Foshan, China – March 12, 2026 – Foshan Gas Group has announced the successful completion of a high-precision pipeline connection project on a DN159 main gas line. The operation, which involved creating a new 89mm branch connection via hot tapping, was executed flawlessly while the pipeline remained fully pressurized and in service. The pipeline operates at a design pressure of 0.4 MPa, with current running pressures maintained between 0.25 and 0.28 MPa.
The project’s success highlights the critical role of hot tapping technology in modern urban gas network expansion. By utilizing this advanced technique, Foshan Gas engineers were able to install the new 89mm off-take without shutting down the main supply line. This ensured zero interruption to gas services for thousands of downstream residential and commercial customers, a key priority for the utility provider.
“Executing a hot tapping procedure on a live DN159 main under operating pressures of up to 0.28 MPa requires meticulous planning and elite technical skill,” said a senior project engineer at Foshan Gas. “Our team’s ability to safely drill and seal the new 89mm connection while the system remained active demonstrates our mastery of non-disruptive maintenance technologies. This hot tapping operation not only saved significant time but also eliminated the safety risks and logistical challenges associated with depressurizing and purging a major trunk line.”
The newly installed branch will enhance the flexibility and coverage of Foshan’s local gas distribution network, allowing for more efficient energy delivery to developing areas. The use of hot tapping allowed the construction team to bypass the traditional, time-consuming process of system isolation, significantly reducing the project’s carbon footprint and community impact.
Safety was paramount throughout the operation. Specialized hot tapping machinery, equipped with double-block-and-bleed capabilities, was employed to manage the 0.4 MPa design pressure safely. Real-time monitoring ensured that pressure fluctuations remained well within the safe operational window of 0.25–0.28 MPa during the entire cutting and sealing process.
This milestone reinforces Foshan Gas’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge engineering solutions like hot tapping to build a more resilient and customer-centric infrastructure. As the city of Foshan continues to expand, the utility remains dedicated to minimizing service disruptions while maximizing network reliability through innovative live-line techniques.
About Foshan Gas Group
Foshan Gas Group is a leading natural gas distributor in Foshan City, Guangdong Province, serving millions of customers with a focus on safety, reliability, and innovation. The company is at the forefront of adopting advanced pipeline technologies to support the region’s rapid urbanization and industrial growth.