Line stopping is a technique used to form momentary isolation in a piping system to provide control where there is none. It functions as a temporary valve or control that can easily be removed after valve replacements and other alterations have been made. Line stopping can be conducted on all kinds of pipe materials like steel, plastic, stainless steel, cast iron, cement asbestos, and copper. To ensure safety, it is recommended that you contract the services of professionals who are experienced in performing this procedure. You can also read more about line stopping in this article.
We have also outlined some tips to make you understand line stopping. Feel free to check them out.
Line Stopper Installation
Most pipeline contractors utilize two methods of conducting repairs and maintenance of pipelines – They either shut off the entire system or they conduct the repair live. When the repair is conducted live, there is a possibility of having problems with the unit if the right techniques are not used. This is where the experience of professionals comes in.
On the other hand, shutting down the entire system leads to backflow, boil orders, extra lab costs, possible contamination and customer complaints. If you are looking for a cost-effective method of conducting repairs and maintenance without a live-work or shutdown. Using line stopping methods isolates just the portion of the pipe that needs repair while the others remain hot. With this, there is a total reduction of risk and it also gives the operator complete control of the entire system.
Techniques Involved in Line Stopping
The following are some techniques involved in line stopping:
- Fix a line stop valve and component on the pipe where you will insert the line stop.
- Tap the piping system and remove the machine used for tapping afterward.
- Align the flow-control machine while you monitor fluid control. You can conduct the repair, expansion, or replacement at this time.
- Detach the line-stop equipment and fix a completion connector under pressure. Make sure the system is not shut down during this procedure.
Line stopping procedure doesn’t necessarily mean that flow will be stopped. You can control flow while a small section of the pipe is isolated for repair. You may probably be wondering how this is done. Here’s how: First, there are two line stopping methods – single and double/multiple line stop. You can use any isolation method while ensuring that the pipeline is functional. With this, the pipe in need of maintenance or repair is separated without disrupting the service.
Application of Line Stopping
Different kinds of pipes can be used during this procedure. Some of them include cast iron, steel, reinforced concrete, plastic, and nonferrous metals. In terms of application, they can be used for the following:
- Replacement of Industrial fire hydrants
- Rerouting or lowering pipe
- Replacement or repair of valves
- Insulation of valves used for flow control
- Isolation of tunnel or pipe sections during pipeline relining.
There is an increased awareness of line-stopping procedures especially among owners, designers, and operators of pipelines. The method provides alternative live repair and shutdown options than most people are used to. To achieve maximum results, it is recommended that you use reputable line stopping services with well-trained technicians.
Benefits of Line Stopping
The following are some benefits of this procedure:
Zero Downtime
Service is not disrupted with this procedure. Every equipment function at a normal rate even as repair or maintenance is ongoing. To achieve a no-service disruption process, you need to ensure that a professional handles the procedure.
No Loss of Harmful Gases or Liquid
This procedure is technical but when it is properly followed, there won’t be any loss of liquid or gases.
Even in cases when losses are recorded, they are usually insignificant.
Ideal for Sprinkler Systems and Hydrants
Line-stopping is ideal for different water equipment such as fire protection, hydrants, and sprinkler systems. You can read up its application on this equipment to maximize usage.
Reduces Contamination
This procedure ensures that there is no contamination with the entire system while work is ongoing. The isolation methods allow for full concentration on the affected pipeline and this makes it impossible for other pipes to get contaminated during the process.
Used to Isolate Ring Main Sections
If you are looking for an effective method to isolate some sections of the ring mains, then line-stopping will be a good option. There are different isolation methods that the operator can use to achieve this. One-line stop and double/multiple-line stop are the different isolation methods to use depending on the kind of work being performed on the pipe.
How to Know a Good Line Stopping Service
Are you looking to contract the services of a good company? Here are some tips to look out for:
Experience
Having an inexperienced contractor handle your project can mess the entire system up. The knowledge of this should make you go for an experienced contractor with a good track record. You can inquire about the service of the company from old clients or you can check online reviews to see what people are saying about their services.
Pricing
A good company has a fixed rate which is non-negotiable. However, one indicator that you are dealing with the wrong contractor is the willingness to adjust their pricing to suit your demand. When this happens, you may likely be dealing with the wrong company. This is because most organized contractors factor so many considerations into their pricing and are unlikely to adjust it for any reason.
While pricing may not be used as a yardstick to determine the effectiveness of a service, it goes a long way in helping you know the quality of service they render.
Conclusion
Line-stopping is a mechanical procedure used to create temporary isolation in a live pipeline. Unlike other methods that may require disruption of service, it does not affect operations as whatever work is needed is conducted on an isolated line. We have outlined some helpful tips about this procedure in this article. Feel free to check them out.
It was quite interesting when you told us that pipeline contractors shut off the pipelines when conducting repairs to avoid leaving problems due to not being able to use the right techniques if you’re conducting repairs live. There seems to be something wrong with our pipeline these days with how we’ve been experiencing backups and slow drains at home, so I plan to have the issue fixed as soon as possible. I’ll have to keep this in mind when I look for pipeline services to call for help soon.