Closed-Circuit Pipe Freezing With Recyclable Saline Coolant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for freezing pipes often rely on polluting gases like nitrogen, which cause greenhouse effects and material loss, and struggle with controlling high-temperature freezing and material conservation.
Innovation Solution
A closed circuit method using a mixture of 55-85% water and 15-45% saline solution of carboxylic acids, such as Potassium Acetate and Potassium Formate, to achieve freezing temperatures below -30°C without material evaporation, allowing for invasive and non-invasive freezing of fluids and mechanical adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional gas-based freezing systems (e.g., liquid nitrogen) are used, then freezing temperatures can be achieved, but material loss occurs due to evaporation and greenhouse effects are caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the freezing fluid from traditional cryogenic gases (nitrogen) to a water-based saline solution containing carboxylic acids (potassium acetate, potassium formate). This parameter change allows the system to achieve freezing temperatures below -30°C while eliminating evaporation losses and greenhouse gas emissions, as the aqueous solution does not vaporize like cryogenic gases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop system where the freezing fluid is continuously recirculated through cooling units and accumulation tanks. The fluid that has transferred its cold to the pipe is recovered and returned to the cooling unit for re-cooling, eliminating material loss and enabling sustainable operation without continuous replenishment of freezing agent.
2Temperature
If traditional gas-based freezing systems are used, then freezing capability is achieved, but polluting gases cause greenhouse effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously harmful property of cryogenic gases (evaporation leading to greenhouse gas release) into a beneficial characteristic by using an aqueous saline solution that does not evaporate. The carboxylic acid salts in the solution lower the freezing point of water, enabling sub-zero temperatures without the harmful emissions associated with traditional cryogenic systems.
3Loss of substance
If water-based saline solutions are used, then material loss is minimized, but achieving temperatures below -30°C becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite freezing fluid consisting of water combined with saline solutions of carboxylic acids (specifically potassium acetate and potassium formate). This composite composition leverages the colligative properties of the salts to depress the freezing point of water below -30°C, while maintaining the non-volatile, environmentally benign characteristics of an aqueous solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the concentration parameters of the carboxylic acid salts in the water-based solution to achieve the desired freezing temperature. By optimizing the ratio of water to saline solution and selecting specific carboxylic acid salts, the system achieves freezing temperatures below -30°C while minimizing material loss through evaporation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method effectively freezes fluids and mechanical elements at high temperatures using non-polluting, recyclable fluids, minimizing material loss and avoiding the drawbacks of traditional gas-based freezing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first phase comprising a cooling unit that cools down a first fluid
Implementation Method 2
a second phase wherein, when the first fluid reaches a temperature of at least -30°C, the accumulation tank sends said first fluid through third pipes to a collector, which, by means of fourth pipes said fluid freezes a second fluid that passes through the interior of a pipe
Implementation Method 3
said fluid freezes a second fluid that passes through the interior of a pipe
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The method comprises a first phase comprising a cooling unit (1) which cools down a first fluid, said cooling unit (1) is connected by first pipes (2), which convey the first fluid, to an accumulation tank (3) which calculates the temperature of the first fluid, and when such first fluid reaches -30°C or less, the accumulation tank (3) sends the fluid to the second phase; if the fluid has not reached the predetermined temperature, the fluid is returned through second pipes (5) to the first cooling unit (1) and is recirculated until it reaches the predetermined temperature.