However, it is customary for most companies a so-called Branch table handling.

This
document defined the methods, which must be applied, if a branch (with or without a
reinforcing pad) in a run pipe must be made. It is also usually present a specification
that defines own dimensions, because each company has their own criteria. (e.g.
type of product, pressure and temperature, national regulations, local markets)

Installation of Reinforcing Pad

Below an example for the assembly of a reinforcing pad.

• Determine the location of the branch, and make a round hole in the run pipe where
the diameter should be equal to the inside diameter of the branch.

• Finish the branch equal to outside diameter of run pipe and make a welding bevel
of around 30°.

• Place the branch with a gap by about 3 to 4 mm about the hole location on the run
pipe, and tack weld the branch on a sufficient number of places. Then the new
branch can be completely welded.

• If de weld is ready, depending on the requirements Non Destructive Examination

(NDE) must be done.

• Then the reinforcing pad can be placed by slide him over the branch. The pad must
be positioned so that around the branch, is overall the same open space, and that
the pad is fully in line with the run pipe. Tack weld the pad on a sufficient number of
places, and after that the pad can be inside and outside fully welded; depending on
the prescribed quality requirements, then again NDE must be done. Attention! --
Cited as a flange at the branch pipe is welded, you must obviously make sure that
the ring is placed earlier. You will not be the first and probably not the last, with a
reinforcing pad in his hands, and discovered that the sequence of action was not
entirely correct.

Weep-Hole
On a number of images, you might be have seen a round hole in the reinforcing pad.
This is a "Weep Hole" and may have multiple functions. Sometimes also called Tell
Tale hole or Vent hole.