Our team delivered commercial temporary pipe isolation at 60 London Wall in the City of London, using liquid nitrogen pipe freezing to remove redundant Fan Coil Unit (FCU) pipework safely.
Project Overview
Project: Level 2 & 8 FCU Pipework Removal
Location: 60 London Wall, London EC2
Client: Ashford FM
Service: Liquid Nitrogen Pipe Freezing
Sector: Commercial Offices
Works: 16 × 1½-inch liquid nitrogen freezes, redundant FCU pipework removal, dead-leg drainage and tee outlets plugged
Why Commercial Temporary Pipe Isolation was needed?
The project required redundant pipework serving previously removed fan coil units (FCUs) to be safely removed. However, the chilled and LTHW systems needed careful isolation before our engineers could strip out the redundant pipework.
Draining larger sections of the systems could create unnecessary disruption within the busy City of London office building. Therefore, the project required a non-invasive pipe isolation method that allowed our experienced engineers to work on specific sections. Pipe freeze isolation provided the practical solution.
How did our Pipe Freeze Isolation Method Work?
Our specialist engineers used liquid nitrogen pipe freezing to create controlled isolation points on the relevant pipework. Before starting, the pumps required isolation on the morning of our attendance. The LTHW pipework also needed to reach a temperature below ambient conditions before freezing could begin.
We then installed freeze jackets around the selected sections of pipework. Once the pipework reached the required temperature, we introduced liquid nitrogen to create the freezes. This temporary pipe isolation allowed our team to drain residual water and remove redundant pipework.
What Were the Results of the Temporary Pipe Isolation?
The project successfully removed redundant FCU pipework across two levels of 60 London Wall.
Our team completed:
- 16 liquid nitrogen freezes completed
- 3 redundant FCU connections removed
- 2 building levels serviced
- 1½-inch chilled and LTHW pipework isolated
- Dead legs safely drained
- Tee outlets securely plugged
The commercial temporary pipe isolation allowed our experienced engineers to target specific pipework sections rather than drain larger areas of the system. We also drained residual water from the dead legs and plugged the redundant tee outlets. After completing the work, we checked the pipework for leaks and reinstated the existing insulation.
What was the Pipe Freezing Services Result?
The team completed the works safely and efficiently across both levels at 60 London Wall. Our commercial temporary pipe isolation solution allowed the redundant FCU pipework to be removed, without draining larger sections of the building services system. The result was a controlled, targeted pipe isolation solution with minimal disruption to the wider building services.
Why Choose a Specialist Commercial Pipe Isolation Contractor?
Facilities Managers need practical solutions that balance safety, efficiency and minimal disruption. Our expert engineers assess the pipework, system conditions and working environment before recommending a suitable isolation method. Where appropriate, pipe freeze isolation can create a targeted temporary isolation point without requiring the wider system to be drained.
This non-invasive pipe isolation approach can prove particularly useful within commercial buildings with complex building services. Our team has more than 35 years’ experience delivering specialist engineering solutions across London and the South East.
Could Commercial Temporary Pipe Isolation Help Your Building?
Do you need to remove, modify or repair pipework without draining a wider system? Our specialist team can assess your requirements and recommend a suitable commercial temporary pipe isolation solution. We provide specialist pipe isolation and pipe freezing services across London and the South East.
Talk to our experienced team about your project today on 020 8302 7644.
Frequently Asked Questions: Commercial Temporary Pipe Freezing
What is Pipe Freezing?
Pipe freezing temporarily creates an ice plug inside a water-filled pipe. The ice plug provides a localised isolation point, allowing engineers to work on a specific section of pipework – read our article to learn more.
How Does Liquid Nitrogen Pipe Freezing Work?
Liquid nitrogen rapidly cools the selected pipework until the water inside freezes. The resulting ice plug creates temporary isolation while the required work takes place.
When Would a Pipe Freezing Contractor use This Method?
A pipe freezing contractor may use this method where draining a wider system could cause unnecessary disruption. Engineers assess the pipework and system conditions before carrying out the work.
Can Pipe Freezing be Used on Chilled Water Pipework?
Yes, specialist pipe freezing methods can isolate suitable chilled-water pipework. The system conditions and pipework require assessment before the work begins.
Can Pipe Freezing be Used on LTHW Systems?
Pipe freezing can provide a suitable isolation method for certain LTHW applications. The pipe temperature and system conditions must meet the requirements for successful freezing.
Is Pipe Freezing Suitable for Commercial Buildings?
It can provide a practical solution where targeted pipework isolation is required. Our experienced engineers assess each project individually before recommending the most suitable method.
Where do you Provide Pipe Freezing Services?
We provide specialist services across London, Kent, Surrey, Hampshire, Essex, East Sussex, West Sussex and the surrounding areas.
Related Articles
Benefits of Pipe Freezing for Commercial Buildings
The benefits of pipe freezing for commercial buildings include keeping systems running, reducing downtime, and cutting maintenance costs – learn more with our industry insight.
Pipe Freeze at Whittington Hospital, North London
Our pipe freeze services enabled a safe 3-inch heating valve replacement – read our case study.
Need a Specialist Team for Your Next Project?
Planning a pipework project or need a reliable engineering contractor? Our experienced team can help.
Contact our specialists for a quote, please call 020 8302 7644 or email info@idwe.co.uk
As a leading Commercial Contractor in London we provide Pipe Freezing Services, Hot Tapping Services, Shrink Fitting Services, Valve Fitting Services, Electrical Services and more.
View all services IDWe Ltd offer
Discover our latest projects, specialist services and company news
Follow us on social media: Facebook, X & LinkedIn.
