EP2690222B2 - Method and system for freezing a portion of ground - Google Patents
Method and system for freezing a portion of ground Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2690222B2 EP2690222B2 EP13177293.1A EP13177293A EP2690222B2 EP 2690222 B2 EP2690222 B2 EP 2690222B2 EP 13177293 A EP13177293 A EP 13177293A EP 2690222 B2 EP2690222 B2 EP 2690222B2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- probe
- ground
- liquefied gas
- cryogenic
- gas
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 230000008014 freezing Effects 0.000 title claims description 23
- 238000007710 freezing Methods 0.000 title claims description 23
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 7
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 claims description 105
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 73
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 206010022000 influenza Diseases 0.000 description 5
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000012071 phase Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000006213 oxygenation reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007792 gaseous phase Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008595 infiltration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001764 infiltration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010257 thawing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D3/00—Improving or preserving soil or rock, e.g. preserving permafrost soil
- E02D3/11—Improving or preserving soil or rock, e.g. preserving permafrost soil by thermal, electrical or electro-chemical means
- E02D3/115—Improving or preserving soil or rock, e.g. preserving permafrost soil by thermal, electrical or electro-chemical means by freezing
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D19/00—Keeping dry foundation sites or other areas in the ground
- E02D19/06—Restraining of underground water
- E02D19/12—Restraining of underground water by damming or interrupting the passage of underground water
- E02D19/14—Restraining of underground water by damming or interrupting the passage of underground water by freezing the soil
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a method and a system for freezing a portion of ground according to the accompanying claims.
- Usually freezing is temporary and allows the programmed works to be carried out under safe conditions.
- Said works consist, for example, in the construction of wells, tunnels, underground structures and impermeable diaphragm walls.
- probes have been developed such as to allow, by means of the evaporation of a cryogenic liquefied gas contained inside them, for example nitrogen, freezing of the portion of ground inside which they are buried.
- a cryogenic liquefied gas contained inside them for example nitrogen, freezing of the portion of ground inside which they are buried.
- United States patent 3,943,722 discloses an apparatus and a method of freezing a large volume of grounds said apparatus consisting in a series of freeze pipes embedded in the ground, each of this freeze pipes consisting of a conductor tube anf an inner header tube.
- DE 26 51 117A1 discloses a system with coaxial pipes for introducing and extracting cryogenic liquefied gas into and from a probe.
- the probes also called freezing probes
- the probes usually have a sleeve inside which the cryogenic liquefied gas is introduced via first pipes. Said cryogenic liquefied gas, after evaporating and absorbing heat from the ground surrounding the probe, is then extracted from the sleeve by means of second pipes.
- the first pipes introduce the cryogenic liquefied gas in a bottom zone of the sleeve (and therefore of the probe).
- cryogenic liquefied gas is propelled from the bottom of the sleeve towards an upper portion of the said bottom, filling it.
- a second pipe is provided so as to allow evacuation of the cryogenic gas which, after releasing cold, passes from the liquid state to the gaseous state.
- the first pipes allow connection of a cryogenic storage tank to the sleeve.
- said pipes have at least one valve for allowing variation of the flow rate of the cryogenic liquefied gas flowing along the pipe.
- the cryogenic gas extracted in the gaseous state from the probe may be conveyed by the second pipe to an apparatus for dispersion, into the atmosphere, of the cryogenic gas in the gaseous state.
- the second pipe similar to the first pipe, has at least one valve intended, for example, to vary the flow rate of the nitrogen flowing along the second pipe.
- the object of the present invention is therefore to provide a system for freezing a portion of ground which is able to solve the said problems.
- the object of the present invention is to provide a system able to improve the heat exchange between the cryogenic liquefied gas and the ground surrounding the probe.
- the reference number 1 denotes a system for freezing a portion of ground 15.
- the system 1 generally has at least one probe 3 which is buried inside the ground 15 surrounding the aforementioned probe 3 via an insertable end 3a thereof, said probe 3 being connected to supply means 5 for supplying a cryogenic liquefied gas to the probe 3.
- said supply means 5 are able to deliver said cryogenic liquefied gas inside the probe 3.
- the system 1 comprises two probes 3 and 3'.
- the system 1 may have a plurality of probes, the number of which is defined depending on the predefined purpose.
- the aforementioned supply means 5 comprise a tank 9 of suitable dimensions for ensuring that the system 1 is kept constantly supplied.
- the tank 9 may have means for detecting and/or calculating and/or indicating to other devices the instantaneous and/or average delivery flow rate.
- said supply means 5 may comprise any cryogenic liquefied gas source suitable for the purpose.
- the supply means 5 also comprise a delivery pipe 6 having a first end 6a connected to the tank 9.
- Said delivery pipe 6 is also connected to the probe 3 by means of a second end 6b (in order to fill it with cryogenic gas in liquid form).
- Each probe ( Fig. 2 ) usually comprises a sleeve 13 inside which the cryogenic liquefied gas, for example nitrogen, is introduced.
- the sleeve 13 allows the cryogenic liquefied gas to be kept separate from the ground 15 into which the probe 3 is inserted.
