DIS 8.6.

ENGINEERING PROCEDURES

SECTION 8 - TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

SUBSECTION 8.6 - FLOW STOPPING EQUIPMENT -
OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE
MODULE 8.6.2 - BAG STOP OPERATIONS

NOVEMBER 1990

J182 ( Rev 11/97 )

.
 DIS 8.6.2

CONTENTS

Page

FOREWORD v

BRIEF HISTORY vi

1. SCOPE 1

2. REFERENCES 1

3. DEFINITIONS 2

4. GENERAL 2

5. PREPARATION 2

5.1 Preparation of equipment 2

5.2 Preparation of the site 4

6. PROCEDURE 6

6.1 Setting up bag tube equipment 6

6.2 Use of inert gas 7

6.3 Recommissioning with a purge rider 7

6.4 Recommissioning without a purge rider 8

7. ACTION IN THE EVENT OF BAG FAILURE 8

7.1 General 8

7.2 Protection of gas supply 9

7.3 Check cause of bag deflation 9

7.4 Replacement of defective bag 10

8. EQUIPMENT INSPECTION AFTER USE 11

TABLES

1 Pressure limitation of mains for bag tube equipment 3

2 Maximum inflation pressures for bags 4

3 Emergency procedures 9

4 Check procedure for suspect inflation equipment 10

5 Procedure to replace faulty bags 10

FIGURES
1 Schematic arrangement of bag tube equipment 5

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DIS 8.6.2

Page

APPENDICES
A OILS AND THEIR EFFECT ON INFLATABLE BAG STOPPER MATERIALS 13

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 DIS 8.6.2

FOREWORD

This specification has been adopted by Transco and is an editorial revision of the former British Gas TransCo
specification BG/PS/DIS 8.6.2. It reflects the identity and organizational structure of Transco - a part of
BG plc.

This Transco specification has been approved for use throughout Transco.

Comments and queries regarding the technical content of this Transco specification should be directed to:

Lead Role Engineer

Transco
West Area Office
Glevum house
Bristol Road
Gloucester
GL2 6YA

Further copies of this Transco specification can be obtained from Dataform Print Management using the print
requisition form G004 quoting the Form Number of this Transco specification (not the designation) and your
cost code.

Transco specifications are revised, when necessary, by the issue of amendments or new editions. Users should
ensure that they are in possession of the latest versions by referring to the Transco Register of Engineering
Documents available on the Transco Information Library.

Contractors and other users external to Transco should direct their requests for further copies of Transco
specifications to the department or group responsible for the initial issue of their contract documentation.

Compliance with this specification does not confer immunity from prosecution for breach of statutory or other
legal obligations.

DISCLAIMER

This specification is provided for use by Transco and such of its contractors as are obliged by the terms of
their contracts to comply with this specification. Where this specification is used by any other party it is the
responsibility of that party to ensure that the specification is correctly applied.

J182 ( Rev 11/97 ) - iii -

DIS 8.6.2

BRIEF HISTORY

First published as BG/PS/DIS 8.6.2 November 1990

© BG plc 1990

This Transco specification is copyright and must not be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without
the approval in writing of BG plc.

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 DIS 8.6.2

ENGINEERING PROCEDURES
SECTION 8 - TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
SUBSECTION 8.6 - FLOW STOPPING EQUIPMENT -
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
MODULE 8.6.2 - BAG STOP OPERATIONS

1. SCOPE
This Module 8.6.2 of the Transco Engineering Procedures *(formerly Code of Practice for Distribution) gives
guidance on the use of bag tube equipment for stopping off cast iron, ductile iron, steel and polyethylene
mains equal to or less than 300 mm nominal internal diameter operating at pressures equal to or less than 340
mbar.
* Hereinafter referred to as 'this Module 8.6.2'

2. REFERENCES
This Module 8.6.2 makes reference to the documents listed below. Unless otherwise specified the latest
editions of these documents, including all addenda and revisions, shall apply.

Transco specifications

E1 - Specification for combined drilling, tapping and service insertion

machines for use up to 2 bar

E4 - Specification for inflatable, self-centreing bag-stoppers for use on

operating mains up to and including 300 mm nominal size

F2 - Specification for main to service pipe fittings for use up to 2 bar

V4 - Specification for service isolation valves up to 50 mm diameter

nominal bore

Engineering Procedures:

Module 3.3 - Fire precautions

Module 4.1 - Excavations for pipelaying

Module 5.1 - Steel pipe systems

Module 5.2 - Ductile iron systems

Module 5.3 - Polyethylene systems

Module 5.6 - Commissioning and de-commissioning of mains and services

Module 5.7 - Under pressure working

Module 8.6.1 - Iris stop operations.

