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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Development of a COLD TAPPING pipeline repair system

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5351647
The COLD TAPPING technique provides a system that avoids flooding of a subsea pipeline during modifications, such as adding a connecting tee, or repair of the line. Pipeline pressure is equalised with the hydrostatic pressure of the seawater. A tap is performed on each side of the line to be modified. Plugs are inserted and inflated. Conventional hyperbaric welding is employed to effect the modifications or insertion of a new pipeline section. The plugs are removed by pigging and a clean line is restored without protrusions or weak points. Deep water trial have shown that the COLD TAPPING operation can be accomplished in under two days.
OSTI ID:
5351647
Report Number(s):
CONF-850941-
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English