International Flow Technologies’ PipeFreeze Services continue to find pinhole leaks in many miles of pipelines. We truly find that needle in the haystack.

PipeFreeze services are used to isolate sections of pipelines so hydrostatic testing can be performed on independent sections of pipe.

Multiple Freeze points can be performed and maintained by International Flow Technologies’ technicians. Service locations are situated around the United States for quick, local response.

By regulation and upon owners’ request, all pipelines in America require continued pressure testing. Because of corrosion and wear, it is important to have an ongoing plan to continue testing pipeline integrity. For pipelines that have many miles between valves, or a leak exists but you cannot find it, PipeFreezing is the solution.

Pipe-Freezing is performed by using liquid nitrogen to freeze the water inside the pipeline. Prior to freezing, the pressure can be brought up to your required test pressure. Water is then introduced into the piping system so it can be frozen. System pressures during the PipeFreeze process commonly exceed 1000 psi.

Pressure gauges are used between the PipeFreezes and outside of the freeze locations to test three separate sections of pipe for pressure loss. The section that drops pressure gives the direction for the next set of freezes. IFT has located very small leaks in many miles of pipelines, in short time frames.

Recent Project – In October of 2011, IFT was called by Pilchuck Contractors to help perform testing on a Williams Pipeline System. Due to the importance of the pipeline needing to be operational immediately, IFT arrived the day after being notified. With Pilchuck’s years of pipeline experience, determination, and use of equipment, the pipeline was examined quickly and successfully.

Williams Northwest Pipeline has an 8” pipeline in Alderwood, Washington that passes under many creeks and bogs, so numerous PipeFreezes were performed to prove the integrity of the pipeline in each location. Williams takes public safety very seriously so each location of the PipeFreeze was thoroughly tested by Magnaflux and Ultrasonic Long Seam prior to the PipeFreeze and tested again after each PipeFreeze was performed.

Due to the concern that the freezing may affect the pipe, several freeze locations of the pipe were removed for further testing. To this date, no damage to the pipe by freezing has been reported.

IFT can isolate your pipeline systems, 1/2” - 36”, through PipeFreeze Services. We are capable of working with pressures through 3000 psi.

With an excellent safety record and training program, we are ready for all of your projects. Call us today!