Midwest Industrial Supply, Inc.

Are Icing Problems Getting To Be A Pain In The Back?

Icing can cause big problems.
Freezing is a dangerous situation
when snow & ice restrict your ability to throw switches on command.

The Answer
It’s crucial that snow and ice not restrict the switch point’s ability to make complete contact. In order to do that, snow and ice must not be allowed to accumulate in the switch points.

When applied prior to a snow storm, Ice Free Switch® will permit uninterrupted switch operation at freezing temperatures. By applying Ice Free Switch® between switch rails and at the switch points, freezing will be prevented and up to six inches of blowing snow will be melted. The melted snow turns into a slush that squeezes out when the switches are thrown. The slush will not freeze. If ice has formed prior to anti-icing, Ice Free Switch® will melt it. Treating switch plates, switch stands, lever catches and connecting rods with Ice Free Switch® will keep all switch components from freezing.

Ice Free Switch® is also ideal for many other locations like flangeways and crossing areas. Ice Free Switch® helps prevent derailments because the snow will not pack and form ice in the gaps. 

Zero Gravity™ “Smart Fluid” technology is a patented and licensed capability which permits our NEW & IMPROVED green Ice Free Switch® to be poured or sprayed in its liquid state, and become a thin “gel-like” coating in its activated state. “Smart Fluid” technology allows the same substance to be a liquid and then transform itself into an extremely resilient coating that will stay in place, even on vertical surfaces. This extraordinary product retains its long lasting anti-icing properties when activated by freezing rain, sleet or snow. It prevents ice from forming around the switch plate area.  Zero Gravity™  is one of the many reasons why we are the leader in anti-icing technology since 1975.

Ice-Free Switch® 
Keeps Your Trains
Running Safely
And On Time

Anti-icing replaces the back-breaking man hours otherwise required to de-ice or open frozen switches. If you wait until ice forms, de-icing requires FIVE to TEN times more chemical de-icer to melt ice than what is required to anti-ice in the first place. Because de-icer has lower viscosity, it runs off as it is applied, creating puddles of water which can re-freeze in the switch and making de-icing highly ineffective.

When you compare your options, anti-icing is more economical, faster, easier and is the far superior choice. You save time, money and operational interruption when you prepare an anti-icing strategy. And last but not least, look at all the back-breaking work you could learn to live without.

Zero Gravity “Smart Fluid”
Ice Free Switch® utilizes a NASA “Smart Fluid” technology we call Zero Gravity™, co-developed by NASA /Ames Research Center and Midwest Industrial Supply, Inc. (licensee of U.S. patent 5,772,912). When a small amount of this (non-corrosive, biodegradable substance) is sprayed onto the switch plate area or rail it produces a thin film. Its viscosity reverts to high “zero” shear or static viscosity which enables it to stay in place. Ice Free Switch® remains in place to be triggered hours, days or weeks later by sleet, rain or snow. It prevents moisture from becoming ice in the switch plate area. Especially in remote areas.

• Works Better Than Rail Heaters At Severe Temperatures 
  
  
• Prevents Switches From Re-Freezing Down to -70°F
  
  
• Holds Fast to Vertical Surfaces & Remains In Place
  
  
• Defies The Effects Of Rain, Snow, Wind & Gravity
  
  
• Maximizes Safety Conditions For Passengers
  
  
• Prevents Snow From Packing Between Rails
  
  
• Helps Prevent Derailments At Flangeways
  
  
• Safe To Use/Environmentally Friendly
  
  
• Non-Flammable/Non-Corrosive
  
  
• Throw Switches On Command
  
  
• Efficient & Economical to Use