Method and apparatus for non-invasively freezing a content of a pipe
US6148619A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 17, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 17, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L55/103
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method, apparatus, and kit are provided for non-invasively freezing a content of a pipe. The method comprises the steps of applying a substantially continuous seal over an outside surface of a pipe at a location where a content of the pipe is to be frozen, covering a surface area of the pipe with a cover sheet in such a way that the substantially continuous seal separates the cover sheet from the surface area to define a cavity between the surface area and the cover sheet, and introducing a cryogenic fluid into the cavity to draw heat away from a content of the pipe, through the surface area. A periphery of the cavity is defined by the substantially continuous seal. The method advantageously provides an apparatus for freezing the content of the pipe. A kit can be used to assemble the apparatus. Advantageously, the method, apparatus 80, and kit provide a non-invasive way of freezing the pipe's content. There is no need to penetrate the wall of the pipe to insert any complex structures or mechanisms. Nor do the method, apparatus, and kit require multiple complex devices, each of which accommodates different diameters of pipe. The method, apparatus, and kit advantageously can be use…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.