What is the Safe T Stopper?
The tool attaches a ball valve on top of the tee. It creates a seal under a cap or around a plug. Remove the cap or plug.
To stop the gas:
- Insert a rubber stopper below the branch.
- Tighten a self-tap plug into the main.
Now the tee can then be abandoned or renewed according to company procedures.
Why Use it?
The Canadian Gas Association and the American Gas Association, along with their member companies, are dedicated to fostering a positive safety culture among their employees across the natural gas distribution industry. All employees, as well as contractors and suppliers providing services to us, are expected to prioritize the highest safety standards for employees, customers, the public, and our pipelines.
Early 2000’s
Many distribution companies introduced new regulations prohibiting the use of a steel pin or wooden dowel to pin off a service tee. The mandate leads to the mandatory use of line stoppers, increasing the cost of service renewals and abandonment projects. This is expensive.
The Safe-T-Stopper Tool Platform is one of the tools helping to keep workers safe and save money.
Solution: The Safe T Stopper
Removes the operator’s exposure to working on live gas while saving money.
- In 2005 – Safe T Stopper introduced.
- From 2009 to Present – Worker feedback paved the way for numerous enhancements.
- Gas-Free tools have broadened capabilities for use.
- Today – There are 1000+ tools in the Canada & US
Replacement Parts
Compatible Tees Without Internal Stopping Mechanism
Cap Tee
Plug Tee
Saddle Punch Tee
Old Mueller Tee
Elbow Service Tee
Bolted PE Tee
Tool Implementation Challenges
Solution
Many different tees in the ground make repair difficult using standard equipment.
Works on many tees using specialized adapters.
Many old tees do not have an internal stopper to shut down the service branch. Now companies must employ expensive line-stopper procedures to comply
Stops off open-gut tees in a standard excavation, saving money while enhancing safety.
Increases in pipeline pressures due to population growth cause leaks on outdated service tees that need renewal.
Now, gas operators have a tool in the engineering arsenal to repair thousands of outdated services safely.
Tool implementation can be perceived as expensive rather than an investment in safety.
Many achieve cost savings after one or two tool uses. At the same time, complying with reduce methane emissions mandates.
Benefits
Reduces excavation costs by only uncovering the working area.
No wasted service calls from reports of gas odors.
Reduces costs by eliminating bypass procedures.
There is no need for a personal air supply, saving bottled air costs and periodic OQ.
How Does It Work?
The tool attaches a ball valve on top of the tee. It creates a seal under a cap or around a plug.
Special tool adapters remove the plug or cap and stop the gas with a rubber plug or a steel self-tap plug.
Key Safety Features
Easy to Install Stoppers
Tool Structure
Base Tool (2500BV, 3000BV)
Add Any Tee Adapter Kits or Parts
Pressure Ratings
Contingent on the tee style configuration and abandonment or renewal procedure.
80 PSI – Most common Homemade / Manufactured Tee with a cap or a plug. A detachable rubber stopper or self-tapping plug prevents the gas from escaping. The tee is then cut and capped or removed.
125 PSI—Special Tool Package: A homemade or manufactured Tee with a cap or a plug.
60 PSI – Special Situations: – Street Tees on a Coupling and Bolt-On PE Tees, where the tee is removed and replaced with a plug.
Note: Pressure ratings are typical; please contact Mazco if you are unsure. Do not attempt the Safe T Stopper operation at pressures exceeding the rated limits.