Theresa A Baus

US Patent:

20030162865, Aug 28, 2003

Filed:

Feb 28, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/090987

Inventors:

Richard Philips - Barrington RI, US
Theresa Baus - Warren RI, US

International Classification:

E01H013/00
C08K003/00

US Classification:

523/307000, 239/014100

Abstract:

A method for reducing the drag on an aqueous solution in a pipe or hose system such as a snow making system includes the introduction of drag reducing polymers into the aqueous solution prior to circulating the solution in a pipe or hose. In a preferred embodiment, the drag reducing polymers are a mixture of polyethylene oxide in a carrier solution. The introduction of the polyethylene oxide in a carrier solution reduces the overall frictional drag and therefore increases the snow making efficiency by reducing the power needed to pump the water. As a result, it is easier for greater quantities of snow to be made using existing equipment due to the increased flow rate as a result of the lower drag friction. In a preferred embodiment, the polyethylene oxide is approximately 20-30% by weight and is introduced into the water pipe so resulting concentrations are approximately 30-100 weight parts per million (WPPM).