- cryogenic liquefied gas With the cryogenic liquefied gas it is possible to reduce the temperature of the ground down to, for example, a temperature in the region of -10 °C (temperature detected in the ground 15 surrounding the probe 3). With this temperature it is possible to obtain substantially a wall of frozen ground which allows the works to be carried out at depth without the presence of water infiltration. Said works consist, for example, in the construction of wells, tunnels, underground structures and impermeable diaphragm walls.
- the freezing operation is based on the principle that the cryogenic liquefied gas introduced inside the probe 3 absorbs heat from the ground 15, evaporating and at the same time reducing the temperature of the ground 15.
- the cryogenic gas in the gaseous state present inside the probe 3 is evacuated by means of a suction pipe 7.
- the sleeve 13 generally has a tubular form closed at at least one first end 13a corresponding to the insertable end 3a of the probe 3, in order to contain the cryogenic liquefied gas.
- the sleeve 13 has preferably a round-shaped cross-section.
- the tubular form of the sleeve 13 is such as to define at least one lateral wall 14 of the probe.
- the sleeve 13 at a second end 13b opposite to the first end 13a has a cover 17 which hermetically closes the sleeve 13 of the probe 3.
- the second end 13b of the sleeve 13 is not buried in the ground 15, but is placed outside of the aforementioned ground 15.
- the probe 3 extends along a longitudinal axis X defined by the tubular form of the same probe 3.
- the probe 3 can be inserted into the ground 15 in such a way that, during use, the longitudinal axis X is arranged vertically.
- a first opening 21 is provided for housing and hermetically securing the delivery pipe 6 to the probe 3.
- a second opening 23 is provided for housing and hermetically securing the suction pipe 7.
- the delivery pipe 6 is housed inside the first opening 21 and extends at least partly inside the probe 3.
- the portion of the delivery pipe 6 placed inside the probe 3 is referred to as "dispensing pipe 33".
- Said dispensing pipe 33 extends at least partly parallel to the axis X.
- the cryogenic liquefied gas is introduced inside the sleeve 13 by means of gravity via a dispensing device 31 placed at a second end 6b of the delivery pipe 6 of the probe 3.
- the second end 6b of the delivery pipe 6 corresponds to a free and facing the end 3a of the probe 3.
- the dispensing device 31 has a dispensing mouth 35 via which the cryogenic liquefied gas may be sprayed onto the lateral wall 14 of the probe 3, above a liquid head generated by the cryogenic liquefied gas present inside the probe 3 at the first end 13a. Moreover, said dispensing device 31 allows spraying of the cryogenic liquefied gas towards the end 3a of the probe 3.
- the dispensing mouth 35 may be, for example, divided up into a plurality of openings (not shown in the figures) defined by means of a perforated plate or sheet (not shown in the figures). Alternatively it may have a nozzle with a form such as to allow spraying of the cryogenic liquefied gas or also other means suitable for the purpose.
- the probe 3 comprises a layer of insulating material 36 placed externally to the sleeve 13 and adhering to the sleeve 13 itself.
- the layer of insulating material 36 lines an upper part of the probe 3.
- the layer of insulating material 36 has a first end 36a placed between the dispensing mouth 35 and a suction mouth 47 positioned along a first end portion 7a of the suction pipe 7 and a second end 36b of the layer of insulating material 36 placed at the end 3b of the probe 3.
- Said dispensing mouth 35 is positioned at a distance H1 from the first end 13a of the sleeve 13.
- This distance H1 defines the height of the cold front edge which is to be obtained in the ground surrounding the probe 3.
- the value of the distance H1 is also determined so as to generate the front cold edge which is to be obtained in the ground surrounding the probe 3.
- the dispensing mouth 35 is positioned at a distance H2 from the suction mouth 47.
- This distance H2 is, for example, equal to about 1 metre and is measured in the direction defined by the longitudinal axis X.
- a mixed liquid/gas phase consisting of the cryogenic gas in the gaseous state and a suspension of cryogenic gas droplets in the liquid state is produced.
- a substantially gaseous phase is present in the proximity of the suction mouth 47.
- This suction mouth 47 defines an upper freezing limit of the ground 15.
- Said upper freezing limit of the ground 15 in turn defines a height h above which, inside the sleeve 13, there is no cryogenic gas in the liquid state. This height is determined a priori depending on the height at which the ground 15 is to be frozen.
- the delivery pipe 6 has a first valve 37 placed at the end 13b of the probe 3, in particular upstream of the first opening 21.
- the first valve 37 enables or interrupts dispensing of the cryogenic liquefied gas inside the aforementioned delivery pipe 6.
- a first branch 39 may be present along a portion 38 of the delivery pipe 6 situated between the first opening 21 and the first valve 37.
- the branch 39 connects the aforementioned portion 38 to the suction pipe 7 connected to a probe 3' adjacent to the probe 3.
- the delivery pipe 6 has at least one valve 75 for interrupting the flow of the cryogenic liquefied gas should the atmospheric emissions of said system 1 not comply with the oxygenation limits stipulated by the environmental safety regulations.
- Said delivery pipe 6 also has at least one second branch 46.
- Said second branch 46 allows all the probes forming part of the system 1 to be supplied simultaneously.
- the suction pipe 7 allows the sleeve 13 to be connected to at least one apparatus 11 for dispersion, into the atmosphere, of the cryogenic gas in gaseous form.
