VALVE AND TAPPING TEE APPARATUS AND METHOD

VALVE AND TAPPING TEE APPARATUS AND METHOD Apparatus and method for tapping a tubular member includes a split ring type clamp arrangement having a tapping tee assembly extending therefrom. The clamp arrangement includes a combination alignment/hold structure to facilitate orientation of the clamp arrangement with the tubular member. A combination valve and cutting tool cooperates with the tapping tee assembly. An annular cutting surface on the tool has a first diameter for cutting an aperture in the tubular member. An annular, conical flange portion on the exterior of the tool spreads the aperture to a diameter greater than the first diameter, while a sealing land on the cutting tool has a second diameter larger than the first diameter and is adapted for close receipt in the aperture. A radial shoulder engages an internal surface of the tubular member for securely clamping and sealing the tapping tee assembly thereto. A second portion of the combination valve and cutting tool is removed from a first portion to thereby open a continuous flow passage from the tubular member to the tapping tee assembly. In another preferred embodiment, the first and second portions are retained together and adapted for relative movement.