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DIS 8.6.2

3. DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this Module 8.6.2 the following definitions shall apply:

low pressure: operating pressures not greater than 75 mbar (30 in. wg).

medium pressure: operating pressures greater than 75 mbar (30 in. wg) but not greater than 2 bar
(30 lbf/in 2 ).

primary bag: that bag on either side of the cut out which is furthest from the cut out and which is subject to
full mains pressure.

secondary bag: that bag on either side of the cut out which is nearest to the cut out, and which is only subject
to full mains pressure in the event of failure of the primary bag.

4. GENERAL
4.1 The bag tube equipment shall comply with the latest design and all the associated equipment and
fittings used during a bagging off operation should comply with the following relevant Transco specifications:

E1

E4

F2

V4.
4.2 The maximum mains operating pressures at which bag tubes may be used are given in Table 1.

These pressures are for a partially supported system provided by a bag stopper guide and support shoe
extended into the main through the bag tube.

4.3 Unsupported inflated bags should not be used for bag stop operations.

4.4 Where stopping off is required at pressures greater than those given in Table 1 or on mains greater
than 300 mm nominal internal diameter, either iris stop equipment should be used as detailed in Module 8.6.1
or other suitable proprietary equipment.

5. PREPARATION
5.1 Preparation of equipment
5.1.1 All equipment and bags shall be checked for satisfactory operation and suitability before use.

Only bags manufactured in accordance with E4 shall be used.

5.1.2 Prior to use each bag shall be tested by connecting it to the inflation pipe and inflating it to the
recommended pressure as given in Table 2 for a period of not less than 5 min. Whilst inflated, each bag shall
be carefully inspected for damage or faults in the outer casing. The soundness of all joints on the inflation
system shall be leak tested with leakage detection solution. Inflation pressure gauges shall be checked and the
Engineer/Supervisor satisfied with their operation.

5.1.3 Consideration should be given to the use of 'push-on' type connectors in case rapid deflation is
required.

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TABLE 1 - Pressure limitation of mains for bag tube equipment

5.1.4 At least one spare bag shall be available per insertion tube; these bags shall be tested in accordance
with 5.1.2 prior to commencement of operations.

5.1.5 On completion of a satisfactory test the bag shall be deflated, the casing material carefully folded to
facilitate withdrawal and, with the curvature of the bag lined up with the direction indicator of the insertion
pipe, the bag shall be carefully drawn into the insertion pipe.

None of the casing shall be left protruding from the end of the insertion pipe.

5.1.6 The pre-planning of an operation shall include provision of all necessary emergency equipment and
a work programme as required by District procedures.

5.1.7 Oils can have a deleterious effect on the bag bladders. If it is established that oils are likely to be
present in the main or if mains treatment with rubber sealants has been practised, reference shall be made to
Appendix A.

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DIS 8.6.2

TABLE 2 - Maximum inflation pressures for bags

5.2 Preparation of the site

5.2.1 Excavation shall be carried out in accordance with Module 4.1.

5.2.2 Pipe construction shall be carried out in accordance with Modules 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3.

5.2.3 Live gas working shall be carried out in accordance with Module 5.7.

5.2.4 The drilling and tapping of the main, the installation and subsequent removal of the bag tube, the
bypass connections, etc. and the plugging of tappings shall be carried out using approved equipment and in
accordance with Module 5.7.

Drilling and tapping sizes shall be as shown in Figure 1.

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 DIS 8.6.2

NOTES

1.The bags should be inserted in the order: 1,2,3,4.

2.The bags should be withdrawn in the order: 2,1,3,4.

FIGURE 1 - Schematic arrangement of bag tube equipment

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DIS 8.6.2

5.2.5 All pipe drilling coupons should be recovered. The Engineer/Supervisor shall be informed of any
not retrieved before proceeding. It is essential that no coupons are left in position where a bag is to be located.

5.2.6 Whenever practicable an internal inspection shall be made of the bottom of the main for cleanliness
and freedom from any debris that could impair the efficiency of the bag seal. If cleaning of the main is
necessary this should be carried out by a method approved by the Engineer/Supervisor.