- a first end portion 7a of the suction pipe 7 is housed and hermetically secured inside the second opening 23 present at the second end 13b of the sleeve 13.
- the first end portion 7a of the suction pipe 7 extends at least partly inside the sleeve 13.
- This first end portion 7a situated inside the sleeve 13 is commonly referred to as "dip pipe 45".
- the dip pipe 45 corresponds to the first end portion 7a.
- the dip pipe 45 in a similar manner to the dispensing pipe 33, extends at least partly parallel to the longitudinal axis X.
- One end 45a of the dip pipe 45 inside the probe is provided with the suction mouth 47 via which the cryogenic gas is removed from the sleeve 13.
- This suction mouth 47 is placed at a distance h defined between the suction mouth 47 and the end 3a of the probe 3.
- the suction mouth 47 is placed at a height above the dispensing mouth 35 (when the axis X of the probe is arranged vertically). In this way, the evaporated cryogenic gas present inside the sleeve 13, in particular above the free surface of the cryogenic liquefied gas, may be extracted from the sleeve 13 itself in order to be dispersed into the atmosphere.
- the suction pipe 7 allows transfer of the cryogenic gas in the gaseous state from the probe 3 to the apparatus 11.
- the transfer of the cryogenic gas in the gaseous state from the probe 3 to the apparatus 11 takes place as a result of the reduced pressure present between the tank 9 (inside which the cryogenic gas is usually kept it a pressure of at least 2 bar) and the atmospheric pressure.
- This apparatus 11 has at least one discharge flue 49 suitably connected to at least one fan 51.
- the fans 51 introduce air at a base 53 of the discharge flues 49.
- the fans 51 therefore allow the cryogenic gas to be mixed with air in order to reduce the concentration and increase the temperature thereof, before said cryogenic gas is dispersed in the atmosphere.
- This mixing operation allows the cryogenic gas to be dispersed in the atmosphere in keeping with the parameters laid down by the environmental protection regulations.
- the flues 49 along a portion passed over by an air flow generated by the fans 51, have an opening (not shown in the figures) for housing and hermetically securing a second end 7b of the suction pipe 7. Via said opening, when the fans 51 are activated, it is possible to generate inside the suction pipe 7 a vacuum such as to draw off the cryogenic gas present inside the sleeve 13.
- a discharge flue 49 may have two fans 51 with a different air flow rate.
- the discharge flues 49 in the proximity of their upper portion, may have probes for detecting the temperature of the vapours emitted from the aforementioned discharge flues 49.
- At least one environmental low-oxygenation sensor may be provided in the proximity of said apparatus 11.
- said environmental sensor activates an alarm signal, for example an acoustic and/or visual signal.
- said sensor is able to send a signal for closing the valve 75, therefore interrupting the supply of cryogenic liquefied gas to the probes.
- the suction pipe 7 has a first valve 57 placed at the end 3a of the probe 3, in particular downstream of the second opening 23. Said first valve 57 allows or interrupts the flow of cryogenic gas inside the aforementioned suction pipe 7, in particular the transfer of a cryogenic gas from the sleeve 13 to the apparatus 11.
- a third branch 61 is generally placed along a first portion 59 of the suction pipe 7 situated between the second opening 23 and the first valve 57. Said third branch 61 is able to house at least one sensor for detecting the temperature 63 of the cryogenic gas present in the sleeve 13.
- a fourth branch 67 is present along a second portion 65 of the suction pipe 7, between the first valve 57 and the temperature detection sensor 63, said branch allowing division of a cryogenic gas flow directed from the sleeve 13 to the apparatus 11.
- the portion of cryogenic gas which passes through the fourth branch 67 may thus be transferred to a second probe 3' adjacent to the probe 3, in order to recycle the aforementioned cryogenic gas to said second probe 3'.
- the gas is transferred to the second probe 3' by means of the fifth branch 39' along which there is a fifth valve 73 for enabling or interrupting the flow of the cryogenic gas.
- This solution is used should be cryogenic gas leaving the sleeve 13 still be able to absorb heat from the ground 15. In this way it is possible to perform recycling of the cryogenic gas.
- the sleeve 13 at the end 13b may have a further opening or branch 69.
- Said further opening or branch 69 allows, for example, connection of an instrument (not shown in the figures) for measuring the pressure present inside the sleeve 13 of the probe 3.
- an instrument not shown in the figures
- a safety valve 71 (commonly called PSV) for protecting the mechanical integrity of the sleeve 13 and the suction pipe 7 against the risk of overpressure is present in the region of the dip pipe 45 or the end 13b of the sleeve 13.
- Additional sensors are also provided for detecting the temperature of the ground 15. Said additional sensors allow continuous detection of the temperature of the ground 15 and at the same time provide indications as to the actual condition of the ground 15 which is to be frozen. In this way it is possible to have an indication of the efficiency of operation of the freezing system 1.
- a plurality of temperature detection sensors (not shown in the figures) which can be inserted in the ground 15 are arranged vertically aligned with one other in the aforementioned ground 15 surrounding the probe 3 and in direct contact with the probe itself. In this way it is possible to obtain an indication of the level of the cryogenic liquefied gas present inside the sleeve 13.
- a method for freezing the ground 15 also forms part of the present invention.
