Review of pipe freezing (freeze sealing) offshore

Abstract

Pipe freezing (freeze sealing) is a technique which can be used on liquid filled pipes and pipelines to produce a solid, pressure resistant, frozen plug. Such plugs can be used for temporary isolation of a section of pipe or a fitting to allow repair, maintenance or modification, such as changing valves or fittings, extension blanking of pipework, and pressure testing.

The application of pipe freezing as an isolation procedure offshore should comply with recognised safety procedures, especially in the handling of cryogenic materials. It should also conform to offshore safety procedures. At present, no statutory codes or standard exist for the application of pipe freezing.

This document discusses the factors which should be considered when applying the technique offshore. The basic principles of pipe freezing are described in Appendix I.

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