Is pressure-holding hole-making maintenance required? Mastering the exquisite technique of "minimally invasive surgery" for protecting pipelines In the field of pipeline maintenance and repair, the pressure-bearing opening equipment is regarded as a precise tool for performing "minimally invasive surgeries". It can precisely complete the connection of new pipelines or the installation of instruments while keeping the pipeline at its normal operating pressure. Its importance is self-evident. However, just like any high-precision medical device that requires meticulous maintenance, the pressure-bearing opening equipment also cannot do without scientific and standardized daily maintenance. So, does the pressure-bearing opening equipment need daily maintenance? The answer is not only affirmative, but the quality of the maintenance directly determines the equipment performance, operational safety, and even the success or failure of the project. This article will comprehensively analyze the necessity, core content, and implementation points of the daily maintenance of pressure-bearing opening equipment. 1. Why is it necessary to conduct regular maintenance for pressure-bearing hole-opening equipment? Pressure-bearing hole opening operations are characterized by high risks and high precision. During operation, the equipment is subjected to significant mechanical loads and complex working conditions. Failure to carry out timely and effective maintenance may lead to potential hazards breaking out at any time. Ensuring that equipment is always in a ready state is the primary goal of maintenance. Equipment for pressure-opening operations is often used for emergency repair tasks. Only by maintaining it properly on a regular basis can it be "grabbed and used immediately, and the task can be completed smoothly" when the task is received. If the equipment breaks down due to long-term idleness or lack of maintenance, and is then repaired in an emergency, it will not only delay the emergency repair process but also may cause greater economic losses and safety risks. Extending the service life of equipment is a direct benefit of maintenance. The service life of an electric pipeline pressure-opening machine is affected by various factors, including equipment quality, usage frequency, working environment, and maintenance conditions. Regular maintenance and proper use can significantly extend the service life of the equipment. On the contrary, equipment that is neglected in maintenance may suffer damage to key components within a short period of time, or even be prematurely scrapped. Preventing sudden failures during operations is the core value of maintenance. If there is a problem with the equipment during the in-pressure opening operation, the operation must be immediately stopped. The equipment should be removed from the pipeline and lifted for disassembly. After the repair is completed, it should be reinstalled and opened. At this time, different center points may be formed, which not only easily causes tool damage but also leads to tool clamping or even opening failure. The loss caused by the interruption of one operation is far greater than the investment in daily maintenance. Compliance with national standards and safety regulations is a mandatory requirement for maintenance. The revised "GB/T 28055 Technical Specification for Pressure Sealing of Steel Pipelines" and the newly released "AQ 3060-2025 Safety Management Specifications for Pressure Sealing and Pressure Opening Operations" both set clear requirements for equipment maintenance. Standardized maintenance management is the foundation for enterprises to operate in compliance. II. Core Contents of Daily Maintenance The daily maintenance of pressure-bearing opening equipment includes aspects such as cleaning, lubrication, inspection, and tightening, and a systematic maintenance plan needs to be established and strictly implemented. Cleaning and Lubrication: The Most Basic Daily Tasks After each pressure-opening operation, the external dirt of the equipment must be thoroughly cleaned to ensure that there are no residues of soil or oil stains. Special attention should be paid to removing the chips and steel strips left behind in the cavity of the opening tool and the expansion drill, to prevent rusting. After cleaning, a small amount of engine oil, vaseline or grease should be applied to the components to prevent rusting in the future and to ensure the smooth operation of the machinery. The lubricating oil of the equipment should be replaced regularly to maintain a good lubrication system. The specific frequency is once a week, which can be adjusted appropriately according to the usage situation. Every month or after 30 uses, the rack handle and other moving parts should be lubricated to prevent wear. Before each use, it is necessary to check the tightness of the bolts in all parts of the equipment to prevent potential safety hazards due to loosening. Inspection and replacement of seals The sealing element is a key component of pressure-bearing opening equipment that prevents the leakage of media. Its condition directly affects the safety of the operation. Before opening the hole, an appropriate amount of lubricating grease must be applied to the sealing ring to ensure the high-speed operation of the opening tool. If the sealing ring is found to be worn, it should be replaced promptly. When replacing, use a pointed forceps to remove the worn sealing ring, then use a forceps to hold the new sealing ring and slowly insert it into the sealing groove. After the replacement is completed, apply an appropriate amount of lubricating grease to the sealing ring and its surrounding area. After each operation involving high temperatures or exposure to corrosive liquids, the sealing components should be replaced to ensure the sealing performance of the equipment. This is because high temperatures and corrosive media accelerate the aging and failure of the sealing materials. Electrical system maintenance Check the cables, plugs and control panel to ensure there is no wear or leakage. Regularly clean the electrical components to prevent dust accumulation from affecting performance. The reliability of the electrical system directly relates to the accuracy of equipment control and operational safety. Temperature monitoring Install temperature monitoring instruments to continuously monitor the operating temperature of the equipment, preventing malfunctions caused by overheating. This is particularly important during long periods of continuous operation. III. Levels and Cycles of Regular Maintenance Based on the frequency of equipment usage and the working environment, the maintenance of pressure-bearing opening equipment needs to be carried out in a hierarchical manner and on a regular basis. First-level maintenance (per week or every 20-30 hours of operation): This includes thorough cleaning of inaccessible areas inside the equipment, such as the filter of the hydraulic oil tank and the heat sinks of the cooling system; a comprehensive inspection of the tightness of all components of the equipment; replacement of the hydraulic oil filter; and checking for any damage or short circuits in the electrical wiring.