- Said method for freezing the ground 15 consists in providing the system 1 in accordance with the arrangement shown in Figure 1 , burying at least one probe 3 in the aforementioned ground 15.
- the cryogenic gas by means of the supply means 5, is introduced inside the probe 3 in order to acquire heat from the ground 15 surrounding the aforementioned probe 3, evaporating.
- cryogenic liquid gas when the cryogenic liquefied gas is emitted from the dispensing mouth 35, said cryogenic liquid gas is sprayed onto at least one lateral wall 14 of the probe 3 and/or towards a buried end 3a of the probe 3.
- the cryogenic gas is then evacuated from the probe 3 by means of the suction pipe 7 which transfers the aforementioned cryogenic gas to the system for dispersion of the gases into the atmosphere 11.
- a maintenance phase during which the temperature reached during freezing is maintained.
- the aforementioned temperature is maintained by means of suitable cycles for injection of the cryogenic liquefied gas into the probe 3. These injection cycles are performed using flow rates of the cryogenic liquefied gas which are lower (than that used during freezing) or by supplying cryogenic liquefied gas discontinuously.
- a thawing step envisages interrupting the injection of cryogenic liquefied gas to the probe 3.
- This step consists in merely monitoring the temperature of the ground 15 in order to check when said temperatures have returned to a level above zero degrees.
- the present invention achieves the object indicated since the cryogenic liquefied gas, which is sprayed at least onto a lateral wall of the probe and/or towards the insertable end of the probe itself, allows improved heat exchange with the ground surrounding the probe to be obtained, compared to the prior art.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Paleontology (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Agronomy & Crop Science (AREA)
- Soil Sciences (AREA)
- Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
- Investigation Of Foundation Soil And Reinforcement Of Foundation Soil By Compacting Or Drainage (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a method and a system for freezing a portion of ground according to the accompanying claims.
- Conventional systems for freezing a portion of ground are known, said systems allowing freezing of the water present in the ground so as to compact the latter, increasing its overall strength and rendering it impermeable.
- Usually freezing is temporary and allows the programmed works to be carried out under safe conditions. Said works consist, for example, in the construction of wells, tunnels, underground structures and impermeable diaphragm walls.
- To this end, probes have been developed such as to allow, by means of the evaporation of a cryogenic liquefied gas contained inside them, for example nitrogen, freezing of the portion of ground inside which they are buried.
-
United States patent 3,943,722 discloses an apparatus and a method of freezing a large volume of grounds said apparatus consisting in a series of freeze pipes embedded in the ground, each of this freeze pipes consisting of a conductor tube anf an inner header tube.DE 26 51 117A1 discloses a system with coaxial pipes for introducing and extracting cryogenic liquefied gas into and from a probe. - The probes (also called freezing probes) usually have a sleeve inside which the cryogenic liquefied gas is introduced via first pipes. Said cryogenic liquefied gas, after evaporating and absorbing heat from the ground surrounding the probe, is then extracted from the sleeve by means of second pipes.
- The first pipes introduce the cryogenic liquefied gas in a bottom zone of the sleeve (and therefore of the probe).
- In this way, the cryogenic liquefied gas is propelled from the bottom of the sleeve towards an upper portion of the said bottom, filling it. In order to define the maximum filling level of the sleeve, a second pipe is provided so as to allow evacuation of the cryogenic gas which, after releasing cold, passes from the liquid state to the gaseous state.
- In order to allow the introduction of the cryogenic gas inside the probe, the first pipes allow connection of a cryogenic storage tank to the sleeve.
- Advantageously, said pipes have at least one valve for allowing variation of the flow rate of the cryogenic liquefied gas flowing along the pipe.
- The cryogenic gas extracted in the gaseous state from the probe may be conveyed by the second pipe to an apparatus for dispersion, into the atmosphere, of the cryogenic gas in the gaseous state. The second pipe, similar to the first pipe, has at least one valve intended, for example, to vary the flow rate of the nitrogen flowing along the second pipe.
- The solution of the type mentioned above has, however, various drawbacks associated with an inefficient configuration of the first and second pipes and therefore an inefficient heat exchange between the cryogenic liquefied gas and the ground surrounding the probe.
- The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a system for freezing a portion of ground which is able to solve the said problems.
- In other words, the object of the present invention is to provide a system able to improve the heat exchange between the cryogenic liquefied gas and the ground surrounding the probe.
- These and other objects which will be clear to the person skilled in the art are achieved by a system for freezing a portion of ground, provided in accordance with the accompanying claims.
- The present invention will be understood more clearly with reference to the accompanying figures provided purely by way of a non-limiting example. In said figures:
-
Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a system for freezing ground according to the present invention; -
Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a detail of the system according toFigure 1 ; -
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a further detail of the system according toFigure 1 . - With reference to the said figures, the
reference number 1 denotes a system for freezing a portion ofground 15. - The
system 1 generally has at least oneprobe 3 which is buried inside theground 15 surrounding theaforementioned probe 3 via aninsertable end 3a thereof, saidprobe 3 being connected to supply means 5 for supplying a cryogenic liquefied gas to theprobe 3. In particular said supply means 5 are able to deliver said cryogenic liquefied gas inside theprobe 3. - According to the embodiment shown in
Figure 1 , thesystem 1 comprises twoprobes 3 and 3'. In a further embodiment, thesystem 1 may have a plurality of probes, the number of which is defined depending on the predefined purpose. - The aforementioned supply means 5 comprise a tank 9 of suitable dimensions for ensuring that the
system 1 is kept constantly supplied. To this end, the tank 9 may have means for detecting and/or calculating and/or indicating to other devices the instantaneous and/or average delivery flow rate. - Alternatively, said supply means 5 may comprise any cryogenic liquefied gas source suitable for the purpose.
