There are hundreds of industrial applications where pipelines play a crucial in keeping the processes running and active. Any downtime in the pipeline flow may result in huge monetary loss. For example, there is always a scope for maintenance work for which a specific time slot is allocated. The most typical way to carry out any kind of work on a live pipe is to stop the flow and then do the required work in that time period. But today’s competitive industrial environment demands for always up time and zero breakdown. But still accidents never come announced. So here comes the need of a technology that allows engineers to do their regular job on a live pipeline without hindering the running flow in the pipe.
One such process is Pipe Freezing which is defined as an intrusive, controlled method of separating a section of pipe, by solidifying the pipe contents to form a secure ice plug which in turn holds the liquid flow whilst a maintenance work is carried out. The best thing about pipe freezing process is that even a big job can be carried out without causing much disturbance to regular activities at the premises.
During the process, a jacket is fitted around the pipe section to be freeze. There after liquid nitrogen is introduced into the jacket to freeze the contents of the pipe. This process is found to be very effective in industries where shutting down the line even for few minutes can result in severe losses.
