Abstract
Ensuring the uninterrupted flow of the complex piped water distribution networks to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan’s hospitals has become a priority. The process involved in the no-shutdown pipe fixing freezing method depends on the water supply system design and the conditions of the environment. Before carrying out repair works onsite, two experiments were undertaken to estimate the liquid nitrogen supply rate and make sure of its adequacy in relation to the fixing system’s heat transfer performance. Using an iron exhaust pipe and galvanized steel inlet pipe with jacket for a 50-mm-diameter water pipe, temperature variations and timelapse were recorded and analyzed. The results showed that the frost length on the water pipe surface at either side of the jacket was 1.2–1.8 times of the pipe diameter. The ice length (~45 cm) was longer than the jacket (~34 cm), and the water pressure at the jacket inlet side was 1 kg/cm2 greater than at the exit. Injecting the right amount of liquid nitrogen into the inlet and at a proper speed between 0.7 and 0.8 kg/min will ensure a safe and smooth completion of the ice plug formation process. The design and processes have been used successfully in hospital water supply system fixing works.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed humanity to adjust to the new reality and develop new methods to solve problems
The first leg measures the frost characteristics to ascertain the completion of the ice plug formation process
The results show that, for the process to be deemed complete, the frost length on the pipe surface at either side of the jacket should be 1.2–1.8 times of the pipe diameter
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. On 19 May 2021, Taiwan entered a nationwide level 3 COVID-19 pandemic emergency. Domestic transmission of the virus increased exponentially in a short period of time. The island recorded more than 1200 local infections in five days, a sharp reversal from 253 days straight without any local infections the previous year [1]. The government required people to wear masks outside their homes, urging them to leave their homes only if necessary
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
