Our engineers completed specialist hot tapping services at JPMorgan Chase & Co offices in Bournemouth, allowing essential pipework modifications to take place without draining the existing heating system.
Hot Tapping Services at JPMorgan Chase & Co Offices, Bournemouth
Project: Install a new outlet connection on live LTHW without draining the system.
Location: JPMorgan Chase & Co Bank, Bournemouth
Client: Engineering Support Solutions UK Ltd
Service: Pipeline Hot Tapping Services
Sector: Investment Banking Services
Works Included: 2 x Quarter-turn Valves
The project involved live pipework alterations, valve installation, under-pressure drilling, and pressure testing on an operational LTHW system serving a busy commercial office environment.
By using professional hot tapping services, the client avoided unnecessary disruption while maintaining continuity throughout the building.
Why Were Hot Tapping Services Required?
A long-standing engineering contractor contacted our team to assist with a live pipework modification project within the commercial banking offices.
The existing heating infrastructure required additional connections and valve installations on operational 80mm steel pipework. Due to building occupancy and operational requirements, a full shutdown of the heating system was not a practical option.
Instead, the client required experienced hot tapping contractors capable of creating new branch connections on a live system safely and efficiently.
Works included the installation of two quarter-turn valves, preparation of the existing steel pipework, controlled hot tapping procedures, and final pressure testing.
Careful planning remained critical from the outset due to the live nature of the system and the operational commercial environment.
Challenges Faced During the Hot Tapping Project
Every live pipework project presents unique challenges, particularly within occupied commercial buildings.
Maintaining heating services throughout the works remained one of the primary requirements. Draining and isolating the entire system would have increased downtime and created unnecessary disruption across the office space.
Access also required consideration. The heating pipework sat approximately seven feet above floor level, requiring safe working practices and suitable access arrangements before installation could begin.
Preparation of the existing pipework formed another important stage of the project. Sections of insulation required removal before engineers could clean and prepare the steel pipe surfaces for the hot tapping equipment.
Working outside normal business hours added another layer of planning. Labour, equipment, site access, and engineering resources all needed careful coordination to meet the client’s programme.
Health and safety remained a priority throughout the project. Our team followed approved RAMS and controlled working procedures at every stage of the installation.
Delivering the Hot Tapping Services
Two experienced engineers attended site during the planned out-of-hours working period with specialist hot tapping equipment and associated tooling.
Following site checks and confirmation of operating conditions, the team exposed the required sections of live 80mm flow and return pipework by removing insulation from the designated work areas.
Once exposed, the pipe surfaces underwent thorough cleaning and preparation to ensure suitable installation conditions. Our engineers then fitted the required branch assemblies and installed two quarter-turn valves onto the live heating system.
With the equipment securely in place, controlled under-pressure drilling procedures created the new branch connections without interrupting the operation of the existing system.
Throughout the process, pressure conditions remained under continuous monitoring to maintain safe working practices and system integrity. Following completion of the hot tapping operation, the team carried out pressure testing to verify a leak-free installation.
Insulation was subsequently reinstated, waste materials removed, and the working area left clean and ready for normal building operation.
Project Results
Before the works commenced, the client required new branch connections and valve installations on live heating pipework serving an occupied commercial office building.
Following completion, the required modifications were successfully installed with minimal impact on day-to-day operations.
Project Outcomes
- Two quarter-turn valves installed on live pipework
- New branch connections completed safely
- Controlled under-pressure drilling procedures carried out successfully
- Full pressure testing completed
- Minimal disruption to building occupants
- Heating system remained operational throughout
- Reduced downtime compared with traditional shutdown methods
- Clean completion within the planned programme
The client achieved the required modifications while maintaining continuity across the building’s heating infrastructure. Discover more about IDWe Ltd’s Hot Tapping Services.
Need Experienced Hot Tapping Contractors?
We provide professional hot tapping services for commercial and industrial buildings throughout London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Essex, Hampshire and the surrounding areas.
Our engineers support live pipework modifications, valve installations, pipeline tapping, pipe fabrication and pipe freezing services with minimal disruption to operations.
With more than 35 years of industry experience, we help Facilities Managers, building owners and M&E contractors complete essential pipework works safely and efficiently.
If you need to install a new branch connection or tap into a live system, contact our team today on 020 8302 7644 to discuss your requirements.
Related Case Study:
Hot Tapping & Valves Services at PwC, London
How can we help you?
To get a quote, please call 020 8302 7644 or email: info@idwe.co.uk
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