Frozen grounds during winter pose a lot of setbacks for many businesses. People in the construction industry suffer the most as they have to go through hassles to complete their tasks. Ice can be stubborn as it increases density. However, by using ground heaters to thaw it, you can eliminate it. Ground heaters work conveniently to remove this ice hence making it impossible to undertake any ground activities. These devices come in two distinct versions, hydronic heaters and ground thawing blankets.
Ground Thawing Blanket.
Ground-thawing blankets utilize a source of electricity with a heating blankest to achieve this goal. The few items make it quite affordable and also portable. The heating blanket comes in varying sizes depending on the area you want to be covered within a given period. The topmost part features an insulated structure that traps the heat. Keeping the blanket warm for an extended period is also simple and user-friendly, thus minimal requirements. To remove the ice, spread out the blanket on the designated area within the site. Plug it into a reliable source of electricity. The electricity will power the heating elements within the blanket and consequently melt the ice away.
Hydronic heater.
Hydronic heaters are the second option, and they feature an array of items, including a blower fan, insulated blankets, boiler, hose, vapor barrier, and a mixture of propylene glycol. It is imperative to use some professional assistance in the initial installation process. Otherwise, a simple mistake jeopardizes the entire heating process. First, lay out the hose in loops to cover the entire area with ice. The function of the boiler is to heat the glycol mixture thoroughly. The process results in the production of heat. Once the maximum heating gets achieved, pump the hot mixture into the hoses till it reaches the other end. The hose will, in turn, produce hot air. The blower effectively spreads the hot air through the entire location and thus thaws the ground. Utilize the vapor barrier to keep the hot air within the location. Any open place can result in the air escaping, which interferes with the efficiency of the procedure. Cover the vapor using the insulated blanket to ensure there is the retention of sufficient heat in the site. Using the hydronic heater is quite complicated, but it is safer and bears better results. The approach is flameless, eliminating any safety risks.
Both methods are effective for thawing ice on the ground. Each approach has both limitations and benefits. However, you must consider which of them is suitable for our kind of set up. The insulating blankets require minimum expertise, while the hydronic pump needs you to follow through the steps. Nevertheless, it is safer to use the simplest and most effective as per your needs and preferences. Before you decide on the option, you must first have an in-depth understanding of your situation. How much ice do you have at hand? There are different sizes of ground heaters, all suitable for specific dimensions. If you choose a smaller heater for a larger area, the result is nothing but time and power wastage. Check on the amount of power it has. Sometimes you will require the machine to run overnight to commence your job in the morning. Its capability determines how the machine will serve you. Last, check on the temperature of the ground. It will guide you further on the ideal choice for your needs.
You can either rent or buy a ground heater, depending on your needs. The purchasing prices vary hugely depending on several factors. Well, buying is more economical as you can become a renter unless you have short-term goals.
