Additive for treating water used to form ice
AssigneeSlick Ice Limited
InventorMichael J. Rzechula
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Abstract
The high energy cost accompanying the use of hot water in resurfacing ice rinks is reduced by use of an additive for treating water used to form ice or ice layers which comprises a surfactant, a primary alcohol and a silicone. The surfactant acts to reduce permanently the surface tension of the water while the silicone acts as a defoamer collapsing any bubbles formed on the surface and also as a lubricant when pressure is applied on the ice such as by an ice skate blade. The alcohol is believed to aid in providing a generally homogenous mixture when added to water. The composition allows the use of much cooler water, normally in the range of 45.degree. to 55.degree. F., in forming ice with favorable characteristics. The invention also encompasses novel methods of forming layers of ice using the additive.
Claims28
An additive to treat water used to form ice, comprising:
- a surfactant, a primary alcohol selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, or isopropyl, and a silicone.
An aqueous solution for treating water for use in forming ice, comprising:
- an alcohol-based surfactant, ethyl alcohol, a silicone and water.
A solution composition for use in forming ice, comprising:
- 1 part by volume of an additive comprising about 50.0 to 77.0% by volume of an alcohol-based surfactant, about 9.9 to 27.0% by volume of a silicone oil emulsion, and about 10.0 to 30.0% by volume of ethyl alcohol;
- and
- no more than 1370 parts by volume of water.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.