Importance

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Abstract

A method of replacing a gas main that supplies gas to a recipient through an existing service line includes connecting a first tapping tee to the new gas main and connecting a second tapping tee to the existing service line that communicates with a downstream recipient. Branch passages of the first and second tapping tees are fluidically connected together by a connecting conduit. The new gas main is then tapped with the first tee so that gas flows from the new gas main into the connecting conduit up to the second tee. All air is bled from the connecting conduit between the first and second tees, and the existing service line is then tapped with the second tee so that gas is supplied to the recipient through both the existing service line and the connecting conduit. Gas flow to the recipient from the old main is then terminated. The second tee is a specially configured tapping tee specifically adapted for bleeding air from the connecting conduit that interconnects the first and second tees. This tee also utilizes a non-cylindrical bore for holding the conduit to be tapped to inhibit collapsing of the conduit during tapping operations.

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First Claim