- The supply means 5 also comprise a
delivery pipe 6 having a first end 6a connected to the tank 9. - Said
delivery pipe 6 is also connected to theprobe 3 by means of asecond end 6b (in order to fill it with cryogenic gas in liquid form). - Each probe (
Fig. 2 ) usually comprises asleeve 13 inside which the cryogenic liquefied gas, for example nitrogen, is introduced. Thesleeve 13 allows the cryogenic liquefied gas to be kept separate from theground 15 into which theprobe 3 is inserted. - With the cryogenic liquefied gas it is possible to reduce the temperature of the ground down to, for example, a temperature in the region of -10 °C (temperature detected in the
ground 15 surrounding the probe 3). With this temperature it is possible to obtain substantially a wall of frozen ground which allows the works to be carried out at depth without the presence of water infiltration. Said works consist, for example, in the construction of wells, tunnels, underground structures and impermeable diaphragm walls. The freezing operation is based on the principle that the cryogenic liquefied gas introduced inside theprobe 3 absorbs heat from theground 15, evaporating and at the same time reducing the temperature of theground 15. - The cryogenic gas in the gaseous state present inside the
probe 3 is evacuated by means of a suction pipe 7. - The
sleeve 13 generally has a tubular form closed at at least onefirst end 13a corresponding to theinsertable end 3a of theprobe 3, in order to contain the cryogenic liquefied gas. Thesleeve 13 has preferably a round-shaped cross-section. The tubular form of thesleeve 13 is such as to define at least one lateral wall 14 of the probe. - The
sleeve 13 at asecond end 13b opposite to thefirst end 13a has acover 17 which hermetically closes thesleeve 13 of theprobe 3. In accordance with that shown, thesecond end 13b of thesleeve 13 is not buried in theground 15, but is placed outside of theaforementioned ground 15. - The
probe 3 extends along a longitudinal axis X defined by the tubular form of thesame probe 3. - The
probe 3 can be inserted into theground 15 in such a way that, during use, the longitudinal axis X is arranged vertically. - In the region of the
cover 17, preferably on thecover 17 itself, afirst opening 21 is provided for housing and hermetically securing thedelivery pipe 6 to theprobe 3. - In the same way as for the first opening 21, in the region of the
cover 17, preferably on thecover 17 itself, asecond opening 23 is provided for housing and hermetically securing the suction pipe 7. - The
delivery pipe 6 is housed inside the first opening 21 and extends at least partly inside theprobe 3. The portion of thedelivery pipe 6 placed inside theprobe 3 is referred to as "dispensingpipe 33". Said dispensingpipe 33 extends at least partly parallel to the axis X. - The cryogenic liquefied gas is introduced inside the
sleeve 13 by means of gravity via a dispensingdevice 31 placed at asecond end 6b of thedelivery pipe 6 of theprobe 3. Thesecond end 6b of thedelivery pipe 6 corresponds to a free and facing theend 3a of theprobe 3. - The
dispensing device 31 has a dispensingmouth 35 via which the cryogenic liquefied gas may be sprayed onto the lateral wall 14 of theprobe 3, above a liquid head generated by the cryogenic liquefied gas present inside theprobe 3 at thefirst end 13a. Moreover, said dispensingdevice 31 allows spraying of the cryogenic liquefied gas towards theend 3a of theprobe 3. - Advantageously, in order to spray the cryogenic liquefied gas, the dispensing
mouth 35 may be, for example, divided up into a plurality of openings (not shown in the figures) defined by means of a perforated plate or sheet (not shown in the figures). Alternatively it may have a nozzle with a form such as to allow spraying of the cryogenic liquefied gas or also other means suitable for the purpose. - By modifying the flow rate of the cryogenic liquefied gas supplied to the
probe 3 it is therefore possible to limit the heat exchange at thefirst end 13a of thesleeve 13, favouring instead heat exchange in anintermediate portion 18 of thesleeve 13 situated between saidfirst end 13a and saidsecond end 13b. - The
probe 3 comprises a layer ofinsulating material 36 placed externally to thesleeve 13 and adhering to thesleeve 13 itself. - According to the present invention the layer of insulating
material 36 lines an upper part of theprobe 3. In other words, the layer ofinsulating material 36 has afirst end 36a placed between the dispensingmouth 35 and asuction mouth 47 positioned along afirst end portion 7a of the suction pipe 7 and asecond end 36b of the layer ofinsulating material 36 placed at theend 3b of theprobe 3. - With this solution it is possible to initiate a maintenance phase (the meaning of which will be clarified below) at the
first end 13a of thesleeve 13 and at the same time continue freezing of theground 15 surrounding an intermediate portion of thesleeve 13. - Said dispensing
mouth 35 is positioned at a distance H1 from thefirst end 13a of thesleeve 13. This distance H1 defines the height of the cold front edge which is to be obtained in the ground surrounding theprobe 3. The value of the distance H1 is also determined so as to generate the front cold edge which is to be obtained in the ground surrounding theprobe 3. - Moreover, the dispensing
