Environmental Sheet
Product Description
Zero Gravity™ Ice Barrier prevents line icing on catenary power systems and weakens ice accretion. It keeps transit trains on schedule and maintains maximum safety for passengers. Zero Gravity™ Ice Barrier was developed to permit uninterrupted equipment operation during freezing conditions. With the absence of electrolytes, there is no possibility of galvanic action and corrosion. Electrical shorts and arcing are also eliminated.
Benefits & Performance
Zero Gravity™ Ice Barrier incorporates technology Midwest has licensed through NASA/AMES Research Institute called Zero Gravity “smart fluid.” Zero Gravity™ enables Ice Barrier to be easily sprayed, even though it is a higher viscosity liquid. Under pressure, Ice Barrier flows very easily, but once it becomes static, it quickly regains its higher viscosity to remain in place to resist the effects of gravity, rain, sleet or snow. It has an effective temperature range (-40°F) to prevent icing in the most severe conditions.
- Formulated using a blend of diethylene glycol (DEG) and propylene glycol (PG) optimizing the benefits of each material.
- Considered to be practically non-toxic to aquatic life.
- A blend of the two glycols, reducing the chronic oral toxicity. When used in an industrial application and as directed per manufacturers instructions there is no chance for ingestion.
- Not absorbed easily through the skin and therefore poses little risk of injury upon contact.
- Vapor inhalation of Zero Gravity™ Ice Barrier poses little health risk, especially when used in cold temperatures, since there is little volatilization.
- Readily biodegradable and will not remain in the environment for an extended period of time.
- Degrades completely to carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and water.
Zero Gravity™ • NASA Technology • Patent No. 5,772,912