Frequently Asked Questions
MENU:
HOT TAP FAQ
Q: How many hot taps has EnReach completed?
A: Over 4000 and counting.
Q: Why would someone utilize a hot tap?
A: Hot taps allow a client to tie into their system without any impacts to operations. Hot Taps are safer, simpler and, more cost effective than a shut down.
Q: What type of valves are used in hot tapping?
A: Ball or Gate valve. Full port is an additional requirement.
Q: Can a hot tap be completed to match the size of pipe, size on size?
A: Yes. This connection is done with a split tee or spherical fitting.
Q: What are some limitations of pressure testing a hot tap?
A: For branch type hot taps such as olets, stub nipple/reinforcement the test pressure will be the same as the main line test pressure or spec. For split tees and spherical fittings it can not exceed 1.1 times operating pressure at the time of the pressure testing due to the external loading.
Q: Does a hot tap drill cut the full inside diameter (ID) of the branch connection?
A: During a hot tap the pilot bit and hole saw assembly requires approximately 1/8” to allow the shavings to clear, the hole will then be slightly smaller than the diameter of the nipple attached to the pipe.
Q: Is burn through a real threat during the welding of a hot tap?
A: Yes, but EnReach Hot Tap Services has engineered solutions to mitigate this risk.
Q: Are there any products that limit if a hot tap can be performed?
A: EnReach will provide a feasibility of each hot tap. Some of examples of potential limitations are:
- Vapor/air or vapor/oxygen mixtures
- Oxygen or oxygen enriched atmosphere
- Hydrogen
- Temperature-sensitive, chemically reactive materials
- Caustics, amines, and acids
Q: How is hydrogen-induced cracking prevented in the welds?
A: EnReach uses specialized welding techniques, highly trained welders, low hydrogen welding rods, and low hydrogen practices.
Q: What is the largest size of surface tap that can be completed?
A: Using EnReach’s patented surface tap system, up to an NPS 6” can be completed. However with different procedures we can add risers to any hot tap and bring the valve above ground.
Q: What makes EnReach welding unique?
A: EnReach has proprietary welding techniques which allow us to produce repeatable welds exceeding code requirements in regards to safety, quality, and long term integrity. EnReach welders are trained extensively on in-service welding.
LINE STOP FAQ
Q: What is the advantage of EnReach’s patented line stop technology?
A: EnReach has a true double block and bleed with two independent seals. This maximizes safety and performance compared to other technologies.
Q: Can you pressure test to ensure EnReach’s line stop is working correctly?
A: EnReach line stop technology can be pressure tested after installation, without the need for any additional connections to ensure a successful isolation.
Q: Can EnReach adjust the seals after installation?
A: Yes. EnReach does not have fixed seals or used compressing of elastomers to create its seal. We have total control of our seals.
Q: Can a line stop be completed through a reduced size branch connection?
A: Yes. EnReach has a technology for Class 150 lines that allows EnReach to utilize up to a 50% branch ratio reduction to complete double block and bleed line stops.
Q: Can you maintain pipeline flow rate and pressure during a line stop?
A: Yes. A bypass can be set up around the isolated section through either the line stop equipment or other tiepoints/hot taps.
Q: What is a completion plug?
A: The completion plug is a permanent isolation, and is installed in the hot tap flange after the line stop is complete so the valve can be removed. The flange can then be blinded off.
COLD TAP FAQ
Q: What is the difference between a cold tap and a hot tap?
A: A cold tap is a method of making a connection to a pipeline under pressure without any hot welding. This is done utilizing a mechanical fitting, which achieves a full pressure seal.
Q: What is the outlet size of a cold tap?
A: EnReach cold tap fittings have 2” or 3” connections with a full inner diameter opening.
Q: What are the pressure limitations of a cold tap?
A: High pressure fittings are available up to 5000 psi.
Q: What size of cold taps can EnReach do?
A: EnReach has up to 16” mainline cold tap fittings in stock. We carry all standard pipeline sizes, as well as tubing and casing size fittings.
Q: Can a cold tap be used for draining a line?
A: Yes, we often do. A hydro vac truck can tie into the valve on the fitting for draining a pipeline and/or to prove communication to another point on that same pipeline.
VALVE INSERTION FAQ
Q: Are EnReach valve insertion NSF approved?
