Drilling and tapping

Our under pressure drilling process establishes a connection to an existing pipeline whilst it remains operational

We have extensive experience of drill and tapping projects, especially when associated with pipeline inspection.

Our teams are multi-skilled and equipped to drill and tap and carry out our CCTV camera inspections during a single survey. If required, this can also be combined with a non-destructive test or pipe scan and soil tests on site.

There are two options:

Sacrificial – using a fitting that is left in place providing a permanent connection into the pipeline

Temporary – making a temporary connection to drill and tap thus providing a choice of installation e.g. ferrule, quadrina tapping or plug and coupon

Pipe coupon extraction

For coupon extractions a specialist cutting saw is used to cut a circular coupon from the pipe. The coupon size can vary depending on pipe diameter and the requirements of the customer. The cutting head and tapping machine are retracted from the pipe and if using a temporary fitting, the hole is tapped and a relevant fitting installed into the threaded hole.

Specialist activities include double coupon cutting and extraction from the pipe crown and invert. Coupons can be tested and inspected in a pipe laboratory.