Where is the pipe pressure-bearing opening application used? : A Comprehensive Analysis of Application Scenarios and Technical Value During the operation, maintenance, and upgrade of industrial pipeline systems, how to complete pipeline branch connection, equipment installation, or fault handling without stopping the medium flow has always been a challenge for engineering technicians. The emergence of pipeline pressure-bearing opening technology has provided a perfect solution to this problem. The term "pressure-bearing opening" refers to opening holes on the pipeline wall using specialized equipment while the pipeline is operating normally and filled with pressurized medium, and completing a series of operations such as branch pipe connection or installing plugs. This technology avoids the cumbersome processes of stopping the flow, purging, and blowing out required in traditional operations, significantly reducing production losses and safety risks. This article will start from multiple industry fields, systematically sort out the typical application scenarios of pipeline pressure-bearing opening technology, deeply analyze its technical value under different working conditions, and provide a comprehensive application reference for pipeline operation and maintenance personnel. I. Overview of Pipeline Pressure-Resistant Opening Technology Pipeline pressure-bearing hole opening technology is a specialized technique used to perform hole opening operations on in-service pipelines without interrupting the pipeline's operation or discharging the internal medium. Its core equipment includes a pressure-bearing hole opening machine, a clamp valve, a hole opening tool, a transition short section, and the corresponding sealing devices. During the operation, a transition short section and a clamp valve are first welded at the predetermined hole opening position of the pipeline, then the pressure-bearing hole opening machine is installed, and the internal pressure of the pipeline is isolated through the sealing device. Under the mechanical drive, the hole opening tool rotates and feeds to complete the pipe wall cutting. The cut pipe pieces are then removed through a special device, and the branch pipe can be connected or a plug can be installed through the clamp valve to complete the entire operation process. The core value of this technology lies in "continuous operation" - it avoids production disruptions, product losses, energy waste, and the time and economic costs associated with restarts. Especially in industries such as petrochemicals and urban gas that involve continuous production, a single power outage can result in millions or even hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses. The social and economic benefits of the pressure-opening technology are extremely significant. Piping pressure-bearing opening technology can be applied to various types of pipelines, including crude oil, refined oil, natural gas, chemical materials, steam, water, compressed air, etc., covering a wide range of working conditions from low pressure to high pressure and from normal temperature to high temperature. Depending on the material of the pipeline, it can be applied to carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, cast iron, plastic, and other types of pipes. The opening diameter can range from several tens of millimeters to over one meter, and the technical maturity is constantly improving. II. Applications in the Petrochemical Industry The petrochemical industry is one of the fields where pipeline pressure-opening technology is most widely applied. This industry has a dense pipeline network, a wide variety of media, and high requirements for continuous production. Any unplanned pipeline shutdown could lead to significant economic losses and potential safety hazards. The online renovation of oil refining facilities is a typical application scenario for the pressure-opening technology. After operating in a refinery for many years, it is often necessary to optimize the process or add new production units, and additional branches need to be added to the existing pipelines. For example, sampling ports can be added to the oil slurry pipelines in the catalytic cracking unit, or flow meters can be installed on the side lines of the atmospheric and vacuum distillation unit. If these operations are carried out while the pipeline is shut down, the entire facility or the entire plant often needs to be shut down, resulting in huge losses. By using the pressure-opening technology, the connection of the branch pipes can be completed while the facility is operating normally, significantly shortening the construction period and avoiding production losses. The pipeline connections in the oil storage tank area also extensively employ the pressure-opening technology. When it is necessary to connect newly-built storage tanks to the existing pipeline network of the tank area, the traditional method requires shutting down the pipeline and emptying the main pipeline. However, by using the pressure-opening technology, the connection operation can be completed while the main pipeline is operating normally. Especially for flammable and explosive media such as crude oil and refined oil products, the pressure-opening technology avoids the potential oil and gas volatilization and safety hazards that may occur during the emptying process. The maintenance and repair of chemical plants also cannot do without the technology of pressure-bearing opening. The media transported in chemical pipelines often have corrosive, toxic or flammable and explosive properties. The pressure-bearing opening technology can avoid the hazards to the environment and personnel caused by the emission of the media. For example, by installing bypasses or discharge outlets on pipelines transporting corrosive media such as hydrochloric acid and caustic soda, the pressure-bearing opening technology can effectively prevent the risk of medium leakage. The continuous operation of catalytic reforming units places a significant demand on the pressure-resistant opening technology. These units are usually designed for long-term continuous operation, and the shutdown costs are extremely high. When it is necessary to add instrument interfaces or sampling points on the feed and discharge pipelines of the reactor, pressure-resistant opening becomes the only feasible option. III. Application of Urban Gas and Heating Pipelines Urban gas and heating pipeline networks are directly related to residents' lives and the operation of the city. Their operation and maintenance require extremely high standards of continuity and safety. Pipeline pressure-bearing opening technology plays an irreplaceable role in this field. The continuous pipeline connection without interruption is the core application of the pressure-opening technology. With the development of cities, new residential areas and commercial zones need to be connected to the existing gas pipelines. The traditional method requires closing the upstream valves, causing gas supply to be cut off for a certain range of users. This not only affects residents' lives but also may lead to complaints and safety risks. By adopting the pressure-opening technology, the branch pipes can be connected while the main pipeline is operating normally, achieving "zero perception" for users to access the gas. For the renovation of old gas pipelines, the pressure-opening technology also plays a crucial role - while preserving the operation of the old pipelines, new pipelines are laid and connected through pressure-opening, and then the gas source is switched, followed by the safe disposal of the old pipelines. Throughout the process, users do not need to stop the gas supply. Online emergency repairs and renovations of heating pipelines also cannot do without the technology of pressure-bearing hole opening. In the winter operation period of the urban centralized heating system, if there is a pipeline leakage, stopping the supply for maintenance will cause a large-scale power outage and have a huge social impact. The pressure-bearing hole opening technology can open holes before and after the leakage point to establish a bypass pipeline, temporarily introducing the medium into the bypass and then isolating the leakage section for repair. This operation method is particularly important in the extremely cold regions of the north, ensuring the continuous operation of the heating system. The renovation and upgrading of gas pressure regulating stations and metering stations also frequently employ the pressure-bearing opening technology. When it is necessary to replace old pressure regulators or add metering equipment, pressure-bearing holes are made on the inlet and outlet pipelines to establish a temporary bypass. This allows for the replacement of the equipment without affecting the downstream gas supply. Pressure-bearing opening of PE gas pipelines is a rapidly developing technical direction in recent years. With the extensive application of PE pipes in urban gas pipelines, specialized pressure-bearing opening equipment and technologies for PE pipelines have become increasingly mature, and they are playing an increasingly important role in gas pipeline non-stop connection and repair operations. IV. Application of Water Supply and Drainage Pipelines The urban water supply pipeline network is the lifeline of the city, and the requirements for its operation and maintenance regarding continuity are increasing day by day. The pipeline pressure-bearing opening technology has been increasingly widely applied in the water industry.