Time and cost can be reduced considerably by using a Petersen® Hot Tap Pipe Plug Insertion System to stop the flow in a pressurized pipeline. There are basically two systems for plug insertion through a hot tap.  Contact Petersen to discuss how this system may be adapted to your project.

Compact Plug Diameter Allows Insertion Through Small Hot (Live) Tap

Launch cylinder with inflation ram and packing seal allows insertion of Petersen® Plugs into pressurized pipeline.
Typically used for plugging of pipelines through a hot tap in the side of the pipe or through a valve on the end of a pipe. A variety of Petersen® Multi-Flex™ plugs are available for most chemical, pressure, and temperature requirements. A 36" plug as an example may be installed through an 8" Tap with the pipeline pressurized.

Pipe Plug Insertion System The Launch Cylinder and Inflation Ram is used for positioning and inflating the plug. Configurations are available to allow removal of the Launch Cylinder and Inflation Ram after inflation. Plug Launch Cylinder The plug may be inserted into the Launch Cylinder before or after it is attached to a tapping valve. Packing Gland The packing gland provides a seal that allows the inflation ram to push the plug into position. Inflation Ram The plug is pushed into position with the Inflation Ram after opening the valve and equalizing the pressure in the Launch Tube. An In-Line Swivel on the end of the Ram allows the plug to navigate the bend. Very large plugs may require a winch to pull the handle and plug into position.

Hot Tap Plugging Video Click Here Hot Tap Plugging Slide Show Click Here

Directional Shoe and Bow Stiffener The Directional Shoe accessory on the plug helps guide the plug in the desired direction into the pipeline. There is also an internal Bow Stiffener to act as a spring bending the plug into the pipeline. In-Line Swivels The In-Line Swivel provides a flexible connection between the inflation ram and plug.   Click an Item Number below for the Web Store   Hot Tap Pipe Plug Insertion Systems Shpg Wt lbs Item Number Unit Price Each 2" mnpt x 24" long launch cylinder with 1/2" dia x 36" long inflation ram with 2" fnpt packing seal 12 939-8020-24 US $2,720.00 3" mnpt x 24" long  launch cylinder with 1/2" dia x 36" long inflation ram with 3" fnpt packing seal 21 939-8030-24 US $2,960.00 4" x 150 lb flange x 36" long launch cylinder with 3/4" dia x 48" long inflation ram with 4" x 150 lb flange packing seal 89 939-9040-36 US $3,580.00 6" x 150 lb flange x 48" long launch cylinder with 1 1/2" dia x 60" long inflation ram with 6" x 150 lb flange packing seal 185 939-9060-48 US $4,080.00 8" x 150 lb flange x 60" long launch cylinder with 2" dia x 72" long inflation ram with 8" x 150 lb flange packing seal 334 939-9080-60 US $5,290.00 12" x 150 lb flange x 72" long launch cylinder with 2 1/2" dia x 84" long inflation ram with 12" x 150 lb flange packing seal 609 939-9120-72 US $5,920.00 System Includes: Launch cylinder, inflation packing gland (seal), inflation ram, centering guide, and drain/fill valve  Other sizes and custom configurations also available                 Launch Cylinders       2" mnpt x 24" long 8 939-2020-24 US $84.00 3" mnpt x 24" long 16 939-2030-24 US $94.00 4" x 150 lb flange x 36" long 66 939-1040-36 US $1,140.00 6" x 150 lb flange x 48" long 128 939-1060-48 US $1,440.00 8" x 150 lb flange x 60" long 227 939-1080-60 US $2,450.00 12" x 150 lb flange x 72" long 404 939-1120-72 US $1,440.00               Inflation Rams       2" fnpt x 1/2" diameter x 36" long 4 939-4020-0536 US $1,020.00 3" fnpt x 1/2" diameter x 36" long 5 939-4030-0536 US $1,120.00 4" x 150 lb flange x 3/4" diameter x 48" long 23 939-3040-0748 US $1,289.00 6" x 150 lb flange x 1 1/2" diameter x 60" long 57 939-3060-1560 US $1,430.00 8" x 150 lb flange x 2" diameter x 72" long 107 939-3080-2072 US $1,570.00 12" x 150 lb flange x 2 1/2" diameter x 84" long 205 939-3120-2584 US $3,040.00         Swivels, In-Line       1.875" OD x 3/4" fnpt, steel 1 936-8007-1 US $240.00 1.875" OD x 1 1/4" fnpt, steel 5 936-8012-1 US $280.00 2.88" OD x 2" fnpt, steel 10 936-8020-1 US $320.00 3.88" OD x 3" mnpt, steel 16 936-8030-1 US $580.00 (Flange adaptors available)

**Inflatable Plug Warning: Maximum head pressures that a pipe plug may restrain can only be estimated. Slippage is influenced by many factors including fluid in the pipe, coefficient of pipeline friction, pressure required to inflate the plug, and accuracy of pressure gauges. Generally, a Multi-Flex™ Inflatable Plug inserted fully into pipeline will begin slipping between 50% and 80% of the inflation pressure if it has an inflated pipe contact length of 1 ½ to 2 times the diameter, but even a head of 50% of the inflation pressure may cause slippage with some liquids. The inflation pressure is also subject to temperature change and debris or protrusions in the pipeline that could rupture the plug. The inflation pressure should be monitored and plugs anchored and/or mechanically blocked when slippage may cause property damage or injury.  NEVER use a test pressure greater than the capacity of the weakest pipe or component in the system. NEVER use an inflatable plug when its failure would cause injury.Price subject to change without notice Petersen Terms & Conditions Apply Products covered by one or more of the following patents: 4,565,222; 5,353,842; 5,901,752; 6,446,669; 6,568,429; 6,899,138 and other applications pending.