Pipeline non-stop transportation repair technology: Conducting non-stop "heart surgeries" for the city's vital infrastructureDeep within the fabric of modern cities and within vast industrial zones, there are intricate networks of vital pipelines that tirelessly transport water, gas, oil, and heat. When these "life lines" suffer from corrosion, external forces, or material aging and develop defects, traditional repair methods often entail temporary shutdowns, emptying, and replacement - a process that not only incurs significant economic losses but also may trigger a chain reaction of urban functionality disruptions and industrial production halts. The non-stop pipeline repair technology, emerging under this circumstance, is a revolutionary technique. It is like performing highly precise "minimally invasive surgeries" on the running blood vessels, achieving safe, efficient, and zero-interruption repair operations. I. Technical Foundation: The Concept of Continuous Repair and Its Core Value Pipeline non-stop transportation repair refers to the operation method of permanently or temporarily repairing defects such as leakage points, corrosion-thinned areas, and cracks on the pipe body through a series of specialized technologies and equipment, while keeping the pipeline system operating under normal pressure and medium transportation conditions. Its core objective is the "three no" principle: no shutdown, no hot work (or controlled hot work), and no emissions. The value brought about by this concept is multi-dimensional and far-reaching: 1. Ensuring continuous production and social operation: For continuous-process industries such as refining and power generation, avoiding unplanned shutdowns can recover millions or even tens of millions of yuan in economic output every day. For urban gas and water supply networks, it maintains the normal order of residents' lives and commercial activities. 2. Enhance the inherent safety level: By eliminating the explosion space caused by medium venting or the potential introduction of air and impurities due to system pressure return to zero, this measure fundamentally eliminates many major risk sources in traditional major maintenance operations. 3. Fulfilling green environmental protection responsibilities: Achieved zero emission of media during the operation process. Especially for pipelines transporting toxic, harmful, flammable, and explosive media, the environmental and social benefits were remarkable. 4. Optimization of resources and economic benefits: The maintenance period was significantly shortened, the impact on the upstream and downstream interrelated systems was reduced, and the indirect losses caused by production suspension were minimized. The overall economic benefits far exceeded the cost of the repair operation. II. Technical Lineage: Comprehensive Analysis of Mainstream Continuous Repair Processes The continuous repair process is not a single technology, but rather a "technical toolbox" that can be flexibly selected based on the type of defect and working conditions. It can be mainly divided into the following categories: Gasket (clamp) injection sealing technology This is the most classic and efficient method for dealing with pipeline leaks, which does not require any interruption of the flow. · Principle: Based on the shape and diameter of the leakage point, a metal fixture (usually a two-part type) that can cover the leakage point is prefabricated or fabricated on-site. In the cavity between the fixture and the pipe wall, a special sealant is injected. The sealant solidifies under pressure, forming a dense sealing layer, thereby blocking the leakage. · Key technologies: Precision processing and fitting of the fixtures; Pressure control of the high-pressure injection system; Special sealant formulations suitable for various media including high temperatures, low temperatures, and corrosive substances. · Application scenarios: Suitable for emergency repairs and permanent restoration of point-like or linear leaks such as sand holes, cracks, and corrosion perforations. It is particularly widely used in the emergency repair of small-diameter leaks in urban gas pipelines. 2. Epoxy Sleeve (Composite Repair) Technology This is the mainstream and permanent method for repairing corrosion-induced thinning of the pipe body, as well as axial or circumferential cracks. · Principle: Two semi-circular steel sleeves or high-strength composite material sleeves are clamped onto the outer side of the defective pipe section. They are then tightened with bolts or cured through the polymerization of the composite material to form a pressure-bearing integral structure with the pipeline. For steel sleeves, sealing welding needs to be performed at the joint seam between the sleeve and the pipeline (at this time, the pipeline is still under pressure, and this is a special "pressurized welding" process). · Key technologies: The strength and toughness of the sleeve material; For pressure welding, a special low-hydrogen welding process and strict process evaluation must be adopted to prevent hydrogen-induced cracks; The rapid curing and high-strength bonding of the composite material. · Application scenario: Widely used in the corrosion repair of onshore and submarine oil and gas pipelines, it is a key repair method in pipeline integrity management. For example, after the annual inspection of long-distance crude oil pipelines, this technology is often employed to repair the identified corrosion defect points. 3. Pipe Liner Repair Technology This is the "non-invasive excavation" technology that enables the structural repair of an entire old pipeline without damaging the road surface or digging trenches. · Principle: By utilizing fluid pressure or mechanical traction, a flexible inner liner pipe (such as a PE pipe, a soft hose impregnated with resin) is pulled into the pipeline to be repaired. Then, it is cured using hot water or ultraviolet rays, forming a brand new and sealed "inner tube within a tube" inside the old pipe. · Key technologies: Selection and design of inner lining materials; Cleaning and pre-treatment of the inner walls of old pipes; Uniformity and quality control during the curing process. · Application scenarios: Particularly suitable for the overall repair and upgrade of water supply and drainage, as well as gas pipelines in areas with extremely high excavation costs or sensitive environmental conditions, such as in urban central areas, beneath traffic arteries, or across rivers. 4. Pipeline Pressure-Resistant Opening and Sealing Technology This is a comprehensive technology used for local isolation of pipelines, replacement of pipe sections, or installation of branch lines without interrupting the flow. It is a "surgical"-level solution for large-scale renovations. · Principle: Pressure-sealed opening: At both ends of the section that needs to be isolated, use specialized equipment to drill bypass holes and sealing holes on the operating pipeline. 2. Temporary bypass: Connect the temporary bypass pipeline to maintain the flow of the medium. 3. Quadruple sealing: By inserting a pipe sealing device (such as a rubber cup sealing head) through an opening, sealing is carried out at both the upstream and downstream ends of the pipe section, thereby cutting off the medium. 4. Maintenance and Restoration: Replace or repair the isolated pressure relief pipe sections.