Line stopping comes to the rescue when the option of shutting down a pipeline is not available. It is a special method that enables repairs, tie-ins and maintenance on live pipelines without causing interruption of flow. It doesn’t matter whether you are working with critical utilities, petrochemical lines or water systems, Line Stopping offers you a method to maintain operations running as usual whilst isolating only the area that requires work.
What Is Line Stopping?
It is a technique of temporarily isolating flow in a pressurized pipeline- without the necessity of shutting down an entire system. The engineers put in a special valve and put in a stopper (also referred to as a stopple or plug) isolating a part of the pipe. The other parts of the system remain functional.
PTS Group, a pioneer in pipeline technologies, has strong mechanical systems that can work on high-pressure,
How Does Line Stopping Work?
The following steps are normally involved in the process:
Install Line Stop Fitting: This is a sandwich or thin valve that is welded or bolted to the live pipeline.
Use a tapping machine: A tapping machine is used to drill through the pipe at full pressure through the new valve.
Bypass (When Necessary): In case of continuous flow, a temporary bypass line is attached.
Insert Stopple Head: A mechanical or inflatable plug is placed into the valve to stop flow.
Isolate and Depressurize the Section: The trapped fluid in the isolated section is either vented or pumped out.
Maintenance or Tie-In: The section of the pipe can be worked on.
Restore System: Once work is finished, the stopper is taken off and fittings sealed.
PTS offers everything needed to ensure safe and reliable isolation, including precision-cut fittings, and advanced plug heads.
Key Benefits
Zero Downtime
Maintenance is carried out without pipeline interruption.
Maximum Safety
There is no necessity to drain hazardous materials or depressurize whole systems.
Low Product Wastage
The isolated part has a small volume, which greatly minimizes spillage.
Flexible Compatibility
Applicable to oil, gas, water, ammonia and chemical lines in different industries.
Emergency Preparedness
It is ideal in case of emergencies because it can be deployed rapidly.
Common Use Cases
- Emergency leak repair on gas or water lines
- Valve replacements on live pipelines
- Tie-ins for new branch connections or loop installations
- Maintenance of high-pressure industrial systems
- Bypass creation during pipeline rerouting projects
Comparison to Traditional Methods
| Method | Downtime Required | Media Loss | System Pressure Control | Applications |
| Line Stopping | No | Minimal | Full | High-pressure, live systems |
| Full Shutdown | Yes | High | Lost | All pipelines |
| Pipe Freezing | Sometimes | Low | Partial | Water and freeze-compatible lines |
| Inflatable Bladders | No | Low | Moderate | Temporary low-pressure use |
It outperforms other methods where continuous operation and safety are priorities, particularly in oil & gas, utility, and critical infrastructure sectors.
Technical Specs & Applications
| Specification | Details |
| Pipe Sizes | 2 to 66 inches |
| Pressure Rating | 150 bar |
| Compatible Media | Hydrocarbons, water, steam, ammonia, chemicals |
| Types of Valves | Sandwich, slim, and custom line stop fitting |
| Certifications | ISO 9001, PED, ATEX (Refer to PTS Group for full list) |
Related Technology: Hot Tapping vs. Line Stopping When to Use it
Line stopping is best suited when you want to isolate a part of a pipeline but in the case where you want to add a new branch or connection without having to shut the system down then hot tapping is the more appropriate method. It enables a pressurized line to be tapped safely to form a live connection without interrupting the flow-a special tapping machine is used.
It is typically applied to system expansions, instrumentation ports or bypass installations. It is frequently combined in more complicated projects to provide a total live intervention solution.
Learn more in our full guide: Hot Tapping vs. Line Stopping: Which Pipeline Shutoff Method Works Best for Your Project?
Conclusion
The gold standard of live pipeline isolation- it is safe, continuous and cost-effective. Using the state-of-the-art equipment and professional implementation of PTS Group, even complicated repairs and upgrades can be done without closing down the operations.
Wish to know more? Turn to PTS Group to find custom line stopping services and keep your systems operating without concessions.
