CA1243851A - Method and apparatus for making artificial snow - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for making artificial snowInfo
- Publication number
- CA1243851A CA1243851A CA000478593A CA478593A CA1243851A CA 1243851 A CA1243851 A CA 1243851A CA 000478593 A CA000478593 A CA 000478593A CA 478593 A CA478593 A CA 478593A CA 1243851 A CA1243851 A CA 1243851A
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- airflow stream
- water
- shroud
- housing
- primary airflow
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An improved method of and apparatus for making artificial snow. The snow making machine disclosed for practicing the invention includes a ducted fan within a housing for generating a substantially unidirectional, high volume air current over the area to be deposited with snow. High velocity water sprays are injected into the air current from above and below the air current via a plurality of nozzles connected to an annular water manifold circumferentially disposed around the discharge end of the housing. Nucleated ice crystals are also injected into the air current by a high velocity vapor spray emitted from a pair of seeder nozzles disposed at the center of the housing.
The vapor spray is ccmprised of a mixture of water and compressed air which is vaporized in a venturi-type expansion chamber prior to emission through the seeder nozzles. In accordance with a second embodiment of this invention, a shroud member surrounds the discharge end of the housing such that a secondary airflow is guided between the shroud and housing. The secondary airflow guided by the shroud has been found to permit greater quantities of high quality snow to be made at given atmospheric conditions and further allows snow to be manufactured in warmer conditions as compared to prior art devices.
An improved method of and apparatus for making artificial snow. The snow making machine disclosed for practicing the invention includes a ducted fan within a housing for generating a substantially unidirectional, high volume air current over the area to be deposited with snow. High velocity water sprays are injected into the air current from above and below the air current via a plurality of nozzles connected to an annular water manifold circumferentially disposed around the discharge end of the housing. Nucleated ice crystals are also injected into the air current by a high velocity vapor spray emitted from a pair of seeder nozzles disposed at the center of the housing.
The vapor spray is ccmprised of a mixture of water and compressed air which is vaporized in a venturi-type expansion chamber prior to emission through the seeder nozzles. In accordance with a second embodiment of this invention, a shroud member surrounds the discharge end of the housing such that a secondary airflow is guided between the shroud and housing. The secondary airflow guided by the shroud has been found to permit greater quantities of high quality snow to be made at given atmospheric conditions and further allows snow to be manufactured in warmer conditions as compared to prior art devices.
Description
~AC~GRCi~D i~ND ~Y OF 1~ N~IC~
qhe present i~vention relates to a m~thod and apparatus for making artificial snow and in par-ticular to an i~proved method and apparatus for making artificial sncw which i5 capable of making large quantities of snow efficiently.
The unpredic~;ability of the weather has made the ~aking of artificial snaw an essential aspect of the operation of virtually all successful ski resorts. Ccmmercial snr~w making machines frequently include a high-powered fan for providing a substantially unidirectional hiqh volu~e movement Or aT~bient air and Treans or injecting a water spray into the high volume air current at an appropriate rate sufficient to cause crystallization of the spray and deposition of the crystals as artificial sn~w. Typically, compress æ air and water are add æ to the water spray to further enhance the crvstallization of the water spray.
It is a generally re~ognized principle that the q~antity of snow produc æ is a direct ~unction of the amount of water used.
However, with conventional snow making machines, under give~ ambient air conditions, only a limited quantity of water may be sprayed into ~he hig~. volume air mDvement and still result in high r~uality snc~. Tf excessive amounts of water are intro~uced, a less desirable we~ snow may result or excess water droplets may begin to fall out of t~e air stream prior to cc~plete crystallization. I~LS, with such m~chines there exists a signiicant trade-of between snow quality and quantity which varies in accord~nce with prevailing atmosph ric conditions.
3~35~
3~5~
~ - 2 -Accordingly, lt is the primary ob~ect of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for making artificial snow which increases the quantity of high ~uality snow which can be produced at given atmospheric conditions.
In addltion, lt i9 an obJect of the present lnvention to provide an lmproved snow making machine that is capable of producing high quality snow withln a relatively broad range of operating parameters9 thereby making effective use of the machine practical.
Furthermore9 lt is an ob~ect of the present invention to provide an improved snow making machine which is more efficient to operate and requires substantially less energy than conventional machines.
