RECENT RDR PROJECT: NATURAL GAS INTERCONNECT
RDR’s Piping & Mechanical Division has been engaged to make a natural gas interconnect, expanding service by tying into an existing West Virginia steel transmission line. The line will be shut down for the interconnect, and a computer-assisted system will be installed.
WHY INTERCONNECTIONS ARE NEEDED
In natural gas transmission, pipeline interconnections are needed for multiple purposes. Some of the most common include:
- Service tie-in
The transfer of specific gas volumes to new or expanded consumption routes - Safety and assurance of supply
The installation of valves, regulators or meters to ensure that gas pressure delivered downstream is safe and consistent, and matches the design limits of connecting pipes
IN-SERVICE VS. SHUTDOWN CONNECTIONS (RDR DOES BOTH)
Making a natural gas interconnect to an existing main or transmission line involves careful planning, engineering, and safety protocol. The approach can vary depending on pipe material (steel vs. HDPE/MDPE), and whether a shutdown or in-service connection via hot tap is feasible.
- Shutdown
The shutdown approach requires coordination with the customer, and sometimes a bypass line. - In-Service or “Hot Tap”
Hot tapping requires specialized fittings and trained crews, but allows tie-in without disrupting gas service. - RDR can hot tap/perform in-service connections with steel or HDPE/MDPE plastic pipes.
HOT TAPPING BRINGS FRESH OPPORTUNITIES & ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANTAGES
Hot tapping brings fresh opportunities for maintenance work on pipelines. Beside the obvious benefit of intervention without disrupting service, the process generally increases environmental protection:
- No gas release
In a conventional shutdown, sections of pipeline may need to be purged of natural gas - Avoids ground disturbance and generally shortens runtime for heavy equipment
Since the line stays active the process is usually quicker, and there’s no need for extra excavation for the installation of temporary bypasses. - Fewer spill risks
A controlled hot tap lowers the risk of accidental releases during depressurization, which can cause flaring, leaks, or ground contamination.
RDR’s teams can perform hot tapping during a scheduled period. Depending on availability of crews, emergency real-time hot tapping may be possible.
OPTIMIZING CONNECTIONS WITH COMPUTER AIDED OPTIONS
Computer-aided meters and valves transform natural gas interconnections from static components into intelligent, adaptive systems. Valves can be adjusted remotely to maintain optimal flow rates. Meters can detect backflow, leaks or pressure drops real-time. Early warnings can trigger preventive maintenance before failure, reducing downtime and environmental risk.
RDR’s Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) division was chosen to install a 700 foot water transfer line that will pass under heavily traveled Route 2 near the Ohio River. The project will be completed in under one month, enabling infrastructure expansion in a smarter, greener and more sustainable way.
Why Horizontal Direction Drilling (HDD)?
HDD is a limited disturbance installation approach, a type of trenchless technology used to install underground utilities such as water pipes, sewer lines, and electrical conduits. Instead of traditional open-cut methods that require digging up roads and sidewalks, HDD uses advanced methods and equipment to bore precisely under the surface, creating a path for utilities with minimal surface disturbance.
HDD is particularly effective in urban or heavily traveled areas where excavation is nearly impossible or not required.
Auger Boring or HDD?
Both auger boring (often called bore & jack) and horizontal directional drilling, the subject of this blog, for small to mid sized are types of horizontal drilling offered by RDR USG for utility installations. (You can read more about when to use bore & jack vs. HDD here.)
HDD operates from two small entry and exit points, causing minimal surface disturbance. This is critical when tunneling under busy routes like Route 2, where road closures would be highly disruptive.
HDD has the ability to follow curved paths to avoid existing obstacles and return back to grade for safer accessibility. This is particularly effective where there are property lines or existing utilities that need to be avoided.
HDD Applications for Utility Installations, Construction and More
Utilities, municipalities, and construction are increasingly turning to HDD for replacing aging water systems, upgrading stormwater management, and even installing fiber-optic cables for broadband expansion. The technology ensures infrastructure projects are completed quickly and efficiently, helping communities expand and connect.
