Hot tapping machine MINI

The Gastech FORATUBI MINI 2-12 Hot Tapping Machine is a compact under-pressure pipe drilling machine for making new service connections and branch extensions on gas and water pipelines from DN 3/4″ to DN 2″, rated up to 12 bar operating pressure. Total assembled length is 455 mm with a 160 mm effective drilling stroke — shorter and more compact than the FORATUBI MAXI, making it the preferred choice for restricted-access installations and confined trench environments. The machine body is double-dip galvanized steel throughout. Pipe material compatibility covers steel, grey cast iron, ductile cast iron, stainless steel, asbestos cement, polyethylene (PE), PVC, and AC — the full range of materials present across gas and water distribution networks. Hole saw drive is via ratchet wrench with crank as standard, with optional pneumatic or hydraulic motor drive available. All interchangeable fittings carry vent valves, and a mechanical automatic safety limit stop is incorporated in the stroke assembly.

The automatic spring-regulated drilling pressure mechanism maintains constant feed force throughout the cutting cycle, eliminating inconsistent hand-feed pressure and reducing cutter breakage risk on variable-hardness pipe materials. Modular extension components allow the drilling depth to be extended beyond the standard 160 mm stroke for bore operations through installed valves without valve removal. The hole saw coupon recovery device retains the cut disc inside the machine body during retraction, preventing it from entering the live pipeline flow. A threaded plug can be inserted through a valve connection after the drilling cycle completes, allowing the new connection point to be temporarily sealed without interrupting service flow through the main pipeline.

The Gastech FORATUBI MINI 2-12 Hot Tapping Machine is deployed by gas and water network operators and pipeline contractors for new service connection work on live pressurized distribution pipelines — including residential meter connections, new branch takeoffs, and network extension tie-ins across DN 3/4″ to DN 2″ pipeline sections. Its compact 455 mm length makes it the standard choice for trench-side hot tapping on small-diameter service pipelines where the larger FORATUBI MAXI cannot be positioned correctly.

Leader Infra supplies this compact double-galvanized hot tapping machine for gas and water network operators — delivering live-line service connection capability from DN 3/4″ to DN 2″ at up to 12 bar in a 455 mm overall length body suited for confined trench and restricted-access installation environments.

FAQ — What is the key operational difference between the FORATUBI MINI 2-12 and the FORATUBI MAXI 6-12? The MINI 2-12 has a total length of 455 mm and a 160 mm drilling stroke, making it the compact choice for confined trench environments and small-diameter service connections from DN 3/4″ to DN 2″. The MAXI 6-12 extends to 650 mm total length with a 220 mm stroke and covers DN 1″ to DN 2″ as standard — expandable to DN 6″ — making it the choice for larger-diameter connections and installations where more stroke depth or greater pipe diameter range is required.