Hot tap connection and method for production thereof

Abstract

A hot tap connection comprising: (i) a main supply pipe, (ii) a side branch pipe connected to the main supply pipe, (iii) a reinforcing saddle surrounding the main supply pipe and the side branch pipe, (iv) a first gap between the main supply pipe and the reinforcing saddle, (v) a second gap between the side branch pipe and the reinforcing saddle, and (vi) a solid material substantially filling the first gap and the second gap. The method for producing the hot tap connection is also described. The method comprises the steps of: (i) connecting a side branch pipe to a desired location on a main supply pipe; (ii) surrounding the side branch pipe and the main supply pipe with a reinforcing saddle; (iii) defining a first gap between the main supply pipe and the reinforcing saddle, and a second gap between the side branch pipe and the reinforcing saddle; (iv) injecting a pumpable material into the first gap and the second gap; (v) curing the pumpable material to produce a solid material; (vi) cutting a coupon of the main supply pipe within the side branch pipe to produce an opening in the main supply pipe to allow gas to flow therethrough; (vii) removing the coupon from the side branch pipe. The hot tap connection is advantageous as, in most installations, it can be used as a permanent connection between a main supply pipe and a side branch pipe.