Snow Clearance by Fire
Page 83
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THE Snow Locust equipment introduced last week by Mobile Jet Dispersals, Ltd., 2-26 Benwell Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne, represents a novel means of clearing snow, and it is claimed that 7-ft.-deep drifts can be cleared leaving the road surface only slightly wet.
Snow is melted by oil burners mounted in a working head attached to the front of any, suitable vehicle. A Land-Rover is employed for the prototype installation.
Behind the prime mover is an angled rotary brush and a squeegee blade to clear excess water from the road. If required, the vehicle can tow a saltor gritspreading trailer to prevent the moisture which remains from freezing.
The working head is rectangular and is attached to a gantry. It can be swung through about 90 degrees by a single hydraulic ram to permit the surface containing the burners to be aligned correctly with any snow or ice contour. The oil burners each produce from 40,000-120,000 B.Th.U. per hour, depending on requirements, at a temperature of 1,200 degrees F. Cowls are fitted to the burners to concentrate their output and prevent blow-back in high winds.
Fuel, which is 35-second gas oil, is pressure-fed from a tank on the carrier vehicle, and air for combustion is delivered through flexible hose from a compressor. A secondary air supply, provided by a fan at the rear of the vehicle and led through ducting and hoses, is emitted through slots at the top of the working head extending over its full width.
This air, which is slightly warmed before it emerges, condenses vapour rising from the melted snow and prevents the driver's vision from being impaired.
On the prototype installation, all the working-head auxiliaries are driven from a countershaft connected to the gearbox power take-off of the carrier. Drive to the rotary brush is also taken from the shaft, and the hydraulic pump providing pressure for elevation of the brush and the working head is similarly powered. If required, an independent engine can replace the power take-off.
A two-man crew is required to operate the Snow. Locust gear, which is offered in two types. The town model will disperse snow up to 3 ft. deep, whilst the larger country equipment deals with drifts of up to 7 ft. deep. Operating costs, including fuel and labour, are estimated to be about 15s. per hour and £2 5s. per hour respectively. This is claimed to be cheaper than Conventional snowclearing methods.
The equipment can cut a 9-ft.-wide path through 6-in.-deep snow at 4 m.p.h., and the maximum operating speed is 5 m.p.h. It is stated that the heat generated by the working head will not damage road surfaces as it is absorbed and carried away by the melting snow.
The manufacturers offer free tuition on the operation and maintenance of the gear.