Slim Valves (Sandwich Valves) for Hot Tap and Line Stop: 2″ to 56″, Class 150# to 900#
Slim valves, also called sandwich valves or slim-slide valves, are thin gate valves installed between the hot tap fitting and the tapping or plugging machine. Their reduced face-to-face dimensions make them ideal for line stop and hot tap operations by minimizing the required distance between the valve and the drilling or plugging machine.
Propipe Slim Valves: Sandwich Valves for Hot Tap and Line Stop
The Propipe Slim Valve (also called a sandwich valve or slim-slide valve, compatible with most major brands of sandwich valves) is a compact, high-performance gate-style valve engineered for hot tap and line stop operations on pressurized pipelines. Designed for live system access, it enables safe isolation of flow without requiring shutdown—making it ideal for maintenance, tie-ins, and emergency interventions.
Its reduced face-to-face dimensions shorten the distance between the valve and the tapping or plugging machine, optimizing setup in tight spaces and improving operational efficiency.
How It Works:
- Installed between flanges with a slim, space-saving profile
- Provides a sealing interface for hot tap or line stop equipment
- After tapping or plugging, the valve is closed to isolate the pipeline
- Compatible with hot tap and line stop equipment from other manufacturers
Key Functions:
- Hot Tap Interface: Enables controlled drilling into live pipelines through a pre-installed fitting
- Line Stop Isolation: Works with line stop actuators to block flow for maintenance or rerouting
- Compact Installation: Slim body reduces the required distance for tapping and plugging operations
- Pressure Classes: Available in Classes 150#, 300#, 600# and 900#, with design pressure up to 2,500 psi (172 bar)
Key Benefits:
- Live pipeline access without depressurization
- Supports both hot tap and line stop procedures
- Minimizes setup distance in confined or congested areas
- Compatible with a wide range of tapping and plugging equipment
Propipe Line Stop Valves: Slim Valve Specifications
General Specifications: Propipe Slim Valves
| Type | Gate valve with a specially reduced face-to-face distance |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 2″ to 56″ (50 to 1,400 mm) |
| Pressure Classes | 150#, 300#, 600# and 900# |
| Design Pressure | Up to 2,500 psi (172 bar) |
| Maximum Operating Temperature | 180°F (82°C) |
| Operation | Manual or hydraulic |
| Test Pressure | 1.5 times the design pressure, per ASME standards |
| Tests | Hydraulic and functional tests under pressure |
| Materials | High-strength steel (ASTM A 516 Gr 60 / URSSA 690 / S355 J2+N) |
| Seals | Nitrile or Viton O-rings, available on request |
| Standards | Designed to European and American codes and standards |
| Compatibility | Compatible with hot tap and line stop equipment from most major brands |
Maximum working limits: the maximum working limits of the valve are defined by two points: a maximum working pressure at a specified temperature and a maximum working temperature at a specified lower pressure. The valve can be operated at any pressure up to a straight line drawn between those two points on a pressure-temperature diagram. It is the end user’s responsibility to make sure the valve is not attached to a system whose operating conditions exceed those limits.
Over-pressure protection: the valve has no over-pressure protection system of its own. The setting of the safety or relief valves protecting the line must not exceed the working pressure at the appropriate maximum working temperature.
Class 150# Slim Valves
Class 150# slim valves, 2″ to 12″.
| Size (DN) | Face to Face | Part Number |
|---|---|---|
| 2″ (DN 50) | 3-3/16″ (81 mm) | PSV-02-15 |
| 3″ (DN 80) | 4-1/8″ (105 mm) | PSV-03-15 |
| 4″ (DN 100) | 4-1/4″ (108 mm) | PSV-04-15 |
| 6″ (DN 150) | 5-1/4″ (133 mm) | PSV-06-15 |
| 8″ (DN 200) | 5-1/2″ (140 mm) | PSV-08-15 |
| 12″ (DN 300) | 6″ (152 mm) | PSV-12-15 |
Information in the table may change according to availability of material or manufacturing processes. Full dimensions are on the slim valve data sheet (PDF).
