16 Mar API 2201- Procedure for Hot Tapping

API 2201 provides detailed guidelines for safely conducting the hot tapping operations on machineries in petrochemical industries.

To expand or modify piping systems in the petrochemical industry, new connections to existing pipelines have to be made. Earlier, to make such connections in piping systems, the whole system would be shut down and gas will be purged out to ensure safety. Hot taping is an alternate procedure that allows the pipelines to be in service while making new connections to the system, eliminating the need for a shutdown.

Hot tapping is the process of attaching a welded branch fitting to equipment in service, and creating an opening in that equipment by removing a portion of it within the attached fitting. Hot tapping is performed when it is not possible to take the piping or equipment out of service for maintenance or to clean it by conventional methods. Hot tap connections are created without hindering the process operation.

Typical Hot Tap Work Flow

The first step in hot tapping is to assess whether it is the right procedure to adopt for the equipment or piping system in question. Once you confirm that hot tapping is the ideal procedure under given circumstances, a work scope analysis has to be conducted to confirm the same. A typical workflow for conducting hot tapping is given below.

Benefits of hot tapping

• No need to shut down the process or system operation.
• No need for releasing gas from the area where connection is made
• No need for cutting, realignment and re-welding of pipeline sections.
• Reduction of costs associated with planning and coordination—meetings, schedules, paperwork, lost production, and direct manpower.
• Better safety for the workers
• Prevent gas outages for end customers during the procedure.

API 2201 prescribes the best practices that should be followed while performing a hot tap. By following the API 2201 guidelines the time required for the procedure and the potential for failure during hot tapping is reduced.

API 2201 Exam and certification details

API 2201 examination consists of 70 questions to be answered in 3.25 hours. The passing score is 70%.

API 2201 certification is valid only for 3 years. After the 3 year period the certified candidates must apply for a recertification. Re-certification involves a fee and candidates do not have to pass the full examination to recertify.

Candidates are eligible to apply for a recertification 90 days prior to the expiration date of their certification. Also, there is an additional 90 days grace period to apply for recertification once the certification expires.

If the candidate does not apply for a recertification after the 90 day grace period, their existing certification will expire. Once the certification is expired candidates have to apply for a new certification by remitting the full fees and must pass all examinations again to re-certify.

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