Ice composite bodies
OwnerPadraig McAlisterinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An ice composite body has an inner ice core covered by a protective outer armor layer. Thermal insulation is provided between the inner core and the outer armor layer. Refrigeration is accomplished by a system of conduits for refrigerant are located within the body. The insulation and the refrigeration are adapted to maintain the ice core in a frozen condition relative to the ambient temperature. The base of the body cavity can be in direct contact with the water bed such that the ice core is freeze bonded to an advancing ice front in the water bed. The ice composite body provides structures of equal or greater strength than equivalent structures using conventional materials.
Claims27
An ice composite body for use in the construction of floating structures located in or on water, said body comprising an inner ice core of hard freshwater ice formed from water which has been degassed or deionised before freezing, a protective outer armour layer, means for thermally insulating the ice core and refrigeration means comprising a system of conduits for refrigerant within the body, said insulating means and refrigeration means being adapted, relative to the ambient temperature of the surrounding water, to maintain the ice core in a frozen condition, wherein the ice core is totally enclosed in said armour layer, and wherein when the structures are located in or on fresh water the ice core is maintained at a temperature of less than 0.degree. C. less a further 0.5.degree. C. for each 50 atmospheres of pressure experienced by the ice at its most stressed point, and when located in or on salt water the ice core is maintained at a temperature of less than -2.2.degree. C. less a further 0.5.degree. C. for each 50 atmospheres of pressure experienced by the ice at its most stressed point, said pressure including pressure shock waves experienced in normal use.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.