Quick freeze plug reduces testing and repair costs

Journal Article · Tue Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Pipe Line Ind.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5903318

Brister Inc. has developed a method of quick-freezing a plug in any high-pressure pipe for use in hydrostatic testing and upgrading of new and existing pipelines. The process applies to all natural-gas gathering, transmission, or distribution lines regardless of internal or external coatings, pipe diameter, wall thickness, terrain, or pipe position. The plug is formed by introducing liquid nitrogen into a top-and-bottom-shoe freezing chamber that is clamped around the waterfilled pipe. Freezing usually begins within the first 30 min and is completed in 1 h for 8 to 10 in. pipe and 4 h for 20-in. The freeze method saves over $1000/day compared with conventional plugging methods, by eliminating the needs to (1) mobilize large construction crews and equipment for excavating, raising, and cutting the line, (2) provide drainage and dispose of contaminated water from the line, (3) fabricate and install test manifolds on each isolated segment of the line, and (4) furnish and transport the amount of water required to refill the line before testing. The use of nitrogen avoids the dangerous hazards of toxic fumes and inflammable gas.

• OSTI ID: 5903318
• Journal Information: Pipe Line Ind.; (United States), Journal Name: Pipe Line Ind.; (United States) Vol. 46; ISSN PLINA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
032000* -- Natural Gas-- Transport
Handling
& Storage
COST
CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
FREEZING
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
HYDROSTATICS
MAINTENANCE
NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
NITROGEN
NONMETALS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PIPELINES
PLUGGING
REPAIR
TESTING
WATER