Cross-line plugging system

1. A method of providing access to the interior of a cross-line that intersects with a primary pipeline of equal or greater diameter, comprising the steps of:

attaching a branch fitting to the exterior of the primary pipeline on the side thereof opposite the point of intersection of the cross-line;

affixing a full opening valve to said branch fitting;

securing a hot tap machine to said valve;

by use of said hot tap machine, cutting an opening in the primary pipeline diametrically opposite of the cross-line and of a diameter at least equal to the internal diameter of the cross-line; and

removing said hot tap machine leaving an access through said valve and diametrically through the primary pipeline into the interior of the cross-line.

2. A method according to claim 1 including the step of attaching a branch fitting to the exterior of the primary pipeline includes welding said branch fitting to the main pipeline.

3. A method according to claim 1 including the step of inserting a flow-through pig guide diametrically through the main pipeline and into the cross-line to thereby permit launching a pig into the cross-line.

4. A method according to claim 1 including conducting a pigging operation by the additional steps of:

affixing a pig launcher to said valve; and

launching a pig from said launcher through said valve, through said branch fitting and diametrically through the primary pipeline into the cross-line.

5. A method according to claim 1 wherein the opening cut into the primary pipeline is of a diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the primary pipeline and including the step of positioning a branch shield pig guide through said valve and into the interior of the primary pipeline, the branch shield pig guide having a tubular body portion substantially equal to the interior diameter of the primary pipeline for guiding a pig past the cross-line intersection and a lateral tubular portion telescopically extendable into the cross-line and including restrictions in the lateral tubular portion that permit fluid flow therethrough but prohibit the passage of a pig therethrough.

6. A method of plugging a cross-line that extends between a first and a second main pipeline comprising the steps of:

affixing a first branch fitting to said first primary pipeline diametrically opposite from the cross-line;

affixing a second branch outlet fitting to said second main pipeline diametrically opposite from the cross-line;

affixing a full opening valve to each of said first and second side branch fittings;

attaching a hot tap machine sequentially to said first and second valves;

by use of said hot tap machine, cutting an opening in each main pipeline, each opening being in diametrical alignment with the cross-line; and

inserting pipe plugs diametrically through both of the first and second main pipelines and into opposed ends of the cross-line.

7. A method according to claim 6 wherein said pipe plugs are locking plugs that fit internally of the cross-line and are expanded to provide pressure resisting leak proof seals of the opposed end of the cross-line to thereby permit pressure testing of the cross-line.

8. A method according to claim 6 wherein said pipe plugs are cross-line plugs that fit elastomeric portions against the interior wall of both the first and second main pipelines and that surround the opposed ends of the cross-line where the cross-line communicate with the interiors of the main pipelines whereby the cross-line can be depressurized and maintenance or repairs conducted on it.