Self contained underwater rapid freeze system for oil and fuel piping

Abstract

A means of containing or stopping flow through a pipe underwater by a self contained system with a thermal clamshell that will freeze the oil or fuel piping closed by means of refrigeration and a self propelled machine.

1 . A self-contained vehicle for operating underwater as a means to contain (or stop) flow through a pipe, comprising:
 an vehicle having a housing defining an enclosed chamber, a power supply, a motor and a drive system;   a first arm extending outwardly of said housing, said first arm having an inward portion connected to said housing, and an outward portion defining a thermal contact section;   an ultra-low refrigeration section having a compressor, a metering device, a temperature controller, an evaporator section (disposed in said thermal contact section), and a section for heat rejection (disposed external of said housing)   a heating section disposed proximate said arm and said contact section;   a refrigeration loop passing a working fluid from said compressor, through said condenser, through said metering valve, into said thermal contact section, and then returning to said compressor,   a heating flow path passing said working fluid from said compressor, through said heating section, and then returning to said compressor, wherein said heating section heats said arm and said contact section to prevent said working fluid passing through said refrigerant loop from hindering operation of said arm and said contact section.   A. Having a sealed water tight compartment with access hatch for the protecting the equipment used in the operation of the freezing process, and   B. Having a self contained underwater freezing system further comprising: wherein all of said walls of compartment, including the portions of said top, bottom, sides and rear end walls providing said recess, are provided with heat insulating and water tight.   
     
     
         2 . The self-contained vehicle according to  claim 1 , wherein said thermal contact section comprises a clamshell.
 A. Having piping in said arm and thermal section for working fluid, and   B. A freezing clamp (Clamshell) with heat for attaching and releasing to said piping, and   C. An insulated cover for the freezing arm and clamp (Clamshell).   Whereby said underwater self contained vehicle comprising of a thermal contact area that will stop or contain flow in piping.