Companies currently facing system downtime can drastically reduce pipe and valve repair and maintenance costs with Accu-Freeze™ available from the Pipestoppers® Division of Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT®.
Accu-Freeze™ works by reducing the pipe fluid to a temperature below its freezing point and developing a freeze plug. This controlled method of pipe freezing uses liquid nitrogen (LN2) to freeze stationary liquids in a section of pipe or tubing. The nitrogen is passed through a coil surrounding the pipe producing a frozen plug inside and hence preventing flow through the part to be removed.
The ice plug only forms beneath the Accu-Freeze™ coil wrap, jacket or aluminum clam jacket. The system is effective on 6 – 12″ (150 to 300 mm) pipe or tube. The ice plug does not expand outside of the range of the jacket or coil.
The LN2 injections are automated which reduces the operators’ workload and the amount of LN2 consumed, keeping operating costs low. Accu-Freeze™ can also be operated remotely, which makes it ideal for use inside ‘hot’ nuclear areas where personal exposure must be kept below certain limits.
