A CHEMICAL METHOD FOR ICE DESTRUCTION

A novel method for ice destruction is described in which ice is reacted with such gases as ammonia, hydrogen chloride, sulphur dioxide or volatized ammonium chloride. The associated equipment to deliver these reactants to the ice is very simple consisting only of nozzles, tanks, pressure regulating valves and hose. Using this equipment and ammonia as a reactant gas, drilling rates up to 210 cm/min. have been achieved. Because of the "salting effect" which occurs when the reactant gas dissolves in the melt water, refreezing is minimized. A wide range of applications for the method have been identified. These include drilling in ice bergs for the placing of explosive charges or for the setting of anchor bolts for towing, deicing of ship superstructures, deicing of canal locks and the reduction of friction between the hull of an ice breaker and the ice surface.