Zone freeze pipe

Abstract

An apparatus sometime referred to as a freeze pipe and methods of using these apparatus in ground freezing applications is provided. Ground freezing is a temporary ground support technique that is used extensively for groundwater control and ground stabilization in underground construction and deep excavations. The process involves circulating refrigerated liquids through a series of vertically disposed “freeze” pipes to freeze the ground creating a solid barrier that prevents water intrusion and provides structural support for excavation. The freeze pipes are directed to “zone freeze” pipes or the like, which cause the ground to freeze in selected segments along the pipe, also referred to as zones.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.