the requirements been defined for weld inspection and for pressure testing. Is all
of the testing equipment on hand and in good working condition?
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M-62
Trying to extinguish a fire only when obviously within the capacity of the equipment
available (extinguisher or hose)
Activating the fire alarm when available equipment is not sufficient to suppress minor
fire.
Maintaining a watch for at least hour after completion of welding, hot tapping, or
other hot work until the area has been inspected and found to be free of leaks and
ignition sources (fires, hot spots, or smoldering material)
Are the welders qualified for the approved welding procedure specification (WPS) to
be used?
Is the fitting properly positioned to prevent misalignment of the hot tapping machine?
Have the pressure and temperature of the contained materials been reduced as much as
the process operation will allow?
Have the flow, pressure, and level considerations of EMETL G4S-4201-01, Sections 4
and 5 been addressed?
Prior to welding, discuss proper clearance for hot tap machine to ensure access for hot
tapping equipment.
Step Included
in Procedures?
Initials
Checked
by
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Table 4 - WELDERS INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO HOT TAPPING
Step
Included in
Procedures?
Initials
Checked
by
Review the Hot Tap plan and verify that all workers understand their duties. (All members
of the crew are to be present for the Welding Safety Task Review (WSTR) including piping
supervisor, welding supervisor, pipe welder(s), pipefitter(s), and helper(s).)
Discuss hot tap information and requirements (thickness of pipe to be welded, temperature
of pipe to be welded, pressure in line and product in line to be welded).
Discuss proper welding procedure with welder or welders that are going to be involved
with welding process (location of machine plus setting of amperage on machine).
Verify that the right location or area was examined for thickness and defects and marked
for weld attachment of hot tap fitting.
Discuss how to clean the area to be welded prior to welding.
Discuss required tools to be used for cleaning pipe, grinding tacks, grinding stringer. (If
power tools are not recommended, what alternative tools must be used?)
Discuss gap needed for root pass between stub and existing header.
Discuss need to electrically bond (ground) ground cable to hot tap fitting
Discuss amount of penetration needed on stringer bead. (Avoid excess amount of weld
penetration which could interfere with drilling of hot tap; don't back weld fittings.)
Discuss requirement to clean out Hot tap stub and remove all debris at completion of weld.
Note: WELDING SUPERVISOR MUST BE PRESENT FROM WSTR MEETING THROUGH COMPLETION OF
WELDING.
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Each of the following considerations shall be satisfied BEFORE CUTTING:
Have the hot tap valve, packing, gasket, and bolts been checked for leakage?
Has the packing or seals on the hot tapping machine been checked?
Has the bleed off valve been checked to assure it will hold, is operable, and is not
obstructed?
Are all bolts on the pilot and cutter bit tight? (e.g., torque to specifications)
Has cutting depth been calculated to avoid cutting the opposite side of the pipe?
10
Has the boring bar been run through the valve to assure free passage?
11
Have the hot tapping machine and valve been purged, if recommended?
Step Included
in Procedures?
Initials
Checked
by
Step Included
in Procedures?
Initials
Checked
by
Have the manufacturers instructions been followed to be sure that the boring bar is
fully retracted before closing the hot tap valve?
Has all of the pressure been bled from the hot tapping machine before removing the
bolts from the flange?
Have provisions been made to contain or control any liquid or gas in the hot tapping
machine?
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M-62
All rags, absorbent pads, and other cleaning materials must be disposed of properly.
When the work is completed a follow-up job site visit should be done by operations
and craft personnel to see that:
3a
3b
Step Included
in Procedures?
Page 19
Initials
Checked
by
M-62
Appendix G - IN-SERVICE HOT TAP CONTINGENCY ACTION PLAN
A Hot Tap Contingency Plan does not replace the Sites established emergency action plan, but rather is a
supplement for this special type of work. The plan addresses what specific problems could arise and what to do if
things go wrong during a Hot Tap. (Some examples include: burn-through during welding, with ignition of
flammable contents; leaks; losing the hot tap coupon; hot tap machine becoming stuck and unable to be
withdrawn; cutting through the opposite side of a pipe; or significant loss of containment of process materials.)
1. This plan has been communicated to all parties involved:
( ) Operations ( ) Craft persons ( ) Fire watch
2. Fire watch has been familiarized with equipment on site:
( ) Fire watch Equipment: ( ) Contractor Equipment ( ) Facility Equipment ( ) Emergency PPE
3. Emergency Action Plan:
A. Emergency Equipment Description, including personal protective equipment for emergency response (such
as
SCBA, specific gloves, bunker gear, chemical suit, etc.):
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
B. All non-Essential personnel have been vacated from the affected area.
C.
Exact Location:
______________________________________________________________________________
D.
E. Attach field sketch of isolation points to be used in the event of an emergency situation. (Isolation points
must
be tagged.) ______________________________
F.
List action steps to be taken in the event of an emergency. (Provide reference sketch when appropriate and
specify PPE)
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
G.
H.
List predefined actions to be taken if the Tap Coupon is not recovered during the hot tap machine removal.
______________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
I.
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