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 ½" (15mm) to 24" (600mm), at pressures up to 250 bar and temperatures up to 200°C, across the UK and internationally.

½" – 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 ½" (15mm) to 24" (600mm). 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 operate 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

02

Over 70,000 successful pipe freezing applications

03

Complete turnkey service including pipe cutting, valve installation and all associated works

04

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

05

Pioneers of the super-insulated vacuum hose in the UK

Thank you for another job well done. As usual Jimmy and Stuart were very professional and helpful and I am particularly grateful that you were able to mobilise at such short notice.
Andrew Baker
Systems Engineer, Hinkley Power Station

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 ½" (15mm) domestic pipework up to 24" (600mm) 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.