Snowmelt Systems: A Must-Have For Airport Runways?

Snow-covered runways can cause delays and cancellations at airports, impacting the travel plans of passengers and resulting in financial losses for the airport. To prevent this, airports employ various methods to clear snow and ice from runways, including mechanical methods and the application of de-icing chemicals. One proposed solution to this problem is the implementation of heated runways, which would involve using conductive materials embedded in the tarmac or pipes supplying hot water to generate heat and prevent snow accumulation. However, the high installation and operational costs of such systems, as well as the challenges of managing meltwater, have hindered their widespread adoption.

Heated runways are expensive to run

For example, consider Chicago O'Hare airport, which has eight runways totalling 23,432 meters in length. An engineer's estimate suggests that a snow-melting system would require 320 watts per meter for the duration of a snowfall. As a result, each hour of a snowstorm would cost O'Hare airport at least $100,000 in electricity costs.

The high energy requirements of heated runways make them prohibitively expensive for most airports. Even with advancements in technology, such as the use of geothermal heating or electrically conductive concrete, the costs remain substantial.

Additionally, the maintenance and upkeep of heated runways can be challenging. If any part of the heating system fails or cracks, it can lead to leaks of corrosive liquid, causing damage to the runway and potential environmental issues.

Furthermore, the use of heated runways can create other operational challenges. Heating a large area of the runway can cause the warm air to rise, creating turbulence right where planes are supposed to land, making the landing process more difficult for pilots.

While heated runways offer a potential solution to snow and ice management at airports, their high operational costs and associated challenges make them a difficult option for most airports to implement. As a result, many airports continue to rely on traditional snow removal methods, such as plows, sweepers, and de-icing fluids, despite the delays and disruptions caused by these conventional methods.

Snowmelt systems can be powered by electricity or hot water

Snowmelt systems are a convenient and cost-effective method of clearing snow and ice from surfaces. They are also used to prevent the build-up of snow and ice. They can be installed in a variety of areas, including driveways, patios, walkways, and roadways.

Hot water snowmelt systems, also known as hydronic snowmelt systems, use a closed-loop tubing system made of flexible polymer or synthetic rubber. This tubing circulates a mixture of hot water and propylene glycol (antifreeze) to warm the surrounding surface and melt snow and ice. The key to an effective hydronic heating system is proper tube spacing and layout, with tubes typically laid in a spiral or serpentine pattern to distribute heat evenly.

Both electric and hydronic snowmelt systems have their advantages and considerations. Electric systems tend to require less maintenance due to fewer moving parts but are more expensive to operate. Hydronic systems may be more cost-effective but require careful installation to avoid heat loss into the surrounding environment.

Snow removal methods include ploughing and chemicals

Shovelling is a more labor-intensive and meticulous approach, where individuals manually lift and relocate the snow. This method is suitable for small, delicate areas like sidewalks and walkways, ensuring that smaller spaces are cleared without the potential damage that heavy machinery could cause. Shovelling is inexpensive but time-consuming and can lead to physical injuries if not performed correctly. It is physically demanding and can exacerbate pre-existing health conditions or lead to new injuries, such as muscle strains, heart strain, and hypothermia.

Salting, also known as de-icing, is a chemical approach to snow removal. It involves applying salt or other ice-melting chemicals, such as calcium chloride, to melt existing snow and ice and prevent the formation of new ice layers. This method provides safe traction for pedestrians and vehicles. Salting is effective but requires frequent applications and has environmental implications due to the high salt content in runoff water, which can damage concrete, plants, and local water sources.

The choice of snow removal method depends on various factors, including safety, efficiency, cost, environmental impact, and the size and delicacy of the area to be cleared. Each method has its pros and cons, and understanding these can help select the most suitable strategy for efficient and effective snow management.

Airports need trained teams to deal with snow

Airports need to be prepared for snow and ice, with trained teams and equipment ready to go. The key to preventing ice is snow clearance, and this requires specialist knowledge and skills.

Snow clearance teams need to be able to respond rapidly to changing conditions, and they must be aware of a number of potential issues. For example, ensuring there is enough fuel for the snow thrower fleet, keeping an eye on fluid levels for de-icing, and dealing with frozen bridges and technical problems after de-icing. Airports such as Schiphol in Amsterdam conduct regular training exercises to prepare for these scenarios.

The type of snow will also dictate the best method of clearance. If the snow is heavy and wet, ploughs are required, whereas if it is dry and blowing, a giant spinning broom can be used to sweep it away. If rain is turning to snow, dry chemicals and less liquid are used so that it doesn't wash away.

Airports also need to be able to test the coefficient of friction of a runway to ensure it is safe for planes to land and take off. Specialist teams will go out and check conditions frequently during snowy weather – sometimes as often as every 15 minutes – and they have equipment to test how much grip is available.

With the right equipment and a well-trained team, airports can keep runways clear and safe.

Heated runways may not be worth the cost

Additionally, the management of meltwater from heated runways can be challenging and may cause safety issues if not properly addressed. There are also certain weather situations where a heated surface would create safety hazards and increase the need for mechanical snow removal. For instance, heating a large area like a runway would cause the warm air to rise, creating turbulence right where planes are supposed to land. Furthermore, the pressure exerted by landing planes on the heated surface could potentially damage the pavement warming system.

While heated runways might seem like a convenient solution to winter weather challenges, the high costs, technical difficulties, and potential safety issues make it a less attractive option for airports. As a result, airports typically rely on alternative methods such as snow plows, manpower, and de-icing chemicals to deal with runway snow and ice. These methods, while not perfect, are generally effective in minimizing delays and cancellations due to winter weather conditions.

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