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 Pipe Freezing 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 pipe freezing 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 then cools the exterior of the pipe enough for the liquid to solidify and form a solid plug. This section of the pipe line is isolated and now pipework modifications can take place safely. Lastly, once the works are completed, the pipe line is allowed thaw, pressure testing is carried out and checked 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.
Is pipe freezing widely used?
Yes, pipe freezing 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?
To ensure industrial safety measures are meet, you should allow only skilled pipe freezing specialists to manage the process for you. After each pipe freeze, pressure testing is carried out and the area is checked for any 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 pipe freezing 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 attended the site to remove pipework lagging, verify pipework sizes and prepared RAMS etc. Following on from this, our engineers were asked to carry out 25 Pipework Freezes to various sized pipework including the suppling and fitting of the valves/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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