🔥

Hot Taps & Welding Toolkit

Max Pressure · Burn-Through Risk · Recommendations

Hot Tap & In-Service Welding Calculator
Evaluates safe operating parameters for hot tapping on pressurized pipelines per API RP 2201, ASME B31.4/B31.8, and API 1104. Includes burn-through risk assessment and WPS guidance.
Calculation Mode:

Pipe Specifications

in
in
Min 0.188" per API RP 2201
in
Enter 0 if no branch

Material & Design Code

Determines design factor (F)

Operating Conditions

°F
Affects temp derating (T)

Key Formulas

Pmax = (2 × S × F × T × t) / D
Pmax = Max Allowable Pressure
S = SMYS (psi)
F = Design Factor (0.4-0.72)
T = Temp Derating Factor
t = Wall Thickness (in)
D = Outside Diameter (in)
HI = (V × A × 60) / (TS × 1000)
HI = Heat Input (kJ/in)
V = Arc Voltage (V)
A = Current (Amps)
TS = Travel Speed (in/min)

Standards & References

  • API RP 2201
    Safe Hot Tapping Practices - Min wall 0.188", stress limits
  • ASME B31.8
    Gas Transmission - Design factors by location class (F = 0.4-0.72)
  • ASME B31.4
    Liquid Pipelines - Design factor F = 0.72
  • API 1104
    Pipeline Welding - WPS qualification, welder certification
  • ASME Section IX
    Welding Qualifications - PQR/WPQ requirements

Critical Safety Notes

  • Min Wall: 0.188" absolute minimum, 0.250" recommended per API RP 2201.
  • Heat Input: Limit to 25-35 kJ/in to prevent burn-through on pressurized pipe.
  • UT Required: Verify actual wall thickness by ultrasonic testing before welding.
  • Low-H Electrodes: E7018 or equivalent low-hydrogen electrodes only.
  • Electrode Storage: Maintain at 250-300°F in heated rod oven.
  • Welder Qualification: Per ASME Section IX or API 1104 on similar joint.

Heat Input Limits by Wall Thickness

Wall (in)Max HI (kJ/in)
< 0.188"12 (Not rec.)
0.188" - 0.250"20
0.250" - 0.312"25
0.312" - 0.375"30
0.375" - 0.500"35
> 0.500"40