Qwik-Freezer Pipe Freezer
Qwik-Freezer® equipment utilizes liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) to freeze stationary water in selected sections of pipe or tubing. By producing very low "dry ice" temperatures, Qwik-Freezer® forms a secure in-line ice plug. This temporarily isolates the water in the system and allows repairs or modifications to be made without draining down or shutting off systems.
The Qwik-Freezer® kit is easy to use. A specially designed jacket is wrapped around the pipe at the point where the freeze is required. A nozzle on the jacket is then coupled to a cylinder of liquid CO2 by means of a high pressure hose. When the liquid CO2 is injected into the space between the jacket and pipe, it immediately expands to form a solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) at a temperature of -109ºF (-78ºC). This low temperature quickly freezes the contents forming a secure "ice plug" which seals the pipe.
The "ice plug forms only in a section of 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.