De-Icing Method Using Non-Brine Additive Solution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing de-icing methods using solid materials like salt result in significant waste and environmental pollution due to excessive spreading and the corrosive nature of brine solutions, which require additional infrastructure and pose environmental risks.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a non-brine additive solution mixed with solid de-icing materials immediately before application, reducing corrosion risks and environmental impact while improving spreading efficiency, using a vehicle equipped with means for mixing and storing the additive solution and de-icing materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If solid de-icing materials are spread directly onto roads, then the de-icing effect is achieved, but material waste increases due to excessive spreading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-wetting the solid de-icing material with an additive solution before spreading. This pre-treatment enhances the material's adhesion and effectiveness, allowing for more precise application and reduced waste. The additive solution is applied to the material in advance, creating an optimized mixture that spreads more efficiently and achieves better de-icing performance with less material.
2Productivity
If brine is used to pre-wet de-icing materials, then spreading efficiency improves, but corrosion damage and environmental harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance - an additive solution containing surfactants and other compounds - to replace brine as the pre-wetting agent. This intermediary provides the spreading efficiency benefits of liquid pre-treatment while avoiding the corrosive and environmentally harmful properties of brine. The additive solution acts as a mediator between the solid de-icing material and the road surface, improving application efficiency without the negative side effects of salt-based brine solutions.
3Reliability
If brine infrastructure is implemented for de-icing, then de-icing effectiveness improves, but infrastructure complexity and handling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential functional benefits of brine (improved spreading and de-icing effectiveness) while removing the problematic components (corrosiveness, environmental harm, and associated infrastructure requirements). By using a non-corrosive additive solution instead of brine, the system eliminates the need for specialized brine production, storage, and handling infrastructure, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining de-icing effectiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces material waste and environmental damage by enhancing spreading precision and avoiding brine-related corrosion, while maintaining the benefits of pre-wetting without the infrastructure and handling costs associated with brine solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The additive solution may comprise a surfactant
Implementation Method 2
an additive solution that is essentially free of brine... mixed together to form a non-brine de-icing mixture
Data Source
AI summary
A method of reducing the build up of ice or snow on roads. The method comprising mixing a solid de-icing material such as rock salt with a non brine additive solution such as an aqueous solution of a refined molasses stream. The de-icing material and additive solution being carried on a lorry 10, and being mixed immediately prior to spreading on a road.