Kwik Freeze (Pipe Freezing Service)

IRL provide a pipe freezing service called Kwik Freeze, which involves the freezing of piping within and during a functional line. This means repairs or modifications can be performed on a specified section of pipe, without shutting down or draining the entire line system.

There are many reasons for the need to isolate pipelines, but damage is one of the most common. If a valve has to be repaired or replaced (without shutting down and draining the whole system) pipe freezing is a reliable method saving time and money. Other routine applications include:

• Provides line blocking where valves/stops are not located.

• Improved maintenance capabilities during shutdown/outage periods.

IRL have two Kwik Freeze systems available depending on the requirements of the job:

1. Carbon Dioxide based (CO2) dry ice jacketed system (non-controlled temperature)

2. Liquid Nitrogen based (LN2) system (controlled temperature)

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) System

The non-controlled temperature carbon dioxide (CO2) system, involves wrapping the pipe in an insulated jacket (dry ice jacket). CO2 is then injected from a siphon tube linked to a liquid CO2 cylinder bottle. This produces very low (dry ice) temperatures and forms an inline ice plug within the pipe, resulting in an isolated pipe system.

This is a cost effective system used primarily in Hvac and plumbing systems, where pipe temperatures are not a consideration.

Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) System

Where temperature moderation is required, the controlled liquid nitrogen (LN2) pipe freezing system is the one to choose. IRL use the Accu-Freeze system, which allows the ability to freeze large diameter pipe (up to 12 inches), and control the entire freeze process.

How does this work?

The Accu-Freeze system starts off with copper tubing wrapped around the pipe and a specially designed insulated jacket around the required section of pipe to be frozen.

The copper tubing is connected with a patented temperature control unit - the unit controls the surface wall temperature of the pipe to accurately and safely create an ice plug inside the pipe. Once the plug is formed, maintenance and/or repair work be carried out.

The ice plug is formed in the section below the Accu-Freeze coil wrap and jacket, and does not expand outside the jacket parameters. It is capable of withstanding 2000 psi in pipes up to 12 inches in diameter.

The controlled ice plug does not create enough pressure to affect the integrity of the pipe. Where pipe bursts occur, it is due to ice forming in an uncontrolled manner, creating hydrostatic pressure between ice plugs or against a closure in the line.

Freeze Piping Benefits

• Eliminates the need for a complete system drain
  
• Non-intrusive method of developing temporary piping isolations

• Internal piping fluid develops into solid and dependable freeze plugs
  
• Requires no special welding or other costs often related to Line Stop Fittings
  
• Avoids the need to replace costly chemically treated fluids, saving time and money
  
• Minimises environmental risk, by removing the need to dispose of wastewater or toxic fluids

Please contact IRL to discuss your requirements.