KUTS Field Services provides Line Isolation & Weld Testing to help you modify pipelines and verify weld integrity without compromising safety or halting your entire operation. Our line isolation service uses proven methods (like hot taps with line stop plugs or freeze plugs) to create a secure isolation in a pipe. Essentially, we insert an engineered plugging tool into the line to block off the flow in a section of pipe, creating a safe work zone downstream of the plug. This allows our clients to perform hot work (welding or cutting) on an open pipe end or replace a section of pipe without depressurizing or draining the entire system. By establishing an upstream barrier (often via a double block and bleed isolation device), we protect the rest of your pipeline or process from the work being done. It’s a bit like performing surgery by clamping a blood vessel – only the isolated section is affected, and the rest can often continue operating.
Once repairs or modifications are made (for instance, a new weld on a pipeline), our team can conduct localized weld testing. We utilize specialized tools to perform hydrostatic weld pressure tests on just the new weld or the affected section, rather than having to pressurize a huge length of pipe. The tool seals off a small annular area across the weld and we pump in water to test that the weld holds tight at the required pressure. This targeted approach uses far less water and time than a traditional full-line hydrotest, which in turn reduces waste and cost. We monitor the pressure between the isolation seals to confirm the weld’s integrity, ensuring your fix is sound before returning the line to service.
Situations where we help:
- Emergency Leak Repair: If you have a leaking section of pipeline, we can isolate that segment quickly, allowing for a repair clamp or welded fix, and then test the new weld – all while the rest of the system remains live and untouched.
- Facility Tie-Ins and Expansion: When adding new equipment or rerouting pipes in a plant, we isolate the tie-in points so new connections can be welded safely. After welding, we hydro-test the joints to QA/QC them before re-opening the line.
- Turnaround & Maintenance Projects: During scheduled turnarounds, we can perform multiple isolations and weld tests across a facility to replace valves or reconfigure piping, accelerating the workflow by only isolating sections that need work.
With our line isolation and weld testing services, you get peace of mind that any modification on your pipeline is done safely and is proven leak-tight. Our technicians are experienced with a variety of isolation tools and follow strict procedures to maintain control at all times. We coordinate closely with your operations team so that normal process can resume as soon as our work is complete, keeping your downtime to a minimum.