Pipe Freezing

Put simply, Pipefreezing is a non-intrusive, controlled method of providing pipeline isolation, through the application of liquid nitrogen. The pipework freezing process begins by drawing out the heat from the product within the pipe until it reaches a temperature below its freeze point until eventually the product freezes to form an internal ice plug.

The major advantage of liquid nitrogen or water pipe freezing is that a ‘break-in’ can be performed without incurring the costs and down-time of a complete system drain down.

Pipe Freezing method?

Pipefreezing involves the use of Liquid nitrogen in the controlled formation of a solid ice plug within the pipeline. Once the freeze is achieved the plug has the capability to withstand very high differential pressures and provides a reliable isolation that is extremely effective, allowing alterations to be completed without a full drain down.

Variety Of Applications

* Subject to Certain conditions

Common Pipe Materials

Common Pipe Contents

Water
Acids
Coolants
Paints
Alcohols
Oils
Liquid Food product
Various Chemicals
Sewage

Common Pipe Freezing application’s include

Cooling Water
Fire Protection Systems
Process systems
Fuel Oil Lines
Sludge Lines
Hydraulic Control Lines
Domestic/Utility Systems
Hydrocarbon Risers
Water Injection Lines
Heat Exchanger Lines
Heating Services
Chilled Water Systems

The Benefits of Pipe Freezing

Pipe freezing is widely acknowledged as a safe, reliable and highly cost effective method of temporary pipeline isolation and offers a number of major benefits some of which are:-

No need to drain down systems, thus avoiding costly and time consuming venting procedures
No need to arrange for the bulk transfer/storage of fluids
Cuts losses of expensive liquids, such as treated water and system inhibitors.
Overcomes the problems of handling hazardous materials and enhances safety when working on lines containing contaminated or volatile liquids.