Broadly speaking, the present invention may be considered as proqiding an~ apparatus for making snow comprising: a housing havlng an lnlet end and a discharge end, fan means disposed in the housing for generating a substantially unidirectional high-volume primary airflow stream exiting at the discharge end, a shroud surrounding the housing discharge end9 thereby forming an annular gap between the shroud and the housing, the shroud controlling the introduction of a secondary airflow stream through the annular gap which surrounds the primary airflow stream, ~later in~ection means located around the periphery of the shroud for in~ecting water across the secondary airflow stream and into the primary airElow stream; and nuc:Leation LCM:rm 3~
- 2n -means Eor injecting a high velocity water spray into the primary airflow stream.
Furthermore; the present invention also provides a method of making artificial snow including the steps of:
generating a substantially unidirectlonal high-volume primary airflow stream; generating and controlling a secondary airflow stream surrounding the primary airflow stream; injecting a hlgh-veloclty water spray across the secondary airflow stream and into the primary airflow stream from a location substantially above the primary airflow stream; and in~ecting a high-veloclty water spray across the secondary airflow stream and into the primary airflow stream from a locatlon substantlally below the primary airflow stream; and lnjecting into the primary airflow stream a high veloclty spray comprising a nlixture of water and compressed air from a location approximately in the center of the primary airflow stream.
In practicing the inventlon a plurality of water nozzles are disposed in upper and lower quadrants around the periphery of the high volume air stream and a pair of nucleating or seeder nozzles is located at the center of the air stream. By inJecting nucleated ice crysta]s into the voids between the upper and lower quadrants of water spray a substantially longer time is provlded for the formation of ice crystals before the nucleated crystals contact the water spray on both sides of the mass. Thus, LCM:rm - 2b ~ 385~
the effectiveness of the nucleation process is enhanced and the quantity of nuclei available for snow particle formation is increased. Hence, the volume of water which can be used iB similarly increased without reducing the quality of the snow produced, The shroud introduces a secondary airflow which surrounds the airflow discharging from the snow malcing machine housing. The addition of the shroud has been found to permit greater quantities of high quallty snow to be produced in given atmospheric conditions and enables snow LCM:rm ~' 35~
production in war~,er weather as compared with machines which do not incorporate the shroud.
Additional bbjects and advantages of the present invention will beccme apparent from a reading of the detailed description of the preferred embodiment which makes reference to the following set of drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTICN OF THE DR~WINGS
Figure 1 is a side elevational view in partial cutaway of the snow making machine according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is an end view of the outlet end of the snow making machine of Figure 1 taker. along line 2-2;
Figure 3 is a partial sectional view of the snow making machine of Figure 2 taken along line 3-3;
Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the seed line taken along line 4-4 in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a seed nozzle taXen along line 5-5 in Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a side view partially in longitudinal section of an alternate en~xxl~men~ according to this invention wherein a shroud assembly is added at the discharge end of the sncw ~aking machine housing; and Figure 7 is a front view of the snow making machine illustrated by Figure 6.
DErAILED DESCRIPTI~ OF THE PREFERRED EM30D~I3rr _ _ Referring to Figure 1, a side elevational view of the snow making machine 10 according to the present invention is shcwn. me snow making machine 10 comprises a cylindrical fan housing 12 mounted to a yoke 14 which is supported on a tripod base 16 such that the fan housing 12 and yoke 14 are rotatable about a vertical axis 360 dearees with 3~
resp~ct to the tripod ~ase 16. One leg 18 of the s~pport base 16 extends rearwardly from said vertical axis and has mounted thereto an electronic control box 20, which includes apprc,priate switches for operating the fan motor. Tripod base assembly 16 is preferably carri æ
by w~eels equipp~d with low pressure, wide tread, "balloon" tires 22 to facilitate transportation of the machine 10. An anchor 23 is preferably connected to the axle of the rear wheel for securing the position of the machine during operation.
The fan housing 12 contains a vane axial blc~er ccmprising an i~peller fan 24 having a circumferential OE ay of radial blades drivably connected to an electric motor 26. Motor 26 is coaxially mountred within fan housing 12 by a circumferential OE ay of stationary vanes 28 fixed within the hGusing. The vanes 28 are oriented so that the generally spiral air pattern generated by the fan 24 is converted by the vanes 28 to a substantially linear, unidirectional air current. The rear intake of the housing 12 is preferably covered by a coarse mesh screen 30 to mInimize the likelihood of injury to the cperator and also to prevent leaves, twigs, and other debris from being drawn into the machine.
