Services

Pipe Freezing

Bishop Pipe Freezing is an international pioneer in on-site pipe freezing, delivering safe, controlled isolation of live pipework without draining systems or shutting operations down. We work on pipe sizes from 12.7mm (1/2") to 610mm (24"), at pressures up to 3625 psi / 250 bar and temperatures up to 200°C.

12.7mm (1/2") to 610mm (24")
Pipe sizes
250 bar
Maximum pressure
200°C
Temperature capability
70,000+
Successful applications

What is pipe freezing?

Pipe freezing is a controlled process where liquid nitrogen is applied to a section of pipe using specialist jackets. This forms a temporary ice plug, stopping flow long enough for maintenance, repair or modification to take place.

Once work is complete, the freeze is safely released and the system returned to service. No draining. No refilling. No shutdown.

When is pipe freezing the right solution?

Pipe freezing is ideal when:

  • Draining a system would be time-consuming or disruptive
  • Shutting down operations is not an option
  • Systems are critical to safety, compliance or continuity
  • Water loss, chemical use or re-commissioning risk needs to be avoided

It is routinely used for:

  • Emergency repairs
  • Valve replacement
  • System modifications
  • Planned maintenance
  • Live system upgrades

Our equipment

Pipe freezing jackets

We carry one of the widest ranges of insulated pipe freezing jackets in the industry, covering sizes from 12.7mm (1/2") to 610mm (24"). This allows us to work safely across the full range of commercial and industrial pipework.

Super-insulated vacuum hoses

Bishop Pipe Freezing pioneered the use of super-insulated vacuum hoses in the UK. These allow high volumes of liquid nitrogen to be transferred safely to difficult or confined areas over distances of up to 50 metres.

Pressure vessels

We make use of pressure vessels up to 1,000 litres, allowing us to carry out large-scale or multi-point freezes efficiently.

Why Bishop for pipe freezing?

01

50+ years of specialist experience means that we understand cryogenic safety principles.

02

Over 70,000 successful pipe freezing applications

03

Capable of working at pressures up to 200 bar and temperatures up to 200°C

04

Pioneers of the super-insulated vacuum hose in the UK

05

We have unparalleled experience of pipe freezing applications across all industries.

06

We understand the metallurgy and the behaviour of liquids at cryogenic temperatures.

I wanted to thank you and your team for the outstanding service provided on our project.

The freezing of the 200mm stainless steel CHW pipework was a critical element of the works, and I was extremely impressed with how professionally it was planned and executed. The operation was a complete success, delivered safely, efficiently, and without issue.

Jonathan Rivans
Crown House Technologies Construction Manager
Laing O’Rourke Delivery – Olympia London

FAQs

Can pipe freezing be used for hot water systems?

Yes. Bishop Pipe Freezing regularly carries out freezes on hot water systems, including high-temperature applications.

Is pipe freezing safe?

When carried out by experienced specialists using the correct equipment and procedures, pipe freezing is a proven and safe method that is used worldwide on critical systems.

What pipe sizes can be frozen?

From 12.7mm (1/2") domestic pipework up to 610mm (24") industrial systems.

When is pipe freezing not suitable?

Pipe freezing is not suitable for all materials or flow conditions. We will always assess suitability and advise honestly if an alternative method is required.

Need a pipe freeze?

Tell us what you are dealing with, and we will advise on the best approach. Our team has seen most problems in 50+ years.