Cargill Inc.

Michael Hoerle

Lawrence L Micek

Donald T Ireland

Clay Hildreth

Scott Aksamit

Craig J Bush

Eric Busch

James Schmitz

Elizabeth Earley

A solution making system and apparatus are described. The solution maker mixes a chemical or slurry with a solvent to a desired concentration. The concentration of the solution is monitored by one or more methods. Based upon this measurement, the concentration of the solution may be adjusted.

Solution making system and method

An apparatus for applying a liquid coating to a deicer composition, methods of applying a liquid coating to a deicer composition, and solid deicer compositions that have been coated using the apparatus or method of the invention are disclosed. The apparatus includes a screw conveyor that has a housing, at least one screw with a plurality of flights, an inlet for uncoated deicer, an inlet for a liquid coating composition, and an outlet for deicer coated with the liquid coating composition. The screws contain protrusions or tabs that extend from the surrounding surface of the screw. These protrusions or tabs aid in the mixing of the solid deicer and the liquid coating composition in order to provide a well-mixed deicer that resists caking while avoiding losing the coating composition to leaching.

Deicer mixing method

An apparatus and method for preparing and dispensing a liquid deicer. The apparatus and method allow deicer ingredients or precursors to be combined in an exothermic reaction to produce a heated deicer at the location where it will be used. In one implementation, potassium hydroxide and acetic acid are combined using the apparatus and method to make hot potassium acetate for use in numerous deicer applications, including deicing of airport runways.

Method and apparatus for on-site mixing of liquid deicer

A snow removal machine including a housing with a forward opening through which snow enters the snow removal machine. At least one rotatable member is positioned and rotatably secured within the housing for engaging and eliminating the snow from within said housing. The snow removal machine also includes a surface treatment application system with a treatment material dispensing system connected to the housing for dispensing a liquid or solid deicer and/or anti-icing treatment material over an area from which snow has been removed.

Growing community of inventors

Eden Prairie, MN, United States of America

Michael Hoerle