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Old 30-12-2020, 02:23   #1
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Best material to seal hole in icebox with refrigerator pipes

Ancient eutectic system no longer working. Large icebox with thick polyurethane foam and fiberglass coatings.

Replaced with isotherm 'ice box conversion kit' plate evaporator system refrigerator - works great.

But we have not sealed the 3cm diameter penetration into the icebox that carries the capillary/return tube and thermostat wires yet, and it is obviously a massive thermal leak.

The old system had the penetration sealed with a mystery black substance, that doesn't seem to be be butyl (but is not clear what it is).

Spray closed cell foam (e.g. sika boom) would probably be best thermal performance with thermal conductivity of ~ 0.03 W/mK but sets like concrete - no chance of servicing the components in the future without a chisel and destruction of the thin wires/capillary tube.

Butyl mastic has good conductivity ~0.09 W/mK but high specific heat/thermal mass and would probably be messy and also hard to remove in such quantity.

Also had the idea of packing in a thin ribbon of closed cell foam.

What is the best material you have used?
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Old 30-12-2020, 04:26   #2
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Re: Best material to seal hole in icebox with refrigerator pipes

Putty of some sort is probably most common in that situation, but as you say, it's not got the best thermal properties.

I'm surprised by this quote:

"Spray closed cell foam (e.g. sika boom) would probably be best thermal performance with thermal conductivity of ~ 0.03 W/mK but sets like concrete - no chance of servicing the components in the future without a chisel and destruction of the thin wires/capillary tube."

Are we thinking about the same foam in a can? The stuff I'm thinking of, and which would seem ideal, is home window crack sealing stuff. Sticky, sets up stiff, but can readily be cut with a knife or even broken in your hand. I would not consider it to be an obstacle to later maintenance.
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Old 30-12-2020, 04:36   #3
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Re: Best material to seal hole in icebox with refrigerator pipes

I have yet to do mine but I think they suggest using small bits of polyurethane foam covered by f/g. There are many articles on the internet on how to make up a fridge/freezer box. Here is one.

https://www.indelwebastomarine.com/u...-your-own-box/


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Old 30-12-2020, 11:49   #4
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Re: Best material to seal hole in icebox with refrigerator pipes

I used a hole saw to cut a disk of closed cell foam them I drilled a hole in it the size of the tube. Then I sliced from the outer diameter to the inner diameter so I could slide it in place over the tube. Once slid up in place to seal the hole I sealed it on both sides with 4200. Makes a neat seal which can be removed should the need arise.
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Old 30-12-2020, 12:45   #5
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Re: Best material to seal hole in icebox with refrigerator pipes

It's simpler than this. All you need is a watertight seal--a dab of silicone or polyurethane will do that. Then pack the rest of the hole loosely with any good insulator using a stick. Fiberfill from a trashed jacket comes to mind. In a boiler this is done with glass wool.


Good insulation, water tight, easy to remove. I would not want anything that cured and created a bond. What for?
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Old 30-12-2020, 14:23   #6
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Re: Best material to seal hole in icebox with refrigerator pipes

Thanks all

Yes we are keen for something that is easily removable. Also need not to become saturated, so must be closed cell (or similar). Maybe we will cut a thin plug (as the stuff is not very deformable) of foam and plug the inner, then pack in a thread of closed cell foam, then another plug on the outside.

Would be great if there was an insulating putty, but it seems not so
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Old 31-12-2020, 09:41   #7
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Re: Best material to seal hole in icebox with refrigerator pipes

I was going to suggest 4200 but that may be too aggressive.
Why not a small tube of bathtub silicone sealant ?
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Old 31-12-2020, 09:50   #8
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Re: Best material to seal hole in icebox with refrigerator pipes

Great Stuff foam sealant from the hardware store. water resistant, not submerged is it? .

Gorilla Glue is similar stuff, it foams up big after application and is BETTER if wet! (some glues are water activated)

3 Cm is about ... inch and a quarter... Gorilla would work! It's more rigid than the Spray foam sealent though.
https://www.grainger.com/product/48W...P7A1P:20501231
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Old 31-12-2020, 10:04   #9
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Re: Best material to seal hole in icebox with refrigerator pipes

Yeah gorilla glue could be dammed up with duct tape. Apply duct tape both sides first, then squirt a small portion in , watch it expand, when cured spray paint your preferred color...
Gorilla glue will not do well exposed to uv and the elements...
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Old 31-12-2020, 10:26   #10
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Re: Best material to seal hole in icebox with refrigerator pipes

I used with success Rectorseal 81880. Comes in a 1 pound brick and is very similar to the sealer that came with the AB installation kit. Available on Amazon.i
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Old 31-12-2020, 12:29   #11
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Re: Best material to seal hole in icebox with refrigerator pipes

Quote:
Originally Posted by SV Dawn View Post
I used with success Rectorseal 81880. Comes in a 1 pound brick and is very similar to the sealer that came with the AB installation kit. Available on Amazon.i
Dang I thought I saw Rectalseal brick !!!!!
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Old 31-12-2020, 13:57   #12
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Re: Best material to seal hole in icebox with refrigerator pipes

Perma Gum is what we used in the refrigeration business. Waterproof and does not Harden or attract dust etc.
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Old 31-12-2020, 14:37   #13
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Re: Best material to seal hole in icebox with refrigerator pipes

I use great stuff on customer installs
R5 per inch and easy to remove if needed for maintance

https://www.amazon.com/GREAT-STUFF-C...9454152&sr=8-5
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Old 31-12-2020, 16:30   #14
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Re: Best material to seal hole in icebox with refrigerator pipes

Spray foam is easy to remove, i know because i have done it, just use something like a steak knife.
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Old 01-01-2021, 01:25   #15
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Re: Best material to seal hole in icebox with refrigerator pipes

Thank you all. We're going to have a go with foam and see how it performs.
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