Improving Visibility During Periods of Supercooled Fog

Download or read book Improving Visibility During Periods of Supercooled Fog written by James R. Hicks and published by . This book was released on 1966 with total page 48 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Six tests of dispersal systems using propane were conducted in Hanover, New Hampshire during winter 1964-65 and a like number in Greenland during summer 1965 mainly on supercooled fogs and in a few instances when air temperatures were within the lower 2 meters at or slightly above freezing. Propane was introduced into the fog as a liquid aerosol to induce spontaneous nucleation either by cooling or by clathrate reaction which may be important in fog modification. The tests show that liquid propane will improve visibility in fogs, is safe to use, and no standby time is needed. The system may be permanently installed with either radio or manually controlled valve units, and is inexpensive, a cost of $20/hr estimated to keep an airport approach zone clear of fog. Details of the individual tests conducted are given. The dispensing apparatus, propane flammability tests, and the theory of formation, growth, and precipitation of ice crystals, thermal reaction, and the clathrate concept are discussed. (Author).