Re: Hot Tapping Plant Air and Instrument Air

hot tapping involves certain safety risk and its normally not recommended on air recievers and air lines where lubricating oil may get into the system - completing the triangle of fire. losing coupon is not the major concern its the oil (source of fuel)from the hot tapping machine, the heat during the cutting of the coupon and of course the air from the header.

Youre current company engneeing spec may prohibit the use of a clampon  connection - that is fine. If i were in your situation i will conduct a what-if analysis after discussing the details with your fav hot tapping contractor. If the hazop do indicate that you will be able to prevent the the mixture o flammable oil and air, then submit a waiver request. Prior to actual operation assess the environment under which you are going to perform the hot and then do a job safety analysis. If youre satisfied, then you may proceed.

• In PipingDesign@y..., "Arif Patel" <marif_patel@h...> wrote:
  >
  > Hot tapping of instrument air line is not allowed since metal can
  go in the
  > instrument air header during the tapping operation.
  >
  > >From: "regoldst" <regoldst@a...>
  > >> >
  > >I'm presently working in a Major Oil Refinery in the United States
  > >and I was told that you can't Hot Tap air lines due to the
  generaed
  > >heat problems and the Refinery won't allow clamp-on tees for
  Tapping,
  > >so I'm at a loss for ideas.