5.2.7 A bypass shall be installed around every section of pipe to be cut or connected unless its omission is
specifically authorized by the Engineeer. The construction of the bypass shall be in accordance with
Module 5.7. The bypass and fittings should be inspected before installation for damage, internal blockage and
ease of valve operation.

5.2.8 A low resistance electrical continuity bond shall be fitted across all sections of ferrous pipe to be
cut or connected.

6. PROCEDURE
6.1 Setting up bag tube equipment
6.1.1 Pressure gauges shall be fitted either side of the cut out (see Figure 1) unless the equipment has an
integral sampling point for monitoring mains pressure. Pressure recorders may be fitted at the discretion of the
Engineer. Where the equipment has special provision for taking pressure readings from within the main, this
may be used; otherwise a direct reading from a tapping in the main should be used.

A check shall be made to ensure the mains operating pressure is not greater than that given in Table 1.

6.1.2 The Engineer/Supervisor shall determine the direction of gas flow for the bag insertion sequence.

6.1.3 The bypass shall be purged in accordance with Module 5.6 and commissioned, ensuring that it is
free from internal blockage by purging both ways.

6.1.4 Fit insertion tubes using valve/drilling saddles in accordance with manufacturers instructions at the
distances shown in Figure 1. Ensure that the bag direction indicator points away from the section to be cut
out, and that the vent valves are closed.

6.1.5 Fit vent pipes with flame traps in accordance with Module 5.6 and ensure all vent valves are closed.

6.1.6 Insert bag 1 into the main as shown in Figure 1. Gradually inflate to the specified pressure, whilst
monitoring pressure gauges at both ends of the cut out.

6.1.7 When pressures have stabilized to the satisfaction of the Engineer/Supervisor, bag 2 may be
inserted and inflated to the specified pressure.

6.1.8 Open the vent valve on insertion tube 1 and check that the inflated bags are providing an adequate
seal. If the seal is not considered satisfactory, the vent should be closed, the bags deflated and then reinflated
to the specified pressure.

As an incorrectly inserted bag can block off the bag tube vent, consideration should be given to opening vent
valves on both bags 1 and 2. Consideration should also be given to installing separate inter-bag vents.

6.1.9 When an adequate seal has been achieved, insert bag 3 and inflate to the specified pressure. Check
the seal by opening the vent valve on insertion tube 3.

6.1.10 When an adequate seal has been achieved, insert bag 4 and inflate to the specified pressure. Check
the seal by opening the vent on insertion tube 4.

6.1.11 The seal of the system should be proven satisfactory by allowing a 10 min 'hold' period to ensure
that all bags are maintaining their specified set pressure. The cut out shall then be made in accordance with
Module 5.7.

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 DIS 8.6.2

6.1.12 Consideration may be given to purging the main between bags 1 and 2 with an inert gas. Care shall
be taken to ensure that the purge gas pressure does not exceed one third of the pressure in the live main.

6.1.13 Whenever welding or flame cutting is to be carried out on the isolated section of main, the
following additional precautions are required:

a) Bag stoppers should be positioned at least 10 m from the source of ignition.

b) Bags should be inflated with inert gas regardless of diameter.
c) The section of main between the bag stoppers must be purged with inert gas and a continuous
bleed of inert gas should be maintained throughout the cutting or welding process.

6.1.14 All bag pressures shall be monitored frequently, together with the mains pressure either side, to
ensure the bag inflation pressures are maintained at their recommended pressure throughout the operation.

6.2 Use of inert gas

6.2.1 Inert gas, from a separate source to that used for purging, may also be used for the inflation of bags,
as required by the Engineer/Supervisor.

6.2.2 When this inert gas is supplied from a high pressure source, the final stage regulator shall have
either an integral creep relief valve or a relief valve on its immediate outlet adequately sized to protect the bag
from accidental over pressurization.

6.2.3 Any hose used should be of adequate strength.

6.3 Recommissioning with a purge rider

6.3.1 If inert gas was used to purge the section between bags 1 and 2, shut off and remove the inert gas
connection.

6.3.2 Disconnect the vent and flametrap from bag tube 4, connect purge rider from bypass or separate
purge connection to vent connection of bag tube 4 (see Figure 1). Test for gas tightness.

