Abstract The present invention provides a device for tapping a pipeline submerged in water and while in service. The present device comprises pipe saddle means adapted to fit around and clamp over a given submerged pipeline to be tapped. The pipe saddle is adapted for injection of an epoxy resin therein to form a fluid tight seal between the pipe and the saddle. The saddle is also provided with a side outlet to which full flow through valve means is operably connected. Pipe tapping or drilling means are in turn provided for connection to the valve means whereby when said valve means is in a fully open position, the drilling head of the drilling means can be inserted through the valve and side outlet of the pipe saddle into contact with the pipe to be tapped. The tapping means further comprises a packing assembly for sealing off the tapping sub-assembly upon drilling through the pipe, as well as means for controlling the exact depth of drilling.
A method of tapping a submerged pipeline while it is in operation comprising: a. preparing the external surface of the pipeline for receiving a pipe saddle; b. installing thereover a side outlet pipe saddle having a double row of internal circumferential seals with inlet and outlet ports therebetween; c. connecting a full flow through valve to the side outlet of the pipe saddle; d. connecting a pipe tapping assembly to the valve means; e. testing the assembly for leaks; f. tapping the pipeline; and g. injecting a sealing material into the pipe saddle means into the chamber defined between the double row of seals, the pipe saddle, and the pipeline.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
110 words
A method of tapping a submerged pipeline while it is in operation comprising: a. preparing the external surface of the pipeline for receiving a pipe saddle; b. installing thereover a side outlet pipe saddle having a double row of internal circumferential seals with inlet and outlet ports therebetween; c. connecting a full flow through valve to the side outlet of the pipe saddle; d. connecting a pipe tapping assembly to the valve means; e. testing the assembly for leaks; f. tapping the pipeline; and g. injecting a sealing material into the pipe saddle means into the chamber defined between the double row of seals, the pipe saddle, and the pipeline.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 1 further characterized in that: a hardening epoxy material is injected into the pipe saddle means to seal off the chamber defined between the double row of seals, pipe saddle, and pipeline.