A short tunnel in Seattle frozen using liquid nitrogen cascade lances
Abstract
In 1982, Dieter Rebhan of Linde A.G., West Germany, described a new design for a nitrogen freeze pipe which he called a cascade lance. This is, in effect, a twin pipe assembly containing annular partitions or dams. When the lance has an upward inclination, the partitions restrain the gravity backflow of liquid nitrogen to the head of the freeze pipe. Rebhan presents laboratory test measurements in support of his claim that a cascade lance would be much more effective in cooling soils at its higher, remote end than a more conventional freeze pipe. Figure 2a, prepared from the Linde laboratory data, illustrates this effect.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Geothermal Energy Systems and Applications
Freezing and Crystallization Processes
Climate change and permafrost
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CRC Press eBooks
- Pages
- 561–562
- Publication date
- 14 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter