Huntingdon Fusion Qwik-Freezer Portable Pipe Freezing Equipment Kit

Revolutionise your pipe repair and modification process with the innovative Huntingdon Fusion Techniques (HFT®) Qwik-Freezer™ Pipe Freezing Kit. This industry-leading solution utilises readily available liquid carbon dioxide (CO₂) to create a secure ice plug within a designated pipe section. Say goodbye to time-consuming system drainage, costly shutdowns, and potential water waste.

Features

• Effortless Isolation: Simply wrap the specially designed jacket around the target pipe section and connect it to a CO₂ cylinder. The CO₂ rapidly expands and freezes the liquid within the isolated area, forming a dependable ice plug.
• Unmatched Speed and Efficiency: Avoid lengthy draining and refilling procedures. The Qwik-Freezer™ allows you to begin repairs or modifications almost immediately.
• Minimal System Disruption: Unlike traditional methods, the Qwik-Freezer™ doesn’t require complete system shutdown. This translates to reduced downtime and improved overall project efficiency.
• Safe for Diverse Pipe Materials: The Qwik-Freezer™ system is safe for use on a wide range of pipe materials, including iron, lead, stainless steel, copper, brass, and even plastic.
• Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly: Liquid CO₂ is readily available and inexpensive compared to other freezing methods. Additionally, you eliminate the need to dispose of large quantities of drained water.
• Precise Freeze Control: The ice plug forms only within the jacketed area, minimising pressure build-up and ensuring pipe safety.
• Customizable Solutions: Qwik-Freezer™ kits come in a variety of sizes to accommodate pipes ranging from 3/8″ to 8″ in diameter.

Applications

• Plumbing Repairs: Replacing faulty valves, fixing leaks, or performing other maintenance tasks
• Sprinkler System Maintenance: Isolating sections of the system for repairs or upgrades
• HVAC System Service: Freezing pipes to allow for component replacement or cleaning
• Industrial Pipework: Temporarily stopping flow in industrial piping systems for maintenance or modifications
• Construction and Installation: Isolating pipes during construction or installation processes

Ordering

FAQs

1. How do I know how much liquid CO2 I need?
Be sure there is more than enough liquid CO2 on hand for the job (refer to the freezing table in the user instructions for the amount needed to complete the initial freeze only). If you intend to hold a freeze, extra cylinders will be needed. Use only cylinders fitted with a siphon tube or dip tube.

2. What condition does the pipe and water inside have to be in?
Ensure there is no flow of water through the pipe, as flowing water will not freeze. The outside surface of the pipe must be clean of all foreign matter. Water should be at 20ºC (68ºF) or colder. Warm water will take much longer to freeze. Always freeze on a horizontal line whenever possible. If attempting a vertical freeze, the water must be colder than 20ºC (68ºF). Additional injections and waiting time will also be necessary.

A vertical pipe may take up to twice as long as a horizontal line and the CO2 consumption will be double. Do not attempt to freeze close to a main line that has flowing water as the turbulence can prevent formation of the ice plug.

3. Can I freeze pipes larger than 8” or with different material inside the pipe?
Qwik-Freezer™ equipment should not be used on pipes larger than the specified size or pipes containing anything but water. For other sizes and applications, contact us.

4. Will I need ventilation whilst freezing?
CO2 is heavier than air and will collect in confined and low-lying work areas. To prevent the danger of asphyxiation, make sure there is always good ventilation. Ventilation fans must be used in confined and low-lying spaces.

5. Do I need to wear safety clothing?
Gloves and safety glasses should be worn at all times when operating Qwik-Freezer™ equipment. Do not hold dry ice as frostbite could result.

6. Can I freeze on a weld?
It is not ideal to freeze on a weld unless the weld has been x-rayed.

7. What kind of pipes can Qwik-Freezer™ be used on?
Qwik-Freezer™ can be used on iron, lead, steel and copper pipes. It is also applicable to plastic pipes, but these will take up to three times longer.

8. How much water pressure will an ice plug hold?
Ice plugs have passed pressure tests up to 5000 psi. HFT® conservatively rates them to 1500 psi.

9. What about bursting or fracturing pipes?
Pipe fractures are not caused by the ice plug or the freezing process. They are caused by a failure to allow enough space between the ice plug and closed connections. This is due to the increase in pressure that is caused by water that is displaced by the ice plug as it grows that can create a ‘hydraulic ram’ if enough space is not allowed.

10. Why is it imperative to have co2 cylinders with siphon-tubes?
Dry ice is formed when liquid CO2 interacts with the atmosphere (which takes place inside the Qwik-Freezer™ jacket). If a cylinder does not have a siphon-tube it will only deliver CO2 gas, which will have no reaction. Without dry ice, there will be no freeze.

11. What if there is a small amount of glycol or other fluid in the line?
It is important to know how much is in the mix and what the freeze point of the liquid is. Note: the ‘freeze point’ may just be a slush and not to the solid state that is required for a plug. The Qwik-Freezer™ will go down to -121oF.

Spares & Accessories

High Pressure Hose – QWIK-FREEZERHOSE

Replacement Qwik-Freezer Jacket – QWIK-FREEZERJACKET

Resources

Datasheet

Huntingdon Fusion Techniques Product Page

Don’t settle for outdated methods that hinder your productivity. Invest in the Qwik-Freezer™ Pipe Freezing Kit and experience the power of efficient, cost-effective pipe repair and modification.