6.3.3 Close the vent on bag tube 2 and deflate bag 2.

6.3.4 Close the vent on bag tube 1 and deflate bag 1.

Open all rider valves (one valve should be used for fine control of purge rate).

6.3.5 The purge pressure shall not be permitted to reach the mains pressure.

6.3.6 Monitor the atmosphere at the vent of bag tube 3. When 90% gas is obtained on two successive
tests, close the valve on the vent and allow the section of main to pressurize to line pressure.

6.3.7 When the new section has been fully pressurized, test all mains joints for soundness.

6.3.8 Carefully withdraw bags 1 and 2 into their bag tubes.

6.3.9 Deflate bag 3 and carefully withdraw into the bag tube.

6.3.10 Deflate bag 4 and carefully withdraw into the bag tube.

6.3.11 Check all pressures in the system are normal.

6.3.12 Remove the bag tubes and plug the tappings.

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DIS 8.6.2

6.3.13 Whilst monitoring mains pressure, turn off the rider and bypass valves; consideration should be
given to purging with an inert gas before dismantling.

6.3.14 Remove the bypass valves and plug the tappings.

6.3.15 Disconnect the mains pressure gauges and recorders, and plug the tappings.

6.3.16 Remove the continuity bond.

6.3.17 Test all plugs for soundness.

6.4 Recommissioning without a purge rider

6.4.1 If inert gas was used to purge the section between bags 1 and 2, shut off and remove the inert gas
connection.

6.4.2 Close the vent valve on bag tube 2, deflate bag 2.

6.4.3 Close the vent on bag tube 1, deflate bag 1.

6.4.4 Close the vent valve on bag tube 3, slowly deflate bag 3, monitoring gas concentrations at the vent
of bag 4. The rate of purge shall be carefully controlled to ensure that the gas supply pressure is not adversely
affected.

6.4.5 Monitor the atmosphere at the vent of bag tube 4. When 90% gas is obtained on two successive
readings, close the valve on the vent and allow the section of main to pressurize to line pressure.

6.4.6 When the new section has been fully pressurized, test all mains joints for soundness.

6.4.7 Carefully withdraw bags 1 and 2 into their bag tubes.

6.4.8 Carefully withdraw bag 3 into its bag tube.

6.4.9 Slowly deflate bag 4 and carefully withdraw the bag into its bag tube.

6.4.10 Check all pressures in the system are normal.

6.4.11 Remove the bag tubes and plug the tappings.

6.4.12 Whilst monitoring mains pressure, turn off the bypass valve; consideration should be given to
purging with an inert gas before dismantling.

6.4.13 Remove the bypass valves and plug the tappings.

6.4.14 Disconnect the mains pressure gauges and recorders, and plug the tappings.

6.4.15 Remove the continuity bond.

6.4.16 Test all plugs for soundness.

7. ACTION IN THE EVENT OF BAG FAILURE

7.1 General
7.1.1 Bag failure may be observed by an increased volume of gas venting or by an examination of the bag
inflation gauges indicating a reduction of bag inflation pressure.

7.1.2 In the event of bag failure, the safety of personnel shall be the first consideration and may involve
the evacuation of the workings.

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 DIS 8.6.2

7.1.3 All safety instructions contained within Modules 3.3 and 5.7 shall be fully observed during the
subsequent operations.

7.1.4 The inflation pressure of the remaining bags shall be checked immediately and monitored frequently
during emergency action to restore the situation. Adjustment should only be made if it is clear that failure to
do so will create a greater hazard.

7.1.5 With due regard to the potentially hazardous situation which may be developing, protection should
be afforded to the gas supply (see 7.2), if practicable before attempting to deal with the deflated bag(s).

7.2 Protection of gas supply

The emergency action to be taken at the various stages of progress of cutting is given in Table 3.

TABLE 3 - Emergency procedures

7.3 Check cause of bag deflation

7.3.1 The deflation of the bag may have occurred because of defective inflation equipment, a defective or
ruptured bag, or both.

7.3.2 Care shall therefore be exercised when attempting to reinflate a bag when initial checks have
indicated the replacement of defective inflation equipment (see Table 4).

7.3.3 If the bag has been successfully reinflated as a result of the above action, monitor the bag pressure
for 5 min and, if there is no evidence of the bag deflating, the cut out may proceed. If the checks indicate a
defective bag, proceed to 7.4.

