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Keep work area clean, avoid flammables, keep bystanders away.
Avoid frostbite, check plug formation, and prevent refrigerant leaks.
Inspect unit, cord, parts, hoses, and fan grille before use.
Steps to operate the unit, form ice plugs, and monitor freezing.
Addresses problems like no frost, slow freezing, or unit tripping.
Keep work area clean, avoid flammables, keep bystanders away.
Avoid frostbite, check plug formation, and prevent refrigerant leaks.
Inspect unit, cord, parts, hoses, and fan grille before use.
Steps to operate the unit, form ice plugs, and monitor freezing.
Addresses problems like no frost, slow freezing, or unit tripping.
The RIDGID SuperFreeze Pipe Freezing Unit, specifically the SF-2500 model, is a portable refrigeration device designed to create ice plugs in water piping systems. This allows contractors to perform maintenance and repairs on water systems without needing to shut down or drain the entire system. The unit operates by circulating a self-contained refrigerant to aluminum freeze heads, which then form an ice plug in the pipe. The SF-2500 is enclosed in a portable carry case, making it convenient for transport and on-site use.
The primary function of the SuperFreeze Pipe Freezing Unit is to facilitate pipe repairs by creating temporary ice plugs. This eliminates the need for extensive system shutdowns or draining, saving time and resources. Once the ice plug is formed and stable, repairs can be made on the isolated section of the pipe. The unit then maintains the ice plug throughout the repair process. After the repair is complete and the system is closed, the unit is turned off, allowing the ice plug to melt and the system to return to normal operation. The SF-2500 model features quick restart capabilities and uses specially designed compressors with overload protection. It does not require the use of CO2 or Nitrogen, nor does it involve the release of refrigerants.
The SF-2500 model comes in two main electrical configurations: 115V Domestic and 230V European.
SF-2500, 115V:
SF-2500, 230V (European Model):
The freeze head cavities are specifically sized for copper tube sizes but can be used on steel pipe sizes with adherence to instructions. The unit includes two Velcro straps with D-Rings, a Quick Grip clamp, freeze gel, a water spray bottle, and an operator's manual as standard equipment.
Pre-Operation Inspection: Before each use, a thorough inspection is required. This includes ensuring the unit is unplugged and in the OFF position, cleaning any oil, grease, or dirt, and checking for proper assembly, maintenance, and completeness. The cord and plug should be inspected for damage, and hoses to the freeze heads checked for cracks, kinks, or breaks. The fan grille and louvers must be clear to ensure proper airflow. Finally, with dry hands, the unit should be plugged in, turned ON to confirm compressor and fan operation, then turned OFF and unplugged.
Machine and Work Area Set-Up: The work area must be well-lit, free of flammable liquids or dust, and provide a clear, level, stable, dry location for the equipment and operator. A properly grounded electrical outlet of the correct voltage is essential. The system fluid must be water-based, as the unit will not work on other fluids or flowing water. Water additives can affect freezing. The pipe material must be metallic, and its size should fall within the specified capacities. Water and air temperatures must be below certain thresholds (e.g., up to 1" sizes – 110°F (43°C), 1 1/4" and 1 1/2" sizes – 90°F (32°C), 2" and larger sizes – 80°F (27°C)). Any flow in the pipe section to be frozen must be stopped.
Freeze Plug Location: The freeze plug(s) should be located to allow access for at least one freeze head, preferably both. If heat-adding processes (soldering, brazing, welding) are involved, the plug(s) must be a minimum distance from the heat source (one foot (0.3 m) per inch (25 mm) of diameter for steel, three feet (0.9 m) per inch of diameter for other materials). Ice plugs should also be at least one foot (0.3 m) away from end caps, elbows, closed valves, or other obstructions to prevent splitting of the pipe. Special care is needed for circulating hot water mains, with plugs needing to be at least 5 feet (1.5 m) away for smaller pipes and 8 feet (2.4 m) for larger pipes.
Preparation and Application: All insulation and coatings must be removed from the pipe down to bare metal, and corrosion removed with a wire brush. The unit should be placed on a solid, level surface, upright, with clear air inlet/outlet to the condenser. Hoses should be uncoiled carefully to avoid twisting or kinking. The appropriate freeze head cavity for the pipe size should be selected, using adapter bushings if necessary. Freeze gel must be applied to the freeze head cavity (and adapters if used) to improve thermal conductivity and speed freezing. If freeze gel is unavailable, water spray can be used. Freeze heads are attached to the pipe using a Quick Grip clamp or Velcro straps, ensuring not to overtighten and deform the pipe.
Operating Instructions: Once set up, the machine is turned ON. Freeze heads should start to frost within 2-3 minutes. Spraying water between freeze heads and the pipe helps fill gaps and improves thermal conductivity. If freeze heads do not become cold and frost-covered after 7 minutes, the unit should be turned OFF for 3 minutes and restarted. Once frozen to the pipe, the ice plug is allowed to form. Pipe insulation can be used in high ambient temperatures to improve freeze times.
Safety Warnings: It is crucial to test the system to confirm ice plugs are fully formed and stable before opening the piping system. Failure to do so can cause burns, electric shock, or property damage. The freeze heads and hoses become extremely cold, posing a frostbite risk; gloves should be worn. Eye protection is mandatory. The unit should not be left unattended, and if power is interrupted, the ON/OFF switch should be turned OFF for at least 30 seconds before restarting to prevent compressor damage.
Cleaning: After each use, the freeze heads should be cleaned with a soft cloth. The condenser fan grilles should be cleaned to remove dirt, and any frost or water wiped from the fully thawed freeze heads and hoses.
Storage: The SuperFreeze units must be stored in a dry, secure, locked area, out of reach of children and untrained persons. Hoses should be coiled in the adjacent compartment without crossing, and the aluminum freeze heads protected from impact or sharp objects. The unit should be firmly secured during transport to prevent damage from excessive vibration and shock.
Service and Repair: The SuperFreeze Pipe Freezing Units contain refrigerant and require certified service personnel. All service and repair must be performed by a RIDGID Independent Authorized Service Center. Users are advised to contact their local RIDGID distributor or the Ridge Tool Technical Service Department for assistance.
Disposal: The unit contains valuable materials that can be recycled. Components should be disposed of in compliance with all applicable regulations. For EC Countries, electrical equipment should not be disposed of with household waste but collected separately for environmentally correct disposal according to European Guideline 2002/96/EC.
General