In the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, there are occasions when a branch pipe may need to be added to a main pipe. Cutting a hole in a pipe to add a branch at that location, however, creates a high stress region at the cut location, and as such, the branch cannot be simply welded to the pipe without engineers validating the strength of the joint. If the joint requires reinforcement based on the results of the calculations process, a reinforcing pad, or RePad, is then required.

A RePad is a reinforcing, doughnut-shaped, rolled plate designed to allow a branch to be welded to a main pipe by “replacing the area” of the main pipe that was cut out. The dimensional data (size and thickness) of the RePad is determined by engineering calculations. RePads are a cost-effective solution that eliminates the need for a three-way pipe fitting (Tee) with multiple weld requirements.

Cogbill’s RedLineIPS reinforcing pads are manufactured using an advanced system of precise pattern development software in conjunction with experienced fabricators and certified welders utilizing our CNC plasma cutting system. This allows us to create custom reinforcement pads with varying angle degrees, dimensions, and materials. Additionally, Cogbill can perform the required engineering calculations to determine the size and thickness of RePads based on your specific configuration. Contact us today for a free estimate and utilize the ordering guide below.