Tapping Sleeve

A tapping sleeve is a device used in the plumbing and waterworks industry to create a connection to an existing pipeline without interrupting the service. It is essentially a type of fitting that wraps around a section of pipe and allows for a branch connection.

Judberd is tapping sleeve manufacturer from china, we have many different tapping sleeve for your choice as below, we have tapping sleeve with thread outlet and flange outlet

Tapping Sleeve With Thread Outlet, Material Stainless Steel, Mechanical Joint Type

Tapping Sleeve With Flange Outlet and gasket，Material Stainless Steel, Mechanical Joint Type

Tapping Sleeve With Flange Outlet，Material Stainless Steel, Mechanical Joint Type

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Tapping Sleeve Parts

The tapping sleeve is mainly composed of the following parts:

Body: The body part is usually made of cast iron, stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant materials to wrap and support the main pipeline.
Branch Outlet: The part of the interface used to connect the branch pipeline.
Gasket: Located between the body and the main pipeline, used to ensure sealing and prevent leakage. Usually made of rubber or other elastic materials.
Bolts and Nuts: Used to fix the body part to the main pipeline to ensure the tapping sleeve is firmly installed.
Tapping Valve: Some tapping sleeves have a valve to control the flow of fluid.
Tapping Tool: A device used to tap the main pipeline for easy flow of fluid through the outlet.
These parts work together to ensure safe and effective connection and maintenance of pipeline branches without shutting down the main pipeline.

Tapping Sleeve Working Principle

The working principle of the tapping sleeve is as follows:

Preparation: First, install the body part of the tapping sleeve on the main pipeline to ensure it is in the correct position. The body part of the tapping sleeve is usually made up of two halves and is secured to the main pipeline with bolts and nuts.

Sealing: During the installation process, the gasket (usually made of rubber or other elastic materials) is clamped between the tapping sleeve and the main pipeline. Tightening the bolts and nuts will put pressure on the gasket to form a tight seal, preventing leaks.

Tapping: After installation, a hole is drilled in the main pipeline using the tapping tool on the tapping sleeve. This step usually requires a special tapping tool that can drill a hole while the fluid is still flowing.

Connecting the branch pipeline: Once the hole is drilled, the branch pipeline can be connected to the main pipeline through the outlet on the tapping sleeve. Once the branch pipeline is connected, fluid can be transported.

Controlling fluid flow: If the tapping sleeve has a valve, fluid flow can be controlled by the valve. To open the branch pipeline, the valve is opened; to close the branch pipeline, the valve is closed.

In summary, the tapping sleeve drills a hole in the main pipeline while the fluid is still flowing, seals it with a gasket to prevent leaks, and connects the pipeline branches. This method is particularly useful for pipeline modifications or extensions that require no water or air shutdown.

Tapping Sleeve Use

Expand pipeline network: Drill holes in the existing pipeline system, connect new branch pipelines, expand the pipeline network, and do not need to shut down the main pipeline. Suitable for various fluid transport systems.
Maintenance and repair: Maintenance and repair can be carried out quickly and conveniently without affecting the operation of the main pipeline.
Pipeline diversion: After drilling the main pipeline, connect the branch pipeline to achieve fluid diversion and increase the flexibility of the system.
Emergency repair: When the pipeline fails, it is possible to quickly add branch pipelines for emergency repair, reducing downtime.

Tapping Sleeve Types

According to function, tapping sleeve can be divided into the following types:

Standard Tapping Sleeve
Function: Used for general pipe branch connection.
Features: Simple design, suitable for most water and gas pipeline systems.
High-pressure Tapping Sleeve
Function: Used for branch connection of high-pressure pipeline systems.
Features: Stronger structure, usually made of thicker materials and stronger sealing devices, capable of withstanding higher pressures.
Anti-corrosion Tapping Sleeve
Function: Used for pipeline systems with corrosive media, such as chemical plants and marine environments.
Features: Made of corrosion-resistant materials (such as stainless steel, special coatings) to ensure long-term use without corrosion issues.
Seismic Tapping Sleeve
Function: Used in earthquake-prone areas or other pipeline systems requiring seismic performance.
Features: Designed to absorb and cushion vibrations, ensuring that the pipeline can operate stably in vibrating environments.
Tapping Sleeve with Valve
Function: Add a control valve at the pipe branch to facilitate flow control of the branch pipe.
Features: Integrated valve for easy control and maintenance, suitable for pipeline systems that require frequent operation.
Quick Installation Tapping Sleeve
Function: Used for pipeline systems that require rapid installation and emergency repair.
Features: Simplified design, convenient installation, reduced downtime, suitable for rapid connection and repair in emergency situations.
Large Diameter Tapping Sleeve, generally flange outlet connection
Function: Used for branch connection of large diameter pipelines.
Features: Suitable for large diameter pipeline systems, stronger design, capable of handling larger flow rates.
Small Diameter Tapping Sleeve, generally threaded outlet connection
Function: Used for branch connection of small diameter pipelines.
Features: Suitable for small diameter pipeline systems, compact design, easy installation.

These different types of tapping sleeves, according to their specific functional characteristics, are suitable for different use scenarios and requirements, ensuring safe and reliable connection and branching in a variety of pipeline systems.