mouth 35 is positioned at a distance H2 from thesuction mouth 47. This distance H2 is, for example, equal to about 1 metre and is measured in the direction defined by the longitudinal axis X. - Above the liquid head, and in particular between the dispensing
mouth 35 and thesuction mouth 47, a mixed liquid/gas phase consisting of the cryogenic gas in the gaseous state and a suspension of cryogenic gas droplets in the liquid state is produced. In particular, a substantially gaseous phase is present in the proximity of thesuction mouth 47. - This
suction mouth 47 defines an upper freezing limit of theground 15. Said upper freezing limit of theground 15 in turn defines a height h above which, inside thesleeve 13, there is no cryogenic gas in the liquid state. This height is determined a priori depending on the height at which theground 15 is to be frozen. - The
delivery pipe 6 has afirst valve 37 placed at theend 13b of theprobe 3, in particular upstream of thefirst opening 21. Thefirst valve 37 enables or interrupts dispensing of the cryogenic liquefied gas inside theaforementioned delivery pipe 6. - Advantageously, a
first branch 39 may be present along aportion 38 of thedelivery pipe 6 situated between thefirst opening 21 and thefirst valve 37. - The
branch 39 connects theaforementioned portion 38 to the suction pipe 7 connected to a probe 3' adjacent to theprobe 3. - The
delivery pipe 6 has at least onevalve 75 for interrupting the flow of the cryogenic liquefied gas should the atmospheric emissions of saidsystem 1 not comply with the oxygenation limits stipulated by the environmental safety regulations. - Said
delivery pipe 6 also has at least onesecond branch 46. Saidsecond branch 46 allows all the probes forming part of thesystem 1 to be supplied simultaneously. - The suction pipe 7 allows the
sleeve 13 to be connected to at least oneapparatus 11 for dispersion, into the atmosphere, of the cryogenic gas in gaseous form. - A
first end portion 7a of the suction pipe 7 is housed and hermetically secured inside thesecond opening 23 present at thesecond end 13b of thesleeve 13. - In a similar way to the dispensing
pipe 33, thefirst end portion 7a of the suction pipe 7 extends at least partly inside thesleeve 13. Thisfirst end portion 7a situated inside thesleeve 13 is commonly referred to as "dip pipe 45". Thedip pipe 45 corresponds to thefirst end portion 7a. - The
dip pipe 45, in a similar manner to the dispensingpipe 33, extends at least partly parallel to the longitudinal axis X. - One
end 45a of thedip pipe 45 inside the probe is provided with thesuction mouth 47 via which the cryogenic gas is removed from thesleeve 13. Thissuction mouth 47 is placed at a distance h defined between thesuction mouth 47 and theend 3a of theprobe 3. In particular, thesuction mouth 47 is placed at a height above the dispensing mouth 35 (when the axis X of the probe is arranged vertically). In this way, the evaporated cryogenic gas present inside thesleeve 13, in particular above the free surface of the cryogenic liquefied gas, may be extracted from thesleeve 13 itself in order to be dispersed into the atmosphere. - To this end, the suction pipe 7 allows transfer of the cryogenic gas in the gaseous state from the
probe 3 to theapparatus 11. The transfer of the cryogenic gas in the gaseous state from theprobe 3 to theapparatus 11 takes place as a result of the reduced pressure present between the tank 9 (inside which the cryogenic gas is usually kept it a pressure of at least 2 bar) and the atmospheric pressure. Thisapparatus 11 has at least onedischarge flue 49 suitably connected to at least one fan 51. The fans 51 introduce air at abase 53 of thedischarge flues 49. The fans 51 therefore allow the cryogenic gas to be mixed with air in order to reduce the concentration and increase the temperature thereof, before said cryogenic gas is dispersed in the atmosphere. This mixing operation allows the cryogenic gas to be dispersed in the atmosphere in keeping with the parameters laid down by the environmental protection regulations. - The
flues 49, along a portion passed over by an air flow generated by the fans 51, have an opening (not shown in the figures) for housing and hermetically securing asecond end 7b of the suction pipe 7. Via said opening, when the fans 51 are activated, it is possible to generate inside thesuction pipe 7 a vacuum such as to draw off the cryogenic gas present inside thesleeve 13. - Advantageously, a
discharge flue 49 may have two fans 51 with a different air flow rate. With this solution it is possible to regulate the flow rate of the air introduced into asingle flue 49 depending on the value of the flow rate of the cryogenic gas flowing along the second pipe 7. - The discharge flues 49, in the proximity of their upper portion, may have probes for detecting the temperature of the vapours emitted from the
aforementioned discharge flues 49. - Advantageously, at least one environmental low-oxygenation sensor (not shown in the figures) may be provided in the proximity of said
apparatus 11. In the case where the air in the proximity of the discharge flues 49 has a concentration beyond a predetermined threshold, said environmental sensor activates an alarm signal, for example an acoustic and/or visual signal. Moreover, when said predetermined threshold is exceeded, said sensor is able to send a signal for closing thevalve 75, therefore interrupting the supply of cryogenic liquefied gas to the probes. - The suction pipe 7 has a
