SNOW & ICE MELTING SYSTEMS
 

Plastic pipes are often used in hydronic systems designed to augment the removal of snow and ice by circulating a heat transfer fluid (usually glycol and water) through pipes installed within outdoor surfaces.

Plastic piping materials are approved for snow and ice melting applications in model mechanical codes such as the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), the Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code (USHGC), the International Residential Code - Mechanical (IRC-M), CSA B214 (Installation Code for Hydronic Heating Systems), and others.

Introduction

Traditional methods of snow and ice removal include "mechanical" removal by snow blowers and plows, manual shoveling, and chemicals such as salt and sand. However, shoveling takes huge effort and can cause health issues. Snow blowers and plows are expensive pieces of equipment that consume significant quantities of fuel and sometimes leave snowbanks behind, with the possibility of damaging landscaping. Salt and sand can damage both outdoor and indoor surfaces (e.g., spalling of concrete, damage to indoor flooring) while creating environmental issues during run-off (e.g., contaminating watersheds).

Modern technology can provide responsive and efficient solutions to these problems through hydronic snow and ice melting (SIM) systems. These systems have been used across North America in all climates for over 75 years. By heating the outdoor surfaces, snow and ice are melted and the water evaporates, leaving dry, safe outdoor surfaces. In addition to reliable plastic piping that is embedded in outdoor surfaces. These closed-loop systems include a heat source, circulating pumps, controls, and other mechanical devices such as fluid expansion tanks.

Materials

Snow and ice melting systems were pioneered in the 1940s using wrought iron or steel pipes embedded in concrete, with rudimentary controls. Modern SIM systems use flexible plastic tubing, typically PEX or PE-RT, the same materials used for most radiant heating/cooling systems. Some people think of SIM systems as outdoor radiant heating systems.

In addition to the tubing, manufacturers of SIM piping systems typically provide pipe fasteners and distribution manifolds. Specialized outdoor controls such as electronic snow detectors and slab temperature sensors are often employed to operate systems only when needed and then to deactivate when outdoor surfaces are dry, optimizing efficiency. 

Applications

Snow and Ice Melting systems are used in outdoor areas such as sidewalks, steps, driveways, ramps, parking lots, loading docks, carwashes, roadways, bridges, and even helicopter landing pads. They are installed at schools and universities, hospitals, train stations, airports, hotels, and ski lodges, in addition to many types of light commercial and residential applications.

These systems are used across North America in all climates. With proper design and installation, hydronic SIM systems provide long-term performance and reliability, as well as saving the time and energy spent on traditional snow and ice removal using mechanical equipment.

Advantages

No matter what the outdoor application, benefits of hydronic snow and ice melting (SIM) systems include safety, convenience, reduced liability, minimized environmental impact, improved long-term reliability, and reduced snow removal costs. In fact, hydronic snow and ice melting systems can reduce facility operating costs by 75% or more as compared with mechanical snow removal (i.e., snowplows or trucks).

SIM systems also eliminate the need for frequent sanding and salting and the inconvenience and cost of snowbanks left behind. With the right controls, SIM systems can be fully automatic, which means they are always on time to start melting snow as the first flake falls.  Some SIM systems even utilize smart weather-responsive controls which anticipate snow events and pre-activate SIM systems to reduce warm-up time.

Snow & Ice Melting In the Media

 

See Also

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