Mounted at the outlet end of the machine about the periphery of the fan housing 12 is a circular watr-r manifold 32 having connected thereto groups of water nozzles 33 and 35. As best shrJwn in Figure 2, the water nozzles are separated into two groups; an upper group 35 and a lcwer sroup 33. In the preferred embcdiment of the present s.now mak m a machine, there are six water nozzles in upper group 35 and four water nozzles in lower group 33. The precise number o water nozzles is not critical to the invention. Significantly, however, it will be noted that both the upper 35 and lower 33 groups of water nozzles are substantially confined to the top and bottcm portions of the water manifold 32. More specifically, it will be appreciated that the top group of water nozzles 35 are all located substantially within the upper quadrant of the manifold 32, c ntered about the vertical axis thereof, 5 ~
and the bottcm group of water nozzles 33 are all located substantially within the lower quadrant of the manifold 32, centered about the vertical axis. me quadrants of the water maniEold 32 centered a~out the horizontal axis thereof are substantially devoid of any water nozzles. m e water nozzles in upper group 35 are preferably mcunted to the water manifold 32 at a 45 degree angle relative to the vertical plane of the manifold and the water nozzles 33 in the lower group are preferably mcunted to the water manifold 32 at a 30 degree angle relative to the vertical. m e water nozzles utilized in the preferred embodiment of the snow making machine comprise 60 degree full cone, spiral nozzles, manufactured by Bete Fog Nozzle, Inc., No. TF6~N.
Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the water spray from the upper set of nozzles 35 is emitted into the high volume current of air from essentially above the air current while the water spray frcm the lower set of nozzles 33 is e~itted into the air current from essentially below ~he air current.
The water manifold 32 is supplied by a 1-1/2 inch water inlet line 34, with the supply of water to the manifold being controlled by a control valve 36. An additional 1/4 inch water line 38 is tapped off the main water line 34 upstream from the main control valve 36 and extends through an opening in the bottom of the fan housing 12 to supply the seeder nozzles 45. Water supply through this line 38 is controlled by a second control valve 37. Optionally, a second tier of water nozzles 41', supplied through an additional pair of valves 39 tapped off the water manifold 32, may be included in the upper group as shown in phanto~ in Figure 2, to further increase the capacity of the machine 10.
The seeder nozzles 45, as illustrated in Figures 1-3, are located essentially at the center of the ~ter ~anifold ring 32, although set slightly forward of the fan housing 12. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of seeder nozzles 45 are provided which are disposed horizontally and positioned at a ninety degree included angle, as best ~3~
shown in Figlre 4. The seecler nozzles utilized in the preEerred entxxlument camprise Bete NoF~ nozzles that have been m~odified by drilling a 0.125 inch round hole 48 into the opening in the fa oe of the nozzle, as shown in Figure 5O The s3eder nozzles 45 are fed by wat~r line 38 and a souroe of oompressed alr which is supplied via a one half inch air inlet line 40 that e~-tends through an opening in the top of the fan housing 12.
The campressed air inlet line 40 and the water inlet line 38 are joined at a T-couplin~ 42 which is located adjacent the rear of the electric motor 26 in the fan housing 12. With particular reference to Figure 3, T-c~upling 4~ has formed internally therein a plate 46 which is disposed transversely to the water and air inlet lines, 38 and 40 respectively, to insure that the ccmpressed alr and water flow out the center tap of the coupling. Ihe oompressed air from line 40 and the water from line 38 are oo~bined and mixed in an expansicn chamber 44 which, as shGwn in Figure 4, contains a venturi-type constricted ~lddle section which serves to vaporize the air-water muxture. The water vapor is then expelled as a fine mist thrDugh the seeder nozzles 45. The ratio of compressed air to water in the seed line in the preferred embodi~.ent varies fron approximately 8:1 to 15:1.
In operation, a cold water spray is injected by both upper and lc~er sets of water nozzles, 35 and 33 respectively, into the high volume air current generated by the fan 24 such that the two sectors of water spray converge downstream from the output end of the machine 10.