first valve 57 placed at theend 3a of theprobe 3, in particular downstream of thesecond opening 23. Saidfirst valve 57 allows or interrupts the flow of cryogenic gas inside the aforementioned suction pipe 7, in particular the transfer of a cryogenic gas from thesleeve 13 to theapparatus 11. - A
third branch 61 is generally placed along afirst portion 59 of the suction pipe 7 situated between thesecond opening 23 and thefirst valve 57. Saidthird branch 61 is able to house at least one sensor for detecting thetemperature 63 of the cryogenic gas present in thesleeve 13. - A
fourth branch 67 is present along asecond portion 65 of the suction pipe 7, between thefirst valve 57 and thetemperature detection sensor 63, said branch allowing division of a cryogenic gas flow directed from thesleeve 13 to theapparatus 11. The portion of cryogenic gas which passes through thefourth branch 67 may thus be transferred to a second probe 3' adjacent to theprobe 3, in order to recycle the aforementioned cryogenic gas to said second probe 3'. In particular, the gas is transferred to the second probe 3' by means of the fifth branch 39' along which there is afifth valve 73 for enabling or interrupting the flow of the cryogenic gas. This solution is used should be cryogenic gas leaving thesleeve 13 still be able to absorb heat from theground 15. In this way it is possible to perform recycling of the cryogenic gas. - By means of the
fourth branch 67 it is thus possible to connect theprobe 3 to the second following probe 3' so as to define, as mentioned above, recycling the cryogenic gas. This configuration allows a plurality of probes to be connected together. - Advantageously the
sleeve 13 at theend 13b, may have a further opening orbranch 69. Said further opening orbranch 69 allows, for example, connection of an instrument (not shown in the figures) for measuring the pressure present inside thesleeve 13 of theprobe 3. By means of said measurement it is possible to define a pressure gradient and perform an estimation of the cold power exchanged between the cryogenic liquefied gas and theground 15. - Moreover, a safety valve 71 (commonly called PSV) for protecting the mechanical integrity of the
sleeve 13 and the suction pipe 7 against the risk of overpressure is present in the region of thedip pipe 45 or theend 13b of thesleeve 13. - Additional sensors (not shown in the figures) are also provided for detecting the temperature of the
ground 15. Said additional sensors allow continuous detection of the temperature of theground 15 and at the same time provide indications as to the actual condition of theground 15 which is to be frozen. In this way it is possible to have an indication of the efficiency of operation of the freezingsystem 1. - Advantageously, a plurality of temperature detection sensors (not shown in the figures) which can be inserted in the
ground 15 are arranged vertically aligned with one other in theaforementioned ground 15 surrounding theprobe 3 and in direct contact with the probe itself. In this way it is possible to obtain an indication of the level of the cryogenic liquefied gas present inside thesleeve 13. - A method for freezing the
ground 15 also forms part of the present invention. - Said method for freezing the
ground 15 consists in providing thesystem 1 in accordance with the arrangement shown inFigure 1 , burying at least oneprobe 3 in theaforementioned ground 15. - The cryogenic gas, by means of the supply means 5, is introduced inside the
probe 3 in order to acquire heat from theground 15 surrounding theaforementioned probe 3, evaporating. - In particular, when the cryogenic liquefied gas is emitted from the dispensing
mouth 35, said cryogenic liquid gas is sprayed onto at least one lateral wall 14 of theprobe 3 and/or towards aburied end 3a of theprobe 3. - The cryogenic gas is then evacuated from the
probe 3 by means of the suction pipe 7 which transfers the aforementioned cryogenic gas to the system for dispersion of the gases into theatmosphere 11. - This is followed by a maintenance phase during which the temperature reached during freezing is maintained. The aforementioned temperature is maintained by means of suitable cycles for injection of the cryogenic liquefied gas into the
probe 3. These injection cycles are performed using flow rates of the cryogenic liquefied gas which are lower (than that used during freezing) or by supplying cryogenic liquefied gas discontinuously. - Finally, once the works have been completed, a thawing step is performed. This step envisages interrupting the injection of cryogenic liquefied gas to the
probe 3. This step consists in merely monitoring the temperature of theground 15 in order to check when said temperatures have returned to a level above zero degrees. - The present invention achieves the object indicated since the cryogenic liquefied gas, which is sprayed at least onto a lateral wall of the probe and/or towards the insertable end of the probe itself, allows improved heat exchange with the ground surrounding the probe to be obtained, compared to the prior art.
