Case Study: Pipe Freeze Operation for Government Agency

PFS Nitrogen Services, sister company of the industry leading N2 Solutions Company, is renowned for its expertise in nitrogen-propelled pigging and pipe freeze isolations. In this detailed case study, we breakdown this highly successful project carried out for a government agency at a local locks and dam facility in the region.

Location

Pennsylvania

Pipeline Specifications

Facility Owner: Government Agency

Line Size: 3.5” O.D.

Product: AW-MV-15 Hydraulic Oil

Freeze Point: -45F

Background

A prominent contractor in Pennsylvania contacted us to assist with pipe freeze isolations for the US Army Corps of Engineers at a local locks and dam facility. The task involved freezing Hydraulic Oil with a freeze point of -45°F in 3.5" diameter pipes that operated the locks system.

Scope of Work

The fluid within the lines is AW-MV-15 hydraulic oil, this is strictly a hydraulic distribution piping network. The work is outdoors in a government facility requiring background checks and about 2 hours of safety and security training for anyone onsite.

Phase 1 – set six (6) simultaneous pip free plugs for up to 8-hour hold

The Execution Plan

The execution plan for this project included several critical elements:

• Pipeline Details: Detailed information about the pipeline specifications and contents.
• Scope of Work: Comprehensive outline of the tasks and objectives.
• Deliverables: Clearly defined project deliverables and timelines.
• Safety: Rigorous safety protocols and measures.
• Setup: Specifics on the equipment and procedures for the freeze initiation.
• Procedure: Step-by-step guide for executing the freeze and subsequent operations.
• Site Pictures: Visual documentation of the site and process.

Achievements

After developing, reviewing, and approving a detailed plan, our team successfully executed six simultaneous freezes. These freezes were maintained for over 10 hours, enabling the contractor to perform uninterrupted upgrades to the piping and hydraulic oil system. Since then, PFS has conducted several additional pipe freeze isolations for the same client.

Why Choose PFS?

As an N2 Solutions Company, PFS is dedicated to providing top-notch personnel, safety procedures, cutting-edge equipment, and efficient pigging systems to meet all your nitrogen-propelled pigging needs, regardless of size or complexity.

Our comprehensive services include:

• Project planning
• Pig selection
• Engineering calculations
• Pig tracking
• Nitrogen pumping and execution
• Pipeline Chemical Solutions

Whether it involves offline mechanical cleaning, decommissioning, de-inventory, smart pigging, gauge plate runs, inerting, purging, or abandonment, PFS has the expertise and experience to handle it all.

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Ready to kick off your next project? Request a quote today and begin your journey with PFS Nitrogen Services!

About N2 Solutions

N2 Solutions strengthens their position as a nitrogen services leader with the acquisition of PFS Nitrogen Services, expanding its locations and product offerings. With pump trucks, nitrogen transports, pipeline chemical solutions, pig tracking, ILI tool runs, and pipe freeze technology, N2 delivers cost-effective solutions to energy, industrial, chemical, and pipeline clients. Together, N2 Solutions and PFS set a new standard of excellence in nitrogen solutions for their customers.