Simultaneously, a fine vapor mist of nucleated ice crystals is emitted by the twin seeder nozzles 45 to thereby generate a relatively flat fan of nucleation horizontally across the entire high v~lume air stream so that the nucleated paIticles contact the tw~ surfaces of wa~er as the sprays from the upper and lower sets of water nozzles 35 and 33 converge. Importantly, the central convergence of the sprays frcn the upper and lower sets of water nvzzles 35 and 33 consolidates the air 31~35~
stream causing the water spray to remain suspended within and carried by the air stream for a substantially greater distance than with prior designs, thereby prcnriding significantly greater time for the process of crys~allization to take place. Additionally, it is signific~nt to note that the seeder nozzles 45 emit their nucleated lce crystal spray into the void between the two converging water sprays, thus extending the time before the nucleating ice crystals contact the two separate surfaces of water. This, in turn, signifieantly increases the effectiveness of the nucleation process, thereby enhancing the capacity of the machine for high quality snow crvstal formation. Moreover, the increased efficiency of the nucleation process provides the additional dividend of permitting the use of substantially less compressed air. In particular, the snow making machine of the preferred embodiment utilizes approximately one-half the ccmpressed air volume of oonventional snow making machines, thus permitting the use of an air cempressox of one-half the horsepewer capacity, which, of course, reduces the energy consumption of the machine. Finally, the above-noted features in combination provide the sncw naking machine of the present invention with the capability of producing greater quantities o_ high quality snow at higher temperatures under given atmospheric conditions, than with oonventional sncw ~ ing machines.
A second e~bodiment accordina to this invention is illustrated with reference to Figures 6 and 7. These figures illustrate modified snow making machine 110 which differs from the previously described e~bodiment in that an enlaraed diameter shroud mmber ]11 is provided.
Fan housing 112 is substantially identical to that described in connection with the ~irst embodiment. Fan housing 112 features an internally mounted impeller fan 124 driven by an electric motor 126.
Electric motor 12~ is mounted within fan housing 112 by stationarv vanes 128. Like the first en~xxl~nent, housing 112 includes screen 130 which prevents access to the rotating internal cemponents by operators or 15~
debris. Shroud member 111 is generally cylindric~l and preferably has a flared entrance end 115 and is mounted by a plurality of radially directed mount mg rods 117 which maintain shroud m~ber 111 in coaxial alignment with fan housing 112. Shrcud 111 is axially located such that it lies within the plane formed by the discharge end of housing 112.
Circular water manifold 132 is mounted at the discharge end of shroud mEmber 111. In addition, seeder nozzles 145 are centrally located generally within the plane of the discharge end of shroud mem~er 111.
This second en~xxl~ment of this invention employs shroud me~ber 111 to control the introduction of a secondary airflow, identified by arrcw 150, which flows into the annular gap betweerl housing 112 and' shroud flared end 115. Due to the high rate at which the primary airflow flows, atmospheric air in the vicinity of this primary airflow is caused to nove. Shroud member 111 guides this secondary airflow vement such that it can mix with the primary airflow.
In operation, snow making machine 110 provides increased performance in that greater quantities of high ouality snow may be produced within given atmospheric conditions. Additionally, this en~xxl~ment permits sncw prcduction in warmer atmospheric conditions than is possible using prior art devices. m ese benefits are believed to result due to several factors. By Qusing greater quantities of atmospheric air to be miYed within the atomized water being dispersed by nozzles 125, 133 and 135, greater cooling, and therefore i oe crystal generation, of the water occurs. Also, the induced secondary airflow is of a cooler temperature and therefore enhances snow production since it is not driven past elec~ric motor 126 which dissipates heat which is added to the airflcw. Finally, sin oe water nozzles 133 and 135 are caused to spray across the annular secondary airflow region, it is suspended in air longer and therefore has a greater opportunity to be cooled sufficiently to generate ice crystals.
313S~
While the ab~ve description constitutes the preferred embodiment of the present in~ention, it will be appreciated that the inventicn is susceptible to modification, variation and change withcut departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the acco~panying claims.
qhe present i~vention relates to a m~thod and apparatus for making artificial snow and in par-ticular to an i~proved method and apparatus for making artificial sncw which i5 capable of making large quantities of snow efficiently.
The unpredic~;ability of the weather has made the ~aking of artificial snaw an essential aspect of the operation of virtually all successful ski resorts. Ccmmercial snr~w making machines frequently include a high-powered fan for providing a substantially unidirectional hiqh volu~e movement Or aT~bient air and Treans or injecting a water spray into the high volume air current at an appropriate rate sufficient to cause crystallization of the spray and deposition of the crystals as artificial sn~w. Typically, compress æ air and water are add æ to the water spray to further enhance the crvstallization of the water spray.
It is a generally re~ognized principle that the q~antity of snow produc æ is a direct ~unction of the amount of water used.
However, with conventional snow making machines, under give~ ambient air conditions, only a limited quantity of water may be sprayed into ~he hig~. volume air mDvement and still result in high r~uality snc~. Tf excessive amounts of water are intro~uced, a less desirable we~ snow may result or excess water droplets may begin to fall out of t~e air stream prior to cc~plete crystallization. I~LS, with such m~chines there exists a signiicant trade-of between snow quality and quantity which varies in accord~nce with prevailing atmosph ric conditions.