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DIS 8.6.2

TABLE 4 - Check procedure for suspect inflation equipment

7.4 Replacement of defective bag

7.4.1 Care shall be taken not to disturb the remaining bags which are providing the gas seal.

7.4.2 The appropriate sequence of actions to be carried out is as given in Table 5.

7.4.3 When the defective bags have been replaced and the seal of the system as a whole has been proved
to be satisfactory, the cut out may proceed.

TABLE 5 - Procedure to replace faulty bags

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 DIS 8.6.2

8. EQUIPMENT INSPECTION AFTER USE

8.1 The bag tube assemblies shall be cleaned. All bags shall be removed from the tubes and inspected
for damage by the Engineer/Supervisor.

8.2 Bags shall be destroyed if there is any evidence of damage, or oil contamination.

8.3 Bags which have been over pressurized shall be destroyed.

8.4 The seals on the tubes and machines shall be checked and replaced as necessary.

8.5 All gauges and recorders shall be checked and recalibrated if necessary.

8.6 The equipment shall not be returned to storage until it is fully serviceable.

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APPENDIX A
OILS AND THEIR EFFECT ON INFLATABLE BAG STOPPER MATERIALS
A.1 GENERAL
Bag bladders in their working condition are thin, highly stressed, membranes of rubber and any local
weakening may be sufficient to cause failure.

The mechanical properties of rubber are considerably reduced if it has been contaminated by oil. Oils may be
present in a gas main for a number of reasons, but principally as a result of gas conditioning (see clauses A.2
and A.3). Yarn swellants tested (see clause A.4) do not have a deleterious effect on rubber.

Oils present in the liquid phase or in the highly saturated phase (over 50%) are likely to cause premature
failure of bags. Therefore, if it has been established that oils may be present, the main must be tested
internally to determine if any liquid is present.

If it is determined that a problem may exist, two methods which should prevent contamination of the bladder
are as follows:

a) To use an impervious outer cover for the bag (such as a polyethylene bag).
b) To seal the seams and stitching holes of impervious bag casings having determined that the
sealant does not affect rubber. This method is not suitable for canvas and similar materials,
(see clause A.5.).

If it is considered that neither method is suitable for a given application, reference should be made to GRTC*
for guidance.
* The Gas Research & Technology Centre, Loughborough, Leicestershire.

A.2 GAS CONDITIONING - THE EFFECT ON BAG MATERIALS

A.2.1 General
The two methods of conditioning with oils are vaporization (see A.2.2) and fogging (see A.2.3).

A.2.2 Vaporization
Vaporization should present few problems since the conditioning fluid is only likely to be present in the liquid
phase in the main immediately downstream of the conditioning equipment.

A.2.3 Fogging
A.2.3.1 Fogging of low boiling point oils such as distillate is similar to vaporization and no problems should
be experienced except in the immediate vicinity of the fogging equipment, unless the quantities of oil injected
are not adequately controlled to prevent oversaturation.

A.2.3.2 The fogging of heavy oils is likely to cause the major problem. The travel of fog particles is limited
and therefore this form of treatment is usually confined to specific mains systems although some 'blanket'
treatment is practised.

A.3 RUBBER SWELLANTS - OILS TESTED

A.3.1 Light oils
The following light oils will cause swelling of rubber:

a) Distillate.
b) Kerosene.

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DIS 8.6.2

c) White spirit.
A.3.2 Heavy oils
The following heavy oils will cause swelling of rubber:

a) Carnea 2l.
b) GMO 60.

A.4 YARN SWELLANTS - GLYCOLS TESTED

The following glycols will cause swelling of yarn:

a) Diethylene glycol (DEG), e.g.:

1) ICI Weasel.
2) UC Uniseal.
3) ICI Fogging fluid Fl.
4) UC Carboseal.
b) Monoethylene glycol (MEG).

A.5 SUITABLE SEALANTS FOR BAGS, SEAMS AND STITCHING HOLES

A suitable sealant is Bostick 2064. Stitching around the neck of the bag must not be sealed for this will trap
air between the casing and bladder and prevent correct inflation of the bag.

A.6 ANAEROBIC JOINT SEALANTS

Anaerobic loint sealants all cure within 24 h of injection, therefore, provided bags are installed more than
24 h after sealant inlection, there is no risk of uncured sealant existing in the main. Cured sealant will not
attack the bag materials unless contact is maintained for several months.

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