Tapping Sleeve Material

The different components of the tapping sleeve are made of different materials to meet their specific functional requirements. Here are the common components and their materials:

Body Materials:
Cast Iron
Stainless Steel
Carbon Steel
Composite Materials
Outlet Materials:
Cast Iron
Stainless Steel
Carbon Steel
Copper Alloy
Gasket Materials:
Rubber (such as EPDM, NBR, etc.)
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
Silicone
Bolts and Nuts Materials:
Stainless Steel
Carbon Steel (usually galvanized)
Alloy Steel
Valve (if integrated in the tapping sleeve) Materials:
Cast Iron
Stainless Steel
Brass
Copper Alloy
Tapping Tool Materials:
Carbon Steel
Stainless Steel
Different components are made of different materials to ensure strength and durability while achieving good corrosion resistance and sealing. Choosing the right materials based on specific operating environments and requirements can improve the performance and service life of the tapping sleeve.

Tapping Sleeve Standard

The standards for tapping sleeves include various international and national standards that specify the requirements for the design, manufacture, materials, testing, and application of tapping sleeves to ensure their safety, reliability, and performance. Here are some common standards:

International Standards
ISO 7005: Standard for pipe flanges specifying the dimensions and tolerances for flange connections.
ISO 2531: Standard for ductile iron pipes, fittings, accessories, and joints for water and waste water systems.
American Standards
AWWA C223: Standard for pipe fittings published by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), specifically for the specification of tapping sleeves.
AWWA C110: Standard for ductile iron and cast iron fittings for water and other liquid transportation.
ANSI/ASME B16.1: Standard for cast iron flanges and flange fittings for industrial and municipal pipeline systems.
ANSI/ASME B31.1: Standard for pressure piping, covering the design, fabrication, and testing of power piping.
ASTM A536: Standard for materials for ductile iron specifying the mechanical properties of different grades of ductile iron.
European Standards
EN 545: Standard for ductile iron pipes, fittings, accessories, and joints for water supply systems.
EN 1092: Standard for flanges specifying the design and dimensions of steel and ductile iron flanges.
Other Relevant Standards
MSS SP-60: Standard for tapping sleeves published by the Manufacturers Standardization Society (MSS) covering design, material, and testing requirements.
API 1104: Standard for pipeline welding published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) for oil and gas transportation pipelines.
These standards ensure the quality and performance of tapping sleeves in various applications. When manufacturing and purchasing tapping sleeves, reference should be made to the relevant standards to ensure that the product meets the requirements for a specific application.

RFQ

What is a tapping sleeve used for?

A tapping sleeve is a specialized pipe fitting used to create a branch connection on an existing pressurized pipeline. It allows for the addition of a new service line or branch without interrupting the flow in the main pipeline. Here are some specific uses and applications of a tapping sleeve:

Adding Branch Connections

Municipal Water Systems: Used to connect new service lines to existing water mains without shutting down the system.service lines to existing water mains without shut

Industrial Pipelines: Facilitates the addition of new branches in industrial fluid and gas transport systems.

Pipeline Maintenance and Repair

Leak Repair: Used to bypass a section of the pipeline that needs repair.

Pipeline Extensions: Allows for extensions and modifications to existing pipelines without service disruption.

Meter and Valve Installation

Water Meters: Enables the installation of water meters on live water mains.

Control Valves: Allows for the insertion of control valves into existing pipelines to manage flow and pressure.

Emergency Situations

Quick Access: Provides rapid access to pipelines in emergency situations, such as leaks or breaks, allowing for immediate intervention.

Diversion and Distribution

Flow Diversion: Used to divert the flow of water or other fluids to different areas within a distribution network.

Hydrant Installation: Facilitates the installation of fire hydrants in municipal water systems.

Utility Upgrades

Capacity Expansion: Helps upgrade and expand utility networks by adding new lines and increasing capacity without major disruptions.

Infrastructure Development: Supports infrastructure development by integrating new pipelines into existing systems.

In summary, a tapping sleeve is an essential tool in pipeline systems for adding branches, performing maintenance, installing meters and valves, handling emergencies, diverting flow, and upgrading utility networks. Its ability to work on live pipelines makes it invaluable for ensuring continuous operation and minimizing service interruptions.

What is the difference between a saddle and a tapping sleeve?

The tapping sleeve has the function of split water from the main pipes, while the sleeve part of the tapping sleeve has the function of repair to avoid leaking. as below photo 1

The tapping saddle only divides water from the main pipe to the branch pipe, it does not repair the pipe. the rubber gasket on the sleeve part is only to protect the pipe from damage and not to seal the water. as below photo 2

Tapping Sleeves add repair to the main pipe and have a longer seal to the main pipe, suitable for larger diameter and higher pressure pipe systems, providing a more reliable seal and a stronger structure, typically used for critical and permanent connections.Tapping Saddles are used mainly for splitting compared to a tapping sleeve, the seal is only around the branch outlet in the main pipeline , suitable for smaller diameter and lower pressure pipe systems, and are easy and quick to install.

Photo 1

Photo 2

What is the difference between a tapping valve and a gate valve?

all valves that have the function of cutting off fluid and whose inner diameter can meet the requirements of drilling can be used as tapping valves. tapping valves can be gate valves, knife gate valves or butterfly valves, etc. if gate valves are used as tapping valves, branch pipes can only follow the principle of use of the gate valve is that it can only be fully opened or fully closed, can’t be partly opened or partly closed.