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Tapping Pipelines Under Pressure (16.12)

Criticality: High
Progress: Not Addressed
Score: 40
DOT Relevance: §192.627

Description of Key Area

The tapping of pipelines under pressure is addressed in Subpart L (Operations) of 49 CFR 192. The Code states that “each tap made on a pipeline under pressure must be performed by a crew qualified to make hot taps.”

Discussion of Criticality

Operator qualification for crews to make taps on hydrogen pipes and pipelines must be established. This is a critical area because of pressure considerations. If, during the tapping process, proper procedures are not followed there is a potential for an uncontrolled release of gas.

Discussion of Progress

No information found.

Recommendations

Confirm whether or not this topic will be addressed by ASME B31.12. Standards for tapping hydrogen pipelines under pressure must be established and incorporated by reference into the federal code. These standards must include specific tapping processes and methods, as well as tooling or equipment to be used. Tapping should be conducted under “no-blow” conditions. The term “hot taps” should be defined. In general, there must be operator qualification standards for hydrogen work. These standards should be based on current standards but there may be specific tasks to be added for hot tapping of hydrogen pipelines.