Method and apparatus for non-invasively freezing a content of a pipe

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 used at locations along the pipe where there are external obstructions 30. They also can be used in such a way that the escape of cryogenic fluids into the atmosphere is minimized, if not eliminated.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.