A: EnReach Valve insertions are NSF-61 approved; designed to be a permanent operating valve.
Q: What makes EnReach valve insertions unique?
A: EnReach valve insertions look and behave like a normal gate valve, including the same number of turns available in open left or open right operation.
Q: What pressure are EnReach valve insertions rated for?
A: Our valves are rated up to 250 psi maximum allowable working pressure.
Q: What sizes are available with EnReach valves insertions?
A: These valves are available from 3-30”.
Q: What type of pipeline can a valve insertion be utilized on?
A: EnReach valve insertions can be done on PVC, steel, ductile iron, cast iron, and asbestos concrete (AC) pipes. The only limitations are HDPE and some AC pipes.
Engineering FAQ
Q: How long does an estimate usually take?
A: EnReach’s goal is to complete estimates the same day if possible.
Q: What is included in an engineering work package?
A: EnReach will do the mechanical design, the weld procedures, and also safety calculations. Clients will receive an EWP including procedures and ITP. These EWPs are used by clients for internal approval and running HAZOPS.
Q: Does EnReach complete regulatory approvals (ex. ABSA, TSBC, TSSA)?
A: Yes, EnReach completes regulatory approvals process on behalf of clients.
Q: Are EnReach engineers permitted to work in provinces other than Alberta?
A: Yes, EnReach has its Engineers registered all across Canada.
HDPE SERVICES FAQ
Q: Can you hot tap HDPE pipelines?
A: Yes. EnReach has developed a fusion hot tap procedure specifically for in-service HDPE.
Q: Can you do a line stop on a HDPE pipeline?
A: Yes. EnReach can do this through bolted or fused fittings.
Q: Is training required to be a fusion technician?
A: Yes. EnReach technicians are trained and certified by an outside party. In fact, EnReach has some qualifications that are very rare, such as large diameter and high pressure.
Q: What types of fusions can EnReach do?
A: EnReach does both electrofusion and butt fusion, and owns equipment to do both.
Q: Can HDPE hot taps be pressure tested?
A: Yes. A HDPE hot tap is overall identical to any other hot tap and a full hydro test will be performed before starting the drilling operations.
Pipeline Sleeves FAQ
Q: When should you use type A vs type B sleeve?
A: Type A are usually used when pressure containment will not be necessary and solely used as reinforcement. This means the defect is not expected to get worse if circumferentially constrained. Type B can contain pressure, so if the defect does get to point of a release it will not result in pressure/fluid loss.
Q: Can you weld the sleeve without shutting down the pipeline?
A: Yes. EnReach has specialized welding procedures that allow us to weld while the pipeline is operating. We have welded sleeves on pipelines as thin as 3.2mm.
Q: Are sleeve repairs or reinforcement acceptable under current codes?
A: Yes. CSA and B31.3 allow for use of sleeves.
Q: Can you use sleeves over circumferential welds?
A: Yes. But only type B sleeves can be bridged over these welds.
Q: How do you know when to use a repair sleeve?
A: Typically clients will use inline inspection to identify any potential integrity issues. The integrity dig will be completed to ensure the results of the inline inspection were accurate and then a decision on the appropriate type of sleeve to use for the repair can be made.
Q: Can you use sleeves over bends or curved pipe?
A: Yes. A custom sleeve can be designed, built, and installed by EnReach.
Engineered Pressure Enclosures FAQ
Q: When should you use type A vs type B sleeve?
A: Type A are usually used when pressure containment will not be necessary and solely used as reinforcement. This means the defect is not expected to get worse if circumferentially constrained. Type B can contain pressure, so if the defect does get to point of a release it will not result in pressure/fluid loss.
Q: Can pressure enclosures be installed on piping with existing branch connections close to the leak?
A: Yes, EnReach can provide a custom solution that will encompass the existing piping if needed.
Q: Can a pressure enclosure be installed on an asset that is already leaking?
A: Yes, EnReach will develop a strategy to control the leak so that it is safe to install the enclosure.
Q: Can a pressure enclosure be used on components other than straight pipe?
A: Yes, EnReach can design enclosures for various pipe configurations and fittings.
Q: Can pressure enclosures act as permanent solutions?
A: It depends on the applicable regulatory requirements, however as a minimum EnReach designs all of it’s enclosures using pressure vessel design codes suitable for permanent service.
