Stopple technique

In pipeline construction and in pipeline network operation, stopple technology opens up the possibility of working on supply lines without completely switching off the supply. Here the line is drilled at full pressure and taken out of service between two sealing elements. The supply is maintained via the tapping points by means of a bypass line ("stopping device"). In pipeline operation, this procedure is also known as the tapping technique .

The stopple technology is successfully used as a temporary shut-off method in district heating supply, specifically in the lower nominal width range for house connection lines as well as for distribution lines and larger transport lines.

Word origin

Stopple is a protected brand name of TD Williamson, USA and stands for the Stopple®Technique, a method used worldwide for pipeline repairs without business interruption.

Web links

• The bypass on the pipe. Example for the application on the E.ON AG side
• Website namesake
• Description of the stopple procedure / line stopping.
• Stopple process: integrate the district heating pipeline during ongoing operations. (PDF; 402 kB)