Class 300# Slim Valves
Class 300# slim valves, 4″ to 36″.
| Size (DN) | Approx. Weight | Face to Face | Overall | Part Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4″ (DN 100) | 153 lb (69 kg) | 4-1/4″ (108 mm) | 9-1/4″ (235 mm) | PSV-04-30 |
| 6″ (DN 150) | 260 lb (118 kg) | 5-1/2″ (140 mm) | 10-1/4″ (260 mm) | PSV-06-30 |
| 8″ (DN 200) | 415 lb (188 kg) | 5-7/8″ (149 mm) | 11-1/8″ (283 mm) | PSV-08-30 |
| 10″ (DN 250) | 750 lb (340 kg) | 7″ (178 mm) | 13″ (330 mm) | PSV-10-30 |
| 12″ (DN 300) | 1,150 lb (522 kg) | 7-5/8″ (194 mm) | 14-1/4″ (362 mm) | PSV-12-30 |
| 14″ (DN 350) | 1,600 lb (726 kg) | 7-3/4″ (197 mm) | 16″ (406 mm) | PSV-14-30 |
| 16″ (DN 400) | 1,957 lb (888 kg) | 9-1/4″ (235 mm) | 17-1/4″ (438 mm) | PSV-16-30 |
| 18″ (DN 450) | 2,320 lb (1,052 kg) | 10-1/8″ (257 mm) | 18-3/4″ (476 mm) | PSV-18-30 |
| 20″ (DN 500) | 3,200 lb (1,451 kg) | 10-5/8″ (270 mm) | 19-1/8″ (486 mm) | PSV-20-30 |
| 22″ (DN 550) | 4,800 lb (2,177 kg) | 10-5/8″ (270 mm) | 20-1/8″ (511 mm) | PSV-22-30 |
| 24″ (DN 600) | 5,300 lb (2,404 kg) | 12-3/4″ (324 mm) | 22-3/4″ (578 mm) | PSV-24-30 |
| 26″ (DN 650) | 6,900 lb (3,130 kg) | 14-3/4″ (375 mm) | 25-1/4″ (641 mm) | PSV-26-30 |
| 30″ (DN 750) | 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) | 16-7/16″ (418 mm) | 28-1/4″ (718 mm) | PSV-30-30 |
| 36″ (DN 900) | 15,500 lb (7,031 kg) | 19-9/16″ (497 mm) | 32-13/16″ (833 mm) | PSV-36-30 |
Information in the table may change according to availability of material or manufacturing processes. Full dimensions are on the slim valve data sheet (PDF).
Class 600# Slim Valves
Class 600# slim valves, 4″ to 42″.
| Size (DN) | Approx. Weight | Face to Face | Overall | Part Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4″ (DN 100) | 177 lb (80 kg) | 5″ (127 mm) | 10-3/4″ (273 mm) | PSV-04-60 |
| 6″ (DN 150) | 450 lb (204 kg) | 6-1/2″ (165 mm) | 13-1/2″ (343 mm) | PSV-06-60 |
| 8″ (DN 200) | 575 lb (261 kg) | 7-1/8″ (181 mm) | 14-7/8″ (378 mm) | PSV-08-60 |
| 10″ (DN 250) | 950 lb (431 kg) | 8″ (203 mm) | 16-1/2″ (419 mm) | PSV-10-60 |
| 12″ (DN 300) | 1,500 lb (680 kg) | 9-15/16″ (252 mm) | 18-1/2″ (470 mm) | PSV-12-60 |
| 14″ (DN 350) | 1,900 lb (862 kg) | 10-5/8″ (270 mm) | 19-5/8″ (498 mm) | PSV-14-60 |
| 16″ (DN 400) | 3,000 lb (1,361 kg) | 11-3/4″ (298 mm) | 21-3/4″ (552 mm) | PSV-16-60 |
| 18″ (DN 450) | 3,750 lb (1,701 kg) | 13-5/16″ (338 mm) | 24″ (610 mm) | PSV-18-60 |
| 20″ (DN 500) | 4,700 lb (2,132 kg) | 13-3/4″ (349 mm) | 24-7/8″ (632 mm) | PSV-20-60 |
| 22″ (DN 550) | 6,200 lb (2,812 kg) | 13-3/4″ (349 mm) | 25-7/8″ (657 mm) | PSV-22-60 |
| 24″ (DN 600) | 6,300 lb (2,858 kg) | 13-7/8″ (352 mm) | 26-5/8″ (676 mm) | PSV-24-60 |
| 26″ (DN 650) | 8,500 lb (3,856 kg) | 16-1/4″ (413 mm) | 30″ (762 mm) | PSV-26-60 |
| 28″ (DN 700) | 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) | 17-1/2″ (445 mm) | 31-3/4″ (806 mm) | PSV-28-60 |
| 30″ (DN 750) | 11,780 lb (5,343 kg) | 17-3/4″ (451 mm) | 33″ (838 mm) | PSV-30-60 |
| 34″ (DN 850) | 15,500 lb (7,031 kg) | 19-7/8″ (505 mm) | 35-3/8″ (899 mm) | PSV-34-60 |
| 36″ (DN 900) | 23,000 lb (10,433 kg) | 25-1/2″ (648 mm) | 41-3/4″ (1,060 mm) | PSV-36-60 |
| 40″ (DN 1000) | 27,250 lb (12,360 kg) | 22-5/8″ (575 mm) | 41-5/8″ (1,057 mm) | PSV-40-60 |
| 42″ (DN 1050) | 23,700 lb (10,750 kg) | 22-1/2″ (572 mm) | 41-1/2″ (1,054 mm) | PSV-42-60 |
Information in the table may change according to availability of material or manufacturing processes. Full dimensions are on the slim valve data sheet (PDF).
