Since the early 1930's Hot Tapping has been used to gain access to trapped pressure. The equipment in use has not significantly changed since that time. A drill is used to gain access to casing, tubing or a valve with pressure trapped behind it. This is achieved by balancing pressures to enable drilling safely into the pressured area. In order for the drill to gain access a weld on fitting or a clamp is used to allow threaded access to the area to be Hot Tapped. A valve is connected to these threads, pressure tested and used to equalize the pressure on both sides of the area to be tapped. The drill used is able to contain pressure while advancing and rotating. This allows Hot Tapping to be safely completed.

Threaded access will be made to the area requiring hot tap. A valve will be installed between this access and the drill. The drill will be installed and pressure tested to 1.5 times surface pressure or to the maximum that the surface equipment will allow. Pressures will be equalized between the drill and the area to be tapped. The tap will be made and equipment bled off and removed.

Technical Data:

• Pressure Contained Drill w/ 1/2"-1" Drill Bits.
• Clamps from 2"-5 1/2".
• Other equipment designed, developed and manufactured as

Freeze:Once hot tapped, High Arctic is available to freeze below the section to isolate the pressure by creating a freeze plug. This is accomplished by using a specially designed mud and cooling the area with dry ice.

Hot Tap kits are available for 1.66" to 5.50" pipe with working pressures up to 3,000 psi (21,000 kPa). Kits include saddle, hot tap drill, Baker pump hose and gauges, all necessary weld ouellette connections, valves, seals, o-rings, replacement drill bits and a complete set of hand tools to perform the Hot Tap operation.