Modular Brine Boom With Wedge Shroud for One-Pass Surface Deicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deicing methods using rock salt are ineffective in low temperatures and can damage surfaces, while brine solutions are temperature-dependent and costly when applied in multiple stages.
Innovation Solution
A modular boom system for dispensing a brine solution that can be used pre- or post-snowfall, providing structural rigidity and efficient snow and ice removal with adjustable nozzles and a wedge-shaped design to engage snow piles, reducing environmental impact and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rock salt is used to remove snow and ice, then snow and ice removal is achieved, but the method is ineffective at low temperatures and causes surface damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the deicing agent by using brine solution (aqueous salt solution) instead of solid rock salt. This parameter change allows the deicing agent to work at lower temperatures where rock salt becomes ineffective, while also reducing surface damage through more controlled application and dissolution characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a liquid brine solution that can be applied and quickly dissolved into the snow and ice, creating a short-lived but effective deicing action. The liquid form allows for rapid application and dissolution, making it more effective than persistent solid rock salt while reducing long-term surface exposure to harmful substances
2Reliability
If brine solution is applied as pretreatment, then snow and ice prevention is improved, but the solution is rendered ineffective if temperature drops below freezing point or if rain washes it away
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs adjustable nozzles that can dynamically change spray patterns and directions to adapt to varying weather conditions and temperature ranges. The system can adjust between misting patterns for prevention and more direct spray patterns for active removal, maintaining effectiveness across different environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The boom system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can apply brine as a preventive treatment, actively remove snow and ice during events, and adjust its operation based on temperature and weather conditions. This multi-functionality makes the system adaptable to various scenarios where single-function pretreatment would fail
3Reliability
If multiple passes are used for pretreatment and post-treatment, then complete snow and ice removal is achieved, but operational time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines pretreatment and post-treatment operations into a single integrated boom system that can apply brine solution continuously. The system merges the functions of prevention and removal, allowing operators to achieve complete snow and ice removal in one pass rather than requiring separate pretreatment and post-treatment passes
Solution Approach 2:
The boom system provides continuous brine solution application throughout the snow removal operation, maintaining effective concentration levels continuously rather than requiring intermittent applications. This continuous action ensures complete removal without needing multiple separate passes, reducing operational time while maintaining reliability
4Ease of operation
If rock salt and sand are spread together for traction, then traction is improved, but cleaning costs and mess in establishments increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical mixture of rock salt and sand with a liquid brine solution system. This substitution eliminates the need for sand spreading equipment and the subsequent mechanical cleaning processes required for salt-sand mixtures, reducing both operational complexity and cleaning costs while maintaining surface traction through the liquid deicing agent
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 modular boom system effectively removes snow and ice at low temperatures, reduces chloride runoff, and minimizes surface damage, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution by using brine as a pretreatment or post-treatment without the need for multiple passes.
Implementation Method 1
brine prevents snow and ice from sticking to the runways, roads, parking lots and walkways
Implementation Method 2
the brine can be applied after a snow, typically after the surface has been plowed or snow-blown. However, the post treatment with brine can be utilized without having prior snow removal. Post treating the surface with slightly more liquid deicing solution than used to pretreat the surface, such as 10 to 15% by volume relative to pretreating, effectively removes snow and deices the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A modular boom for attaching to a prime mover and configured to dispense a solution to remove snow and deice a surface. The boom includes a boom shroud having a main body extending from a first end to a second end. The main body of the boom shroud has a substantially wedge shaped portion with an edge configured to engage a snow pile or windrow of snow and cause snow to flow about the wedge shaped portion. The boom shroud includes an opening in a bottom of the main body that provides access to an interior cavity. The modular boom includes a boom pipe positioned within the interior cavity of the boom shroud and has ends that extend beyond the boom shroud. The boom pipe having spaced apart apertures along the length configured to dispense the solution onto the surface. The modular boom also includes first and second end caps configured to support the end of the boom pipe and to connect to the first and second ends of the boom shroud to provide structural rigidity to the modular boom.