What is pipe freezing is a common question. It’s a controlled method you can use to modify and restore pipework safely and efficiently. What’s more, Pipe Freezing is a non-invasive, regulated method, using liquid nitrogen to isolate the pipework, allowing for pipework modifications. When carrying out Liquid Nitrogen Pipe Freezing, there is no need to drain down your pipework systems – saving you time and money by just freezing it!
Pipe Freezing Explained: What is Pipe Freezing?
To help explain ‘What is Pipe Freezing’ in more detail we’ve asked Ross Twyman, IDWe Ltd’s Expert.
Below Ross has answered below some typical questions he gets asked daily:
What temperature do pipes freeze?
It is around -196 Degree Celsius.
Does liquid nitrogen pipe freezing work?
Yes! It’s a controlled method.
How does pipe freezing work?
Firstly, you start by fitting a square metal freeze jacket around the pipe, near to the location you would like to carry out pipe line repairs. Secondly, pour in liquid nitrogen into the freeze jacket, which then covers the external surface of the pipe within the jacket.
Thirdly, the liquid nitrogen cools the exterior of the pipe until the liquid inside solidifies, forming a solid freeze plug. This process isolates that section of the pipeline, like an ice plug, allowing for safe pipework modifications. Lastly, after completing the work, the pipeline thaws, engineers perform pressure testing, and they check for any leaks.
What is a Pipe Freezing Plug?
Using liquid nitrogen to temporarily stop the pipework flow by freezing a specific part of the pipe. The liquid then solidifies to to create a solid pipe freezing plug, which can alternatively be known as a ‘freeze point’ or ‘ice plug’.
Is pipe freezing widely used?
Yes, it is commonly acknowledged as a safe, reliable, and highly cost effective controlled method. As it cuts losses of expensive liquids when draining down the system for example, treated water. It’s less time consuming, generally saving you time and money.
Should I worry about pipe freezing?
Only skilled pipe freezing specialists should manage the process to meet industrial safety standards. After each pipe freeze, specialists conduct pressure testing and check the area for leaks.
Can pipe work be damaged?
Engineers are trained to manage the use of liquid nitrogen and there is minimal risk involved.
Can you carry out this method for all pipelines?
Most pipework you can, except if it’s plastic. There are alternative methods for plastic pipes.
What are common applications?
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) Systems
- Industrial manufacturing and processing plants
- Commercial buildings
- Residential properties
Discover how we have recently helped our clients with their requirements, read below:
25+ Pipework Freezes and Isolation Valve Installations at Pfizer
Firstly, we arrived on-site, removed pipework lagging, verified pipe sizes, and prepared RAMS. Next, our engineers completed 25 pipework freezes on various pipe sizes, supplying and fitting the required valves and plugs.
Please read the full case study here
Leaking water mains and custom made pipework for the NHS at Crawley Hospital
Our team were called to repair a leaking mains water pipe. We started by removing the old pipework, which was approximately three meters long and replaced with a new section of pipe that was built at our workshop.
Please read the full case study here
Installed Isolation Valve for the BBC
Our engineers cut out and supplied/installed a new section of the pipework using unions, complete with a new 1.25” isolation valve.
Please read the full case study here
Can we help you with your next project?
If you need to change a leaking valve, or make any other pipework modifications, call IDWe Ltd’s specialist team. We can isolate the pipework, rather than considering draining down the system – we’ll then save you time and money. We are a leading industrial UK pipe freezing contractor with over 30+ years’ experience.
His team operates in Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, West Sussex.
See examples of our work, please our read our case studies
Get a quote today, please call 020 8302 7644 or email info@idwe.co.uk
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