The Challenge: Keeping a Major Building Operational During Critical Pump Replacements

Imagine the complexity of draining and refilling a large commercial building’s Low-Temperature Hot Water (LTHW) system. The logistics would involve countless tankers, excessive downtime, significant disruption to tenants, and a considerable environmental impact.

This challenge became a reality when two of the three critical pump sets servicing the LTHW system needed replacing. However, failed isolation valves made conventional maintenance impossible without a complete system drain-down—an option that was simply not feasible.

That’s where IPS stepped in to deliver a tailored, non-disruptive solution that maintained operations throughout the upgrade.

Replacing the pump sets in a high-rise commercial building posed unique engineering challenges. With planning beginning in January and project completion in October, the solution required meticulous coordination, advanced techniques and absolute precision.

Originally, traditional pipe freezing was considered. However, due to the high operating pressure and temperature, this method was ruled out—it simply would not provide enough downtime for cooling, freezing, and reinstating flow without impacting the entire system.

A different approach was required—one that could maintain uninterrupted service while allowing for the safe and efficient installation of new isolation valves.

IPS proposed Line Stopping, allowing maintenance work to be carried out while keeping the system operational.

For this project, IPS successfully executed eight precision line stops, creating a full bypass of the LTHW main. This allowed the critical pump isolation valves to be replaced without affecting the building’s essential heating and hot water supply.

Why Line Stopping?

✔ No Drain-Down Required – Avoids costly downtime, water wastage, and environmental impact.
✔ Uninterrupted Service – Bypass solutions kept all critical services operational.
✔ Safety & Precision – Engineered to accommodate high-pressure, high-temperature conditions.

Results: A Seamless Upgrade with Zero Disruption

From initial planning to final execution, IPS delivered an innovative solution to a complex engineering challenge, ensuring the building’s operations continued without interruption.

By leveraging our expertise in line stopping, we eliminated the need for a costly and disruptive full system drain-down, minimized downtime, and delivered the project on time and to specification.

Facing a Pipeline Challenge? Call IPS Today!

When downtime isn’t an option, IPS provides industry-leading solutions in pipe freezing, hot tapping, and line stopping to keep your systems running smoothly.

Call us today on 020 8543 9390 to discuss your next project.

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