US3768264A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for suppressing the formation of ice in natural or man-made bodies of water
Assignee: Dow Chemical Co
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Filing: 1972-07-03
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Granted: 1973-10-30
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Expires: 1992-07-03
Abstract
Abstract A method for suppressing the formation of ice in natural or manmade bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, sounds, straits, bays, shipping canals, shipping locks, harbors, and the like. The method is particularly useful in areas where ice breakers or the like cannot be efficiently operated. The method provides for direct replacement of heat lost to the atmosphere during the winter season by the use of heat transfer means such as permanent heat transfer apparatus located in and/or adjacent the sides of canals or rivers to prevent natural bridging of ice formations in the same or by the use of a traveling heat exchanger disposed in a barge, scow and the like.
Inventors
- 👤 J Best
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 15:32
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02B; E02B15/00; E02B15/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
124 words
A method for suppressing the formation of ice in a natural or man-made body of water, comprising the steps of: a. storing heat near said natural or man-made body of water from at least one thermal energy source, said heat being stored in a liquid composition having a freezing temperature substantially above that necessary for the formation of ice in said body of water; and b. transferring said stored heat into a portion of water adjacent the surface of said body of water in sufficient amount to substantially prevent or suppress the formation of ice in said body of water during cold seasonal weather when the air temperature is below that necessary for the formation of an ice cover on said body of water.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
124 words
A method for suppressing the formation of ice in a natural or man-made body of water, comprising the steps of: a. storing heat near said natural or man-made body of water from at least one thermal energy source, said heat being stored in a liquid composition having a freezing temperature substantially above that necessary for the formation of ice in said body of water; and b. transferring said stored heat into a portion of water adjacent the surface of said body of water in sufficient amount to substantially prevent or suppress the formation of ice in said body of water during cold seasonal weather when the air temperature is below that necessary for the formation of an ice cover on said body of water.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said liquid composition freezes during said heat transfer step releasing a relatively large latent heat of fusion to be transferred.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said composition is regenerated or melted after freezing by heating with said thermal energy source.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
85 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said heat is transferred along a path in said body of water by a traveling heat exchanger moving along said path, said traveling heat exchanger utilizing an intermediate composition to temporarily hold said transferred heat before transferring it to said body of water, said intermediate composition having a freezing temperature substantially above that necessary for the formation of ice in said body of water but below that of the composition used to store heat near said body of water.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said heat is transferred to a position in said body water adjacent the sides thereof by a permanent heat exchanger to prevent natural bridging of an ice cover on said body of water.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-29 | 1977-04-30 | 1977-10-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-29 | 1981-04-30 | 1981-10-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-29 | 1985-04-30 | 1985-10-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |