Layne Christensen Company

Joe Sopko

George Briley

A ground freezing method and system which circulates refrigerated heat transfer fluid through freeze pipes in the ground at a low temperature of at least &minus;52&deg; C. (&minus;62&deg; F.) to minimize drilling for the freeze pipe installation. The heat transfer fluid is preferably aqua ammonia (ammonium hydroxide) because of its beneficial characteristics in this application. The circulating heat transfer fluid is preferably cooled by a refrigeration system that includes low and high stage cycles arranged in a cascade relationship and using ammonia or another refrigerant in the high stage refrigeration system and carbon dioxide as the refrigerant in the low stage refrigeration system.

Growing community of inventors

Cedar Grove, WI, United States of America

Joe Sopko