Pipe freezing and pipework isolation services

Pipe freezing is a method whereby pressure resistant plugs are formed by freezing a liquid within a pipe. This is achieved by using an externally applied coolant, such as nitrogen. These ice plugs may be used to provide a temporary isolation, allowing sections of plant or pipeline to be modified, repaired or maintained without the need to take an unnecessary system outage or shutdown. Aker Qserv pipe freezing uses purpose built equipment to:

Create an isolation where there is no or limited existing isolation
Prove isolation by pressure test prior to ‘opening up’ the process system
Apply the plug for minutes, days or weeks once frozen
Offer improved manual handling
Be able to ‘wheel’ Dewar's into confined areas and be fully DNV certified for lifting / rigging into positions not normally accessible
Carry out trials to determine feasibility of a project prior to going offshore. Results can be confirmed by 3rd party metallurgist on request.

Aker Qserv has one of the most experienced pipe freeze teams in the industry.

Purpose built pipe freezing equipment