DE-ICER MANUAL
6
DE-ICER INSTALLATION (CONT.)
3.
Consider Obstructions and Water Movement in the Area
When you have determined both your de-icing objectives and the best installation points for your
application, it is time to consider any obstructions, such as structures or boats, that could affect the flow
of warmer water at the surface. Any obstruction at the surface of the water may slow or stop the flow of
warmer water moved by the de-icer. Additionally, natural currents, such as in a river, will tend to move your
de-iced water downstream.
Once you have determined your external constraints, you can choose your installation point(s). Some useful
tricks you may wish to consider are:
•
De-ice from the upstream side and let the current help rather than hinder.
•
Boats are designed to allow water to flow from the bow to the stern with the least resistance. It is
generally easier to de-ice a boat by installing the de-icer at or near the bow, angled to push the flow of
water from the de-icer toward the stern. Fully protecting a boat often requires more than one de-icer.
•
It is generally easier to de-ice shallow water by bringing in the warmer water from a deeper area. Angle
your de-icer from the deeper water toward the shallow water.
•
When using more than one unit, it is better to angle all units in one direction, creating a current rather
than installing de-icers in opposing directions.
•
In tidal waters, split the difference in water depth so the de-icer is in shallow water at low tide and deep
water at high tide. If you are de-icing a boat, it is easier to tie your de-icer to the boat and allow the boat
and de-icer to rise and fall with the tide together.
De-icer with angle suspension
De-icer with angle suspension
High tide
Low tide
Open water relieves ice expansion pressure.
Dock-mounted
de-icer for
longer docks
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