PIPE FREEZING

CASE STUDY - PIPE FREEZING IN AIRPORT SKYBRIDGE

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

A world renowned international airport is performing upgrading works to welcome the new Airbus 380 passenger plane. However the project team faced an issue while planning the layout for a new skybridge - the chilled water pipeline which runs along the departure lounge is causing an obstruction to the new skybridge. The chilled water pipe must be re-routed to allow for the construction of skybridge while not affecting the airport operation. This project takes into consideration that the airport with more than 80 airlines has more than 600 departure and arrivals in one day!

PROPOSED SOLUTION:

Alstern Technologies was invited to survey the site and provide a proposal to solve the problem. Our experienced and professional team of engineers studied the chilled water operation and proposed to freeze both sections of the 12” chilled water pipeline. Thereafter the pipe can be cut off the make way for a new pipe run. Alstern Technologies was confident that the solution can be completed within stringent time frame without affecting operations to the airport. The project team and airport management was convinced with our proposal and awarded this record-breaking operation to Alstern Technologies.

SITE  OPERATION:

Despite several challenges posted in this project including strong wind factor, heavy ground traffic, etc. our professional operations team successfully completed this project within the specified time frame without affecting air traffic and ground operation
 

RESULT:

The chilled water pipe was successfully re-routed and the construction of skybridge will be on the way soon. With another successful project under its belt, Alstern Technologies remain unrivalled as one of the most established pipe freezing companies in the Asia Pacific.

CASE STUDY - PIPE FREEZING

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

A US-listed pharmaceutical plant is experiencing robust growth in Asia. The company is expanding the plant to cater for business growth. Likewise the project team must perform the plant expansion without affecting existing operations.In this case study, the project team has faced the challenge of performing alteration works on the existing pipe at location C (refer to schematic diagram) while maintaining operation of pipeline A. This is a critical project as failure to maintain the operation of pipeline A will result in the loss of millions of dollars to production cost.The search was on for a credible company capable of undertaking the job to stop the pipeline flow in order for alteration works to be carried out.

PROPOSED SOLUTION:

Alstern Technologies, being the only company in Asia that has performed pipeline services on such large pipes, was invited to survey the site to offer our professional advice. With our successful track records and a professional team of specialists, we convinced the projects team with our pipe freezing proposal and the project was approved and awarded with the blessings of the US headquarters. 

SITE  OPERATION:

The project is carefully planned for execution while ensuring that all safety procedures are in placed. Our operation staffs were mobilized and carried out the pipe freezing operation around the clock, working in 3 shifts to ensure all work procedure and safety regulations are adhered to. Our staff worked closely with the project and management team and after several days of hard work, the 24” ice plug in the pipeline was finally formed maturely. Pipe alteration proceeded within the stipulated time and the project was completed successfully.

RESULT:

The proposed pipe freezing operation was a success and this has saved the company millions of dollars of shutdown costs. For Alstern Technologies Group, this is another successful project and satisfied customer, however we will continue to strive to achieve greater heights with our pipeline services.

CASE STUDY - PP-R (PROPYLENE RANDOM COPOLYMER) PIPE FREEZING

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

A worldwide gaming and integrated resort conglomerate requires to perform pipe alteration works on a PP-R (propylene random copolymer) pipe. The existing regulating valves are damaged and new valves should be replaced without affecting operations of other zones.

PROPOSED SOLUTION:

Pipe freezing service is the most economical solution to apply for this alteration works. However, PP-R (propylene random copolymer) pipes are very brittle at sub-zero temperatures and it can be cracked or breaks easily with minimum impact. In order to strengthen the pipe wall and provide an interface with the freezing agent, Wrap Seal fiberglass tapes were applied at the pipe freezing location.

SITE  OPERATION:

RESULT:

PP-R (propylene random copolymer) pipe is one of the most difficult and challenging material with regards to pipe freezing works. Alstern Technologies has overcame the challenges of this project and we have successfully became the first company in the Asia Pacific region to perform pipe freezing works on a PP-R pipe!

CASE STUDY - PIPE FREEZING

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

A building is about to undergo a major retrofitting project. However there certain amount of challenges and constraints that the project management team needs to face and work within. The building is houses several large financial companies that require the chilled water system to be operational 24 hours a day. During the retrofit project, the Air Handling Unit is required to be changed without affecting the operation in the building.

PROPOSED SOLUTION:

Alstern Technologies was invited to survey the site to offer our professional advice if pipe freezing can be carried out in this project. At first glance, the project seems to be nothing unusual, upon further inspection and discussion there were several challenges:  1.The pipe freezing works must be performed within 2 inches away from an existing weld  2.Electrical saw will be used to cut the pipe at 6 inches away the ice plug (which is holding back 300psi of pipeline pressure)  3.Welding will be carried out at the same location to insert a valve after the pipe is cut off.  This is a challenging operation due to us due to the huge vibration and heat generated by the electrical saw and welding next to the ice plug. However Alstern Technologies was confident after we performed necessary calculations and measures to ensure that the ice plugs will not be shattered or melted away from the vibration and heat. The project management team was convinced with our track records and awarded this record- breaking operation to Alstern Technologies.

SITE  OPERATION:

Despite these several challenges our professional operations team successfully completed this project within the specified time frame without affecting the operation of the building

RESULT:

The valves were successfully inserted and Air Handling Unit was changed. With another successful project under its belt, Alstern Technologies remain unrivalled as one of the most established pipe freezing companies in the Asia Pacific region.