Freezing Times; Cleaning - RIDGID SuperFreeze SF-2300 Operator's Manual

Do not leave the unit unattended. Pipes can freeze
and split during the freezing process and monitoring
can minimize the hazard and damage. If for some rea-
son the power to the freezing unit is interrupted, turn
the ON/OFF switch to OFF and do not restart for at
least 30 seconds to prevent compressor damage.
Figure 9 – Freeze Head Frozen to Pipe
Time to freeze a fully formed ice plug depends on a
variety of factors, including water temperature, ambi-
ent temperature, distance from heat sources, pipe size
and wall thickness, pipe material, number of freeze
heads, quality of contact between freeze heads and
pipe, and other conditions. The following table of
freeze times is based on water temperature being the
same as ambient temperature, use on copper tube,
use of freeze gel and use of two freeze heads. Freeze
times for steel pipe will be longer. Freeze times for
other less optimal conditions may be double those
shown or greater. Freeze times are only provided
as a general guide.
5. Carefully test the system to make sure that the plugs
are complete and there is no flow before opening
the system. This can be done by opening a valve
downstream of the plug and verifying that there is no
flow. Another method is to use a saddle tap valve
(similar to those used to install icemakers) to pierce a
copper tube and check for water flow. If there is flow,
close the system and continue the freezing process.
Wait at least five more minutes after confirmation that
there is no water flow to proceed with opening the
system for work. On high temperature applications,
water temperature over 90°F (32°C) but below 100°F
(38°C), wait at least 15 minutes. Do not shut OFF the
freezing unit.
SuperFreeze ® Pipe Freezing Units

Freezing Times

Nominal Copper Ambient/Water
Tube Diameter Temperature
CTS Inches DN mm °F
70
1 / 15 80
2
90
70
3 / 22 80
4
90
70
1 28 80
90
70
1 1 / 35 80
4
90
70
1 1 / 42 80
2
90
70
2 54 80
90
70
2 1 / 80
2
90
6. Once the ice plug has been completely formed and
enough time has passed since confirmation that there
is no flow in the pipe, the pipe can be opened. When
opening the system, be prepared for the possibility of
liquid coming out of the line and wear proper protec-
tive equipment in case a plug fails. Be sure to follow
the guidelines in the set up section for distance from
plug to heating of system for soldering, brazing, etc.
Do not shut OFF the freezing unit while making
repairs. This will help insure that the plug does not
melt while the system is open.
7. When the repair is complete and system is closed,
shut OFF and unplug pipe freezing unit, and allow ice
and frost to melt off the freeze heads and hoses.
NOTICE Do not try to remove the freeze heads from
the pipe or coil the hoses until they are completely
thawed. This can result in damage to the hoses and
freeze heads. If freeze heads and hoses must be
removed more quickly, a heat gun can be used to thaw
them.

Cleaning

After each use, clean the freeze heads with a soft cloth.
Clean the condenser fan grilles to remove dirt. Wipe
frost/water from the fully thawed freeze heads and hoses.
Approx. Freezing Times
(Minutes)
°C SF-2500 SF-2300
21 6 5
26 8 6
32 10 8
21 8 6
26 10 8
32 13 10
21 10 10
26 13 12
32 16 15
21 12 NA
26 15 NA
32 19 NA
21 19 21
26 22 26
32 28 42
21 23 NA
26 25 NA
32 28 NA
21 40 NA
26 51 NA
32 55 NA
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