Claims (5)
- A system (1) for freezing a portion of ground (15) comprising at least one probe (3) having at least one end (3a) insertable in the ground (15) to be frozen and having at least one lateral wall (14), supply means (5) of a cryogenic liquefied gas connected to the probe (3) to supply the cryogenic liquefied gas to the same probe (3), said supply means (5) comprising a dispensing device (31) of said cryogenic liquefied gas placed on the inside of the probe (3),
wherein said dispensing device (31) is spaced from said end (3a) insertable in the ground (15) in such a manner as to spray said gas directly onto said lateral wall (14) of said probe (3),
wherein said dispensing device (31) has a dispensing mouth (35) via which the cryogenic liquefied gas may be sprayed onto the lateral wall 14 of the probe 3, and may be sprayed towards the end (3a) of the probe (3), above a liquid head generated by the cryogenic liquefied gas present inside the probe (3) at the first end (13a),
wherein said probe (3) has a tubular conformation closed at said insertable end (3a) to contain the cryogenic liquefied gas, said probe (3) extending along a longitudinal axis X, said probe (3) being insertable in the ground (15) in such a manner that the longitudinal axis X is arranged vertically,
wherein said probe (3) is provided with a suction pipe (7), said suction pipe (7) being at least partially placed on the inside of the probe (3), extending at least partially parallel to the longitudinal axis X and having at a first end (7a) of said suction pipe (7) on the inside of the probe (3) a suction mouth (47),
wherein said probe (3) has a distance (h) defined between the suction mouth (47) of said suction pipe (45) and said insertable end (3a) of the probe (3) which is greater with respect to a distance (H1) defined between said dispensing device (31) and said insertable end (3a) of the probe (3),
and wherein said probe (3) comprises a sleeve (13) having a layer of insulating material (36) placed externally to the sleeve (13) and adhering to the same sleeve (13), inside which the cryogenic liquefied gas, is introduced,
characterized in that said insulating material (36) of said sleeve (13) has a first end (36a) comprised between the dispensing device (31) and the suction mouth (47). - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of temperature detection sensors insertable in the ground (15) in proximity of the probe (3) and in direct contact with the same probe, said sensors being arranged aligned parallel to one another with respect to the longitudinal axis X.
- The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said supply means (5) comprises at least one delivery pipe (6), said delivery pipe (6) being at least partially on the inside of the probe (3), extending at least partially parallel to the longitudinal axis X, the output device (31) being placed at a second end (6b) of the delivery pipe (6).
- A method for freezing a piece of ground (15) comprising the steps of:- Determining apriori said height h above which, inside the sleeve (13) of the probe (3) of the system as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 3, there is no cryogenic gas in the liquid state, depending on the height at which the ground (15) is to be frozen;- Inserting at least one said probe (3) into the ground (15) to be frozen, in such a way that, during the use the longitudinal axis X along which said probe extends, is arranged vertically;- Introducing a cryogenic liquefied gas into said probe (3); such has to provide inside said probe (3) a mixed liquid/gas phase of said cryogenic gas, said mixed liquid/gas phase being placed at least between the dispensing mouth (35) and the suction mouth (47); and- Evacuating said cryogenic gas, which is evaporating from said probe (3), by means of the suction pipe (7).
- The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the step of introducing the cryogenic liquefied gas into the probe (3) comprises the step of spraying said cryogenic liquefied gas towards a buried insertable end (3a) of the probe (3).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT001284A ITMI20121284A1 (en) | 2012-07-24 | 2012-07-24 | METHOD AND PLANT FOR FREEZING A PORTION OF A SOIL |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2690222A1 EP2690222A1 (en) | 2014-01-29 |
EP2690222B1 EP2690222B1 (en) | 2017-08-30 |
EP2690222B2 true EP2690222B2 (en) | 2020-12-30 |
Family
ID=46800273
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP13177293.1A Active EP2690222B2 (en) | 2012-07-24 | 2013-07-19 | Method and system for freezing a portion of ground |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2690222B2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2643515T3 (en) |
IT (1) | ITMI20121284A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3441529B1 (en) * | 2017-08-10 | 2020-09-30 | Linde GmbH | Device and method for the freezing of soil |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE2651117A1 (en) † | 1976-11-09 | 1978-05-18 | Linde Ag | Lower ground strata localised freezing system - has refrigerant gas riser within freezing pipe limiting freezing to bottom regions |
DE3112291A1 (en) † | 1981-03-27 | 1982-10-07 | Linde Ag, 6200 Wiesbaden | Soil-freezing arrangement |
CN201031387Y (en) † | 2007-04-18 | 2008-03-05 | 上海地铁运营有限公司 | Liquid nitrogen freeze coagulation device |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3943722A (en) * | 1970-12-31 | 1976-03-16 | Union Carbide Canada Limited | Ground freezing method |
JPS61134417A (en) * | 1984-11-30 | 1986-06-21 | Showa Alum Corp | Long heat conveying device suitable for soil freezing |
-
2012
- 2012-07-24 IT IT001284A patent/ITMI20121284A1/en unknown
-
2013
- 2013-07-19 EP EP13177293.1A patent/EP2690222B2/en active Active
- 2013-07-19 ES ES13177293.1T patent/ES2643515T3/en active Active
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE2651117A1 (en) † | 1976-11-09 | 1978-05-18 | Linde Ag | Lower ground strata localised freezing system - has refrigerant gas riser within freezing pipe limiting freezing to bottom regions |
DE3112291A1 (en) † | 1981-03-27 | 1982-10-07 | Linde Ag, 6200 Wiesbaden | Soil-freezing arrangement |
CN201031387Y (en) † | 2007-04-18 | 2008-03-05 | 上海地铁运营有限公司 | Liquid nitrogen freeze coagulation device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2690222A1 (en) | 2014-01-29 |
ITMI20121284A1 (en) | 2014-01-25 |
ES2643515T3 (en) | 2017-11-23 |
EP2690222B1 (en) | 2017-08-30 |
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