Cryogenic pipe freezing often provides the safest way to modify live mechanical systems. In busy London university buildings, shutdowns create risk, disruption, and unnecessary cost. This case study shows how our cryogenic pipe freezing services supported King’s College London, completing complex pipework fabrication and installation while the campus stayed fully operational.
Using liquid nitrogen pipe freezing, we isolated large diameter pipework without draining systems. As a result, the client avoided downtime while completing critical upgrades. This example shows how this technique supports universities across London, Kent, Surrey, Essex and more.
How Did Cryogenic Pipe Freezing Support King’s College London?
What Was the Project Overview?
King’s College London required complex pipework modifications within a live academic environment. The works took place at the James Clerk Maxwell Building in Waterloo, London. Our team delivered specialist pipe freezing services without disrupting teaching or building operations. Learn how we helped the client avoid draining systems and extended shutdowns, please read our case study below:
What Challenges Did the Client Face?
The client needed extensive mechanical upgrades across chilled and low temperature hot water systems. What’s more, the London college supported critical services, so downtime had to remain minimal. Traditional isolation methods would have required full system drainage and significant reinstatement time. Space constraints and large pipe diameters added further complexity.
Why Was Pipe Freezing the Right Solution?
This solution created temporary ice plugs to isolate live pipework safely. Liquid nitrogen pipe freezing allowed fast isolation without draining entire systems. It reduced risk, labour time, and disruption. This approach supported phased works during normal and out-of-hours periods.
How Did Our Approach Work?
Site Attendance and Planning:
- Attended site during normal hours and weekends to maintain working onsite flexibility
- Early planning ensured safe sequencing with other contractors and stakeholders
- Risk assessments covered ice plug formation, monitoring, and controlled thawing
Before Pump
Before Pipework
Strip Out and Pipe Preparation:
- Stripped out redundant CHW and LTHW pipework efficiently
- Isolated and installed additional bracketry on 2½ inch and 3 inch pipework
- Overall improved support reduced stress during pipe freeze operations
- Supplied and installed four MegaPress flange adapters – two on 2½ inch and two on 3 inch pipework
Valve and Pipework Modifications
- Stripped, removed, and replaced three-port valves on the roof AHU
- Isolated, drained, and removed 2 inch and 1 inch three-port valves back to main valves
- New pipework connected upgraded valves back to coils efficiently
Liquid Nitrogen Pipe Freezing Execution:
- Carried out two 6 inch liquid nitrogen pipe freezes on main flow and return headers
- Each pipe freeze created a secure ice plug to stop the flow
- Continuous monitoring ensured temperature stability throughout the works
- This method avoided draining large volumes of water
Heat Pump Installation Support:
- Removal and installation of new heat pumps
- Strip out the redundant pipework feeding the old pumps (electrics, BMS and asbestos by others)
- Manufactured and installed two 6 inch spool pieces to replace redundant valves
- We installed vibration pads to protect the new mechanical equipment
- New pipework supplied by others connected to existing headers
- Our team safely completed all welding on the 5-inch pipework
Final Connections and Handover:
- Lastly, ensured flanges were connected for the new pumps
- Supplied all flange packs, including nuts, bolts, and gaskets
- The site was cleared of redundant materials and disposed of at licensed facilities
Additional Pipework Maintenance Works
The client approved additional plant room works outside the original scope. During the works, to maintain flexibility, our engineers attended site during normal hours and out-of-hours periods.
Hot Tapping Services
We completed a 2-inch hot tap on the underside of the 6-inch chilled water header. Next, installed a 2-inch BSP quarter-turn ball valve, ready for future side stream filtration.
In-house Fabrication Services
Offsite fabrication played a key role in minimising on-site disruption. Our experienced team manufactured 5-inch barrel pipework, including flanges and elbows, to reposition chilled water pump number two in a revised position.
Industrial Valve Supply and Installation
To allow safe pipework relocation around the new AHU, two 2½ inch liquid nitrogen pipe freezes were carried out. These pipe freeze points provided controlled isolation while existing services remained live.
We raised the flow pipework levels using 2½-inch Vega MegaPress fittings and two 90-degree bends. A further 2½ inch flange adapter created a second return connection for future filtration requirements.
Lastly, our engineers cleared the site of all redundant materials and disposed of at licensed facilities.
What Results Did the Client Receive?
- Zero Unplanned Shutdowns
- Prevented full system drainage
- The building remained operational throughout critical works
- Reduced isolation time significantly
- The client achieved the project despite complex modifications
Improved Safety and Control
- Ice plug isolation removed the need for full drain down on live systems
- Cryogenic pipe freezing offered predictable, repeatable control by our expert team
Long-Term System Reliability
- New valves, pipework, and heat pumps improved efficiency and resilience
- The client benefited from cleaner installations and reduced future maintenance risk
Why Choose Our Pipe Freezing Company in London?
We specialise exclusively in professional pipe freezer services. Our engineers work across London, Surrey, Sussex, Essex, and Kent and the surrounding areas. Supporting colleges, universities, schools, commercial buildings, and industrial sites. With 35+ years’ experience, our methods prioritise safety, speed, and client confidence.
Learn more about our approach with a related case study:
Explore our specialist liquid nitrogen services:
Read a related pipe freeze case study in Canary Wharf:
What Do Clients Ask About Pipe Freezing?
What is pipe freezing and how does it work?
This industrial service uses liquid nitrogen to create a temporary ice plug inside a pipe. The ice plug isolates flow without draining the system – read our full guide.
Is this service safe for large buildings?
Yes, when performed by a specialist pipe freezer company. Controlled cryogenic pipefreezing offers predictable and monitored isolation.
Can it be used on large diameter pipes?
Yes, it isolate pipes up to several inches in diameter. This project included successful 6 inch ice plug formations.
Does pipe freezing reduce downtime?
This method significantly reduce downtime. Systems remain live outside the isolated section.
Where do you provide this specialist service?
We deliver pipe freezing services across London, Kent, Surrey, Hampshire, Essex, East Sussex, West Sussex. Our team supports planned works and emergency isolation.
What Does This Project Demonstrate?
This King’s College London project demonstrates the value of professional pipe freezing. What’s mor, this technique enabled complex upgrades without disruption. The client achieved safe, fast, and reliable outcomes.
Can we help you with your next pipework installation?
With over 35 years’ experience, our team take pride ourselves on delivering safe and professional isolation services.
Can we help you with your planned works?
Get in touch today for a quote or expert advice, please call 020 8302 7644 or email info@idwe.co.uk
We can adapt our services to suit your industrial and commercial needs.
The team also provide services across London, Kent, Surrey, Hampshire, Essex, East Sussex, West Sussex and beyond.
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