A frozen asset threatening project demobilisation
A specialty contractor operating in the energy sector required a solution to resolve a frozen frac tank at a project site in Stanton, North Dakota.
The 21,000-gallon water tank, mounted on a trailer and used for site operations, had frozen solid during January due to prolonged sub-zero temperatures. With the project approaching completion, the tank needed to be drained and removed from site.
Allowing the tank to thaw naturally was not a viable option, as winter conditions in North Dakota would have delayed demobilisation for an extended period. A method was required to rapidly heat the tank in place, without the need for dismantling or relocation.
Three modules, a complete enclosure, deployed in one day
Three Njordair Constant Air modules were deployed and connected to form a large, fully enclosed structure over the frac tank while it remained mounted on its trailer.
The system’s double-skin construction created an insulated environment, significantly reducing heat loss to the surrounding freezing conditions. A heating system was introduced into the enclosure, raising the internal temperature to approximately 70°F (21°C), despite the extreme external environment.
This approach allowed the tank to be heated in situ, avoiding the need for complex handling or repositioning. Once thawed and drained, the trailer was driven directly out of the enclosure, and the system was quickly deflated and packed down for reuse.
View Constant Air SystemsA critical delay resolved in days, not months
The Njordair system enabled the contractor to resolve a critical issue that would otherwise have delayed site demobilisation for an extended period.
By creating a controlled heating environment, the frozen tank was thawed efficiently within a matter of days, allowing it to be drained and removed without disruption to the project schedule.
Rapid deployment, combined with effective thermal performance and the ability to enclose large mobile equipment in place, provided a practical and cost-effective solution in extreme conditions.
For projects requiring controlled heating in cold environments, Njordair systems offer a reliable alternative to traditional temporary structures.