pipe freezers

[gregp]

Anyone had any experience or use those systems that freeze pipes so you can make a repair without draining a system? Trying to get the Co. to buy one, but they say they cant justify the cost. Any input? Thanks.

[hvac3901]

yes, i was'nt too comfortable with the thought of them at first, but working on old systems with bad valves (gate and other styles) it is a freaking life saver. there are some instances where no hvac could have been provided without there use, explaination available on request. it's like a cell phone you always got by without it until you got one then you never find yourself without it.

[bigtime]

We have one and it works well. Our pipe fitters don't like to use it on real old lines because they fear the pipe will crack. Be careful if you use one in a ditch. Several years ago, I heard two guys died using one in a ditch. The unit developed a freon leak and they suffocated due to lack of oxygen.

[The Penguin]

work great just don't use em on a loop system that has had antifreeze added

[gregp]

Good point! I'll have to do more research on these. What type do you all have, the kind that uses the CO2 tank?

[craig1]

Originally posted by bigtime
We have one and it works well. Our pipe fitters don't like to use it on real old lines because they fear the pipe will crack. Be careful if you use one in a ditch. Several years ago, I heard two guys died using one in a ditch. The unit developed a freon leak and they suffocated due to lack of oxygen.

i doubt there is enough freon in a refrigerated pipe freezer to cause suffocation. i bet the guys were using the old type that just releases liquid CO2 onto the line. the amount of CO2 could easily become dangerous in a confined space.

[condenseddave]

Originally posted by craig1

Originally posted by bigtime
We have one and it works well. Our pipe fitters don't like to use it on real old lines because they fear the pipe will crack. Be careful if you use one in a ditch. Several years ago, I heard two guys died using one in a ditch. The unit developed a freon leak and they suffocated due to lack of oxygen.

i doubt there is enough freon in a refrigerated pipe freezer to cause suffocation. i bet the guys were using the old type that just releases liquid CO2 onto the line. the amount of CO2 could easily become dangerous in a confined space.

I'm thinking the same thing.

Probably <2 pounds in one of those. Even a rupture in a small room wouldn't kill ya, unless you were on your way to a Darwin award already.

[andserco]

I've always wondered how OSHA looks at freezing pipes in reference to LOCKOUT/TAGOUT procedures??

[hvac3901]

i don't know the pipe freezers you guys are talking about. i think i've seen them but the pipe freezer we had was one that used a bag and tied to pipe and then used co2 inverted to freeze the pipe because co2 is released it could cause the incident you are refering to.

[ballvalve]

A pipe freezer is a lot loke a cell phone they work real well and you wish you would have gotten one sooner. Ours is made by Ridgid and if Im not mistaken can freeze up to a 3" line. Simple to use and saves time when used on HVAC piping. It really minimizes the time it takes to refill and vent a system.

[ballvalve]

OSHA












What a mess

[rich pickering]

Nothing like using co2 and running out of gas before the repair is done

[stevehvac]

If they are really cheap I've seen a company use dry ice. Take two halfs and notch a half moon in them.Then sandwich the pipe between the halfs. The company I watch used Plastic tie straps to hold the ice in place.They did need to change the straps every so often but it work.