Header Bypass Systems

Cokebusters’ Header Bypass Systems are custom-engineered access solutions developed to overcome one of the most persistent challenges in process tube maintenance: gaining safe, effective access to critical tubing within common header units, with minimal modification to existing infrastructure.

As a specialist header bypass system contractor and supplier, Cokebusters designs and delivers industrial header bypass systems that extend the practical reach of mechanical pigging and in-line inspection services into areas where traditional pigging methods have historically struggled. This is particularly relevant in complex fired heater, steam generator and process configurations.

Designed for Complex Asset Access

Common header systems — such as those found in refinery fired heaters and other process units — often present significant geometric and access constraints that make internal maintenance difficult, including:

  • Multiple inlet and outlet connections
  • Tight spacing and restricted orientation
  • Inaccessible internal tubing
  • Complex structural layouts

Each custom header bypass system is individually designed and built for the specific asset configuration. The header bypass system design accommodates variations in header size, process tube diameter and orientation, enabling Cokebusters to establish a reliable interface for the deployment of mechanical scraper pigs, wire brush pigs and smart inspection pigs — without cutting or permanently altering the header structure.

A key feature of the system is its vulcanised rubber sealing technology, custom-rated to withstand pressures of up to 600 psi, ensuring safe, dependable deployment across a wide range of operating environments.

Integrated into a Complete Workflow

While the Header Bypass System is a standalone piece of engineered tooling, its greatest value is realised when delivered as part of Cokebusters’ combined service offering.

When used in conjunction with Cokebusters’ mechanical pigging and in-line inspection technologies, the system enables a streamlined, cost-effective and timely workflow:

  1. Safe access to previously obstructed tubes
  2. Mechanical decoking or descaling using scraper pigs
  3. In-line inspection using intelligent pig technology
  4. Data-driven integrity reporting and visualisation

This seamless integration improves operational efficiency, reduces downtime and provides greater confidence in asset integrity for operators across refineries, petrochemical plants and energy sector facilities worldwide.

Broad Operational Relevance

Cokebusters’ mechanical header bypass systems have been successfully deployed across a wide range of markets and asset types. They provide a practical solution for complex maintenance environments where access constraints have historically increased project risk and limited inspection capability.
Designed and built by Cokebusters engineers, each system reflects the company’s ethos of continuous technological advancement and purpose-led header bypass system engineering.

Key Advantages

  • Enables access to internal tubing with minimal header modification
  • Custom-engineered for each asset’s geometry and constraints
  • Supports deployment of cleaning pigs, wire brush pigs and smart pigs
  • Rated for high-pressure service up to 600 psi
  • Enhances integration with combined mechanical and inspection workflows
  • Reduces disruption, downtime and operational risk