Need Bolting Tools for Slim Valve Maintenance?
To perform maintenance on your slim valve (sandwich valve), use ESI’s hydraulic inline torque wrenches or hydraulic torque wrenches. Contact ESI at Flange Spreader Rental.
Frequently Asked Questions
Slim Valve Basics
What is a slim valve?
A slim valve, also called a sandwich valve, is a gate valve with a specially reduced face-to-face distance. It is used to control hot tap and line stop operations on pressurized pipelines.
How is a slim valve used in hot tapping and line stopping?
The slim valve is installed between the hot tap or line stop fitting and the tapping or plugging machine. The machine works through the open valve, and after tapping or plugging the valve is closed to isolate the pipeline. See our hot tap machines and line stop actuators.
Why does face-to-face distance matter?
A reduced face-to-face distance shortens the distance between the valve and the tapping or plugging machine, which makes the hot tap and line stop intervention easier.
Sizes and Ratings
What sizes and pressure classes are available?
Propipe slim valves are available from 2″ to 56″ in Classes 150#, 300#, 600# and 900#. The data sheet lists standard sizes of 2″ to 12″ in Class 150#, 4″ to 36″ in Class 300# and 4″ to 42″ in Class 600#.
What is the design pressure and maximum operating temperature?
Design pressure is up to 2,500 psi (172 bar), and the maximum operating temperature is 180°F (82°C).
How are a slim valve’s maximum working limits defined?
By two points: a maximum working pressure at a specified temperature, and a maximum working temperature at a specified lower pressure. The valve can be operated at any pressure up to a straight line drawn between those two points on a pressure-temperature diagram. The valve has no over-pressure protection of its own, so the relief valve setting on the line must not exceed the working pressure at the appropriate maximum working temperature.
How much does a slim valve weigh?
It depends on size and class. Approximate weights run from 153 lb (69 kg) for a 4″ Class 300# valve to more than 23,000 lb (10,433 kg) for the largest Class 600# sizes. See the weight tables above for each size.
Construction and Testing
What are slim valves made of?
High-strength steel: ASTM A 516 Gr 60, URSSA 690 or S355 J2+N.
How are slim valves tested?
They are tested at 1.5 times the design pressure, per ASME standards, with hydraulic and functional tests under pressure.
What seals are available?
Nitrile or Viton O-rings, available on request.
What standards are slim valves designed to?
European and American codes and standards.
Operation and Compatibility
Are slim valves manual or hydraulic?
Both are available. Propipe slim valves can be manually or hydraulically operated.
Are slim valves compatible with other manufacturers’ equipment?
Yes. They are compatible with hot tap and line stop equipment from most major brands.
Custom Slim Valve Solutions for Your Pipeline Maintenance Requirements
Propipe Slim Valves can be precision-modified to meet your unique field conditions and operational standards. Whether you need non-standard flange configurations, extended boring clearance, or integration with specialized hydraulic systems, our engineering team is ready to adapt valve geometry and performance to your exact specifications. From custom face-to-face dimensions to actuator compatibility, we support special-order configurations that align with your pipeline layout, pressure class, and maintenance strategy.
Contact us directly to discuss your project requirements—we’ll deliver a slim valve solution engineered for reliability, compliance, and field-ready performance.
Removing an existing valve as part of the job? See the valve removal tool demo from ESI Flange Spreader Rentals, Enerteq’s flange-tool division.
