Replacing valves in a pipeline can be a challenge, especially when the pipelines have liquids running through them. One option is to completely drain the system to make the repairs, which can prove costly with respect to loss of expensive fluid, heating or cooling costs, etc.
Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT® recently introduced the Qwik-Freezer™ Systems to their Pipestoppers® Division. These systems create ice plugs or freeze seals in the pipes, avoiding the requirement to drain systems.
Qwik-Freezer™ is the industry standard portable CO2 pipe freezing system, in use around the world, covering pipe diameters from 3/8” – 8” (9 – 200 mm).
Once liquids have been brought to a standstill, a specially designed flexible jacket is wrapped around the pipe at the point where the freeze is required. A nozzle in the jacket is then coupled to a cylinder of liquid carbon dioxide by means of a high-pressure hose. For valve replacement, a second jacket is installed on the other side, creating a double freeze, blocking flow on both sides of the valve.
