Ice-Based Technique for Burst Testing of Tubular Elements

A survey of studies on freezing is presented, with special emphasis on the freezing of water pipes. An innovative technique is introduced for the generation of high pressures. Pressurization experiments are described where the two ends of water-filled pipe and tube specimens are frozen by the use of jackets of liquid carbon dioxide. The development of a special sensor is summarized for the measurement of pressures inside ice-bound bodies of liquid. Indicative pressures developed within the ice-bound regions of specimens made of commercial aluminum, copper and mild steel tubing are reported. Preliminary results seem to indicate that pressures in excess of 1000 bars can be developed by the use of the proposed new technique. It is concluded that the new ice-based technique possesses potential of application for the speedy leak and burst testing of tubular elements.