Author(s): Toshihoro Ozeki; Raimon Yamamoto
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Sea spray icing; Pliable sheet; Lighthouse; Adhesion strength of ice
Abstract: Reduced visibility due to sea spray ice accretion is a big problem in the operation of lighthouses in the northern harbors. To address this problem, we designed pliable sheets that can be used to wrap a small lighthouse. In this research, adhesion strength tests of fresh ice and saline ice were carried out using polymer films and fabric materials. The difference between the fresh water adhesion strength of waterproofed nylons, polyurethane, and fluoroethylene plastics was small; their values were almost half or less as compared to that of stainless steel. Super-hydrophilic plastic exhibited a higher strength than the other polymer sheets; however, the strength decreased to almost zero in the presence of salinity. The field test was carried out using two dummy lighthouses set up on a breakwater. The development of thick icing on the pliable sheets was rare, although ice accretion often occurred on the steel lighthouse coated with acrylic silicone resin. Thus, it is clear that the pliable sheets control the growth of icing.
Year: 2006