The process of Pipeline Isolation

Pipeline isolation or Pipe freezing is a non-obtrusive, controlled method of isolating a small section of pipe, by solidifying the pipe contents to form a secure ice plug which in turn contains the liquid flow whilst a modification process is carried out. The main advantage of pipeline isolation is that a 'break-in' can be done without incurring the costs and down-time of a complete system drain down.

During the process, a jacket is fitted around the pipeline on either one or both sides of the work section and liquid nitrogen is inserted into the jacket to freeze the contents of the pipe. Liquid Nitrogen has a temperature of -196°C, and is utilized during the course of operations by continuous evaporation, which takes place within the jacket in three ways:

•  Heat is absorbed from the pipe and its' contents, as it cools from ambient temperature to liquid nitrogen temperature.

• By absorption of heat from within the jacket, and in natural evaporation through exposure to natural air.

• In managing the plug in its frozen form, while replacement, maintenance or repair work takes place.

Once the ice plus is placed, the inactive side can be drained, this enabling obtrusive pipe work repairs or modifications to be carried out.

The importance of hot tapping services

With a huge number of industries including hot tapping procedures worldwide, there are great number of companies providing both hot tapping and line stopping services. In general, there are accidents that result from mishandled hot tapping procedures or faulty equipments. To get the required outcome, it is very important to hire trained and experienced personnel, reliable equipment, and parts particularly designed to meet the needs of the line.

As every industry is different in itself, so the parts and equipments need to be modified according to the needs of the industry. There are numerous companies that provide fully customized hot tapping and line stopping parts and equipment specific to a particular industry. If you have a regular supplier, ask him to provide good quality parts and equipments for smooth processes.

Some materials are harder to tap into than others, and the machine used must be appropriate for the material. The machine must drill the hole, insert the valve, and then retract the bit; all while ensuring the integrity of the line. A machine incapable of doing this is an open invitation to accident.

Another most important thing to consider is to hire trained personnel having thorough knowledge of hot tapping (or Stopple) and line stopping procedures. Moreover, they must know the working of high pressure systems.