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  • Writer's picturejtanu071

The Best of Both Worlds: A Design that Employs both Salt and Ethylene Glycol

Author: Justin Jordens, D.Eng Environmental and Civic Engineering


The microFAST fixed distribution system has a proven track record of being reliable and cost-efficient [1]. Pairing this technology with ethylene glycol for targeted usage in trouble areas when salt just doesn’t cut it can save lives at little risk to the environment - no more of a risk than what salt already presents [2-6].



References

  • [1] Fixed De-icing - Boschung Group [Internet]. Weltweit führender Hersteller für Betriebsflächenunterhalt. [cited 2018Mar6]. Available from: https://boschung.com/en/town-city/fixed-de-icing

  • [2] Mccartt AT, Northrup VS, Retting RA. Types and characteristics of ramp-related motor vehicle crashes on urban interstate roadways in Northern Virginia. Journal of Safety Research. 2004;35(1):107–14.

  • [3] Rebsdat, Siegfried, and Dieter Mayer. “Ethylene Glycol.” Ullmann’s Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 2000. Wiley Online Library, doi:10.1002/14356007.a10_101.

  • [4] The Awesome Price We Pay for Road De-Icing: Melting Cars, Collapsing Bridges, Billions in Damage | National Post. http://nationalpost.com/news/canada/the-awesome-price-we-pay-for-road-de-icing-melting-cars-collapsing-bridges-billions-in-damage. Accessed 3 Feb. 2018.

  • [5] Msds.Pdf. https://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9924972. Accessed 3 Feb. 2018.

  • [6] Msds.Pdf. http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927167. Accessed 3 Feb. 2018.

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2 Comments

Stuart Tait
Stuart Tait
Mar 26, 2018

Interesting design concept! I hope it becomes implemented in Ottawa as the benefits to the environment and everyone's safety is vital.

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Bob Vanderwaltz
Bob Vanderwaltz
Mar 23, 2018

I find it interesting that ethylene glycol's use would be targeted to specific road areas. Would be have to monitor these areas after its exposure to ethylene glycol to ensure automobile safety standards at met?

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