Pipe Freezing with Qwik-Freezer™
Repairs or modifications on pipes can pose challenges, especially where there is liquid present inside, which may result in the expense and danger of system down time and loss of revenue while the system is drained and refilled.
To dramatically reduce these costs and speed up the repair or replacement enormously, Qwik-Freezer™ is available from the Pipestoppers® Division of Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT®.
Ron Sewell, Chairman for HFT® said: “Qwik-Freezer™ is quick and easy to use, requires little set-up time and is the only CO2 Pipe Freezing System capable of freezing up to 8” pipe. Even for smaller diameter freezes, Qwik-Freezer™ produces ice plugs that are significantly more reliable and robust, capable of withstanding far more pressure than the smaller freeze plugs that other types of systems will produce.”
A specially designed flexible jacket is wrapped around the pipe at the point or points where the freeze is required. When the CO2 is injected into the space between the jacket and the pipe, at a temperature of -78ºC, the pipe contents freeze and a secure ‘ice plug’ is formed, which seals the pipe. The ‘ice plug’ forms only in a section of the pipe covered by the jacket, so the resulting rise in pressure is very small and there is no damage to the pipe. The technique can be used safely on iron, lead, stainless steel, copper, brass and plastic pipe.
By not having to drain systems of liquids to make repairs, the savings made are able to justify the low relative cost of the Qwik-Freezer™ System.
Larger pipe diameters, the use of anti freeze, rust inhibitors and liquids that cannot be frozen with C02 temperatures, can create freeze points that require the liquid nitrogen (LN2) temperatures of the Accu-Freeze™ System in order to create a pressure bearing freeze plug regardless of the pipe diameter.
Many plumbing and maintenance companies already switching to our Pipe Freezing Systems due to the significant cost savings attached to the avoidance of draining pipes and systems and the time saving for repairs.
HFT®’s US Partner, COB Industries said: “When a sprinkler head has to be repaired or replaced in a large system, there are many issues that can arise. Draining large fire systems can create problems with disposal of all the water, more so when it is treated chemically with rust inhibitors and/or anti freeze. Environmental concerns prevent disposal of this water in a normal drainage system, even if it is possible to access one.”
“Another issue with draining large systems is trapped air creating an air block in the lines. If there is no way to bleed the air from the system as it fills entire sections can remain empty and unusable. The ease of use makes the Qwik-Freezer™ System very popular for diameters up to 4” even though it is capable of freezing up to 8”).”
“Larger pipe diameters than 8” and the use of anti freeze and rust inhibitors can create the need for the liquid nitrogen (LN2) temperatures of the Accu-Freeze™ System in order to create a pressure bearing freeze plug.
Nevertheless, both Pipe Freezing Systems, namely the Qwik-Freezer™ and the Accu-Freeze™ are used for high speed and low cost fire sprinkler and valve maintenance.
Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT® have an Exclusive Distributor network, which can be found at: www.huntingdonfusion.com.
A Qwik-Freezer™ video demonstration is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/k_Vxv4m-SEA