3~35~
3~5~
~ - 2 -Accordingly, lt is the primary ob~ect of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for making artificial snow which increases the quantity of high ~uality snow which can be produced at given atmospheric conditions.
In addltion, lt i9 an obJect of the present lnvention to provide an lmproved snow making machine that is capable of producing high quality snow withln a relatively broad range of operating parameters9 thereby making effective use of the machine practical.
Furthermore9 lt is an ob~ect of the present invention to provide an improved snow making machine which is more efficient to operate and requires substantially less energy than conventional machines.
Broadly speaking, the present invention may be considered as proqiding an~ apparatus for making snow comprising: a housing havlng an lnlet end and a discharge end, fan means disposed in the housing for generating a substantially unidirectional high-volume primary airflow stream exiting at the discharge end, a shroud surrounding the housing discharge end9 thereby forming an annular gap between the shroud and the housing, the shroud controlling the introduction of a secondary airflow stream through the annular gap which surrounds the primary airflow stream, ~later in~ection means located around the periphery of the shroud for in~ecting water across the secondary airflow stream and into the primary airElow stream; and nuc:Leation LCM:rm 3~
- 2n -means Eor injecting a high velocity water spray into the primary airflow stream.
Furthermore; the present invention also provides a method of making artificial snow including the steps of:
generating a substantially unidirectlonal high-volume primary airflow stream; generating and controlling a secondary airflow stream surrounding the primary airflow stream; injecting a hlgh-veloclty water spray across the secondary airflow stream and into the primary airflow stream from a location substantially above the primary airflow stream; and in~ecting a high-veloclty water spray across the secondary airflow stream and into the primary airflow stream from a locatlon substantlally below the primary airflow stream; and lnjecting into the primary airflow stream a high veloclty spray comprising a nlixture of water and compressed air from a location approximately in the center of the primary airflow stream.
In practicing the inventlon a plurality of water nozzles are disposed in upper and lower quadrants around the periphery of the high volume air stream and a pair of nucleating or seeder nozzles is located at the center of the air stream. By inJecting nucleated ice crysta]s into the voids between the upper and lower quadrants of water spray a substantially longer time is provlded for the formation of ice crystals before the nucleated crystals contact the water spray on both sides of the mass. Thus, LCM:rm - 2b ~ 385~
the effectiveness of the nucleation process is enhanced and the quantity of nuclei available for snow particle formation is increased. Hence, the volume of water which can be used iB similarly increased without reducing the quality of the snow produced, The shroud introduces a secondary airflow which surrounds the airflow discharging from the snow malcing machine housing. The addition of the shroud has been found to permit greater quantities of high quallty snow to be produced in given atmospheric conditions and enables snow LCM:rm ~' 35~
production in war~,er weather as compared with machines which do not incorporate the shroud.
Additional bbjects and advantages of the present invention will beccme apparent from a reading of the detailed description of the preferred embodiment which makes reference to the following set of drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTICN OF THE DR~WINGS
Figure 1 is a side elevational view in partial cutaway of the snow making machine according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is an end view of the outlet end of the snow making machine of Figure 1 taker. along line 2-2;
Figure 3 is a partial sectional view of the snow making machine of Figure 2 taken along line 3-3;
Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the seed line taken along line 4-4 in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a seed nozzle taXen along line 5-5 in Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a side view partially in longitudinal section of an alternate en~xxl~men~ according to this invention wherein a shroud assembly is added at the discharge end of the sncw ~aking machine housing; and Figure 7 is a front view of the snow making machine illustrated by Figure 6.
DErAILED DESCRIPTI~ OF THE PREFERRED EM30D~I3rr _ _ Referring to Figure 1, a side elevational view of the snow making machine 10 according to the present invention is shcwn. me snow making machine 10 comprises a cylindrical fan housing 12 mounted to a yoke 14 which is supported on a tripod base 16 such that the fan housing 12 and yoke 14 are rotatable about a vertical axis 360 dearees with 3~
resp~ct to the tripod ~ase 16. One leg 18 of the s~pport base 16 extends rearwardly from said vertical axis and has mounted thereto an electronic control box 20, which includes apprc,priate switches for operating the fan motor. Tripod base assembly 16 is preferably carri æ
by w~eels equipp~d with low pressure, wide tread, "balloon" tires 22 to facilitate transportation of the machine 10. An anchor 23 is preferably connected to the axle of the rear wheel for securing the position of the machine during operation.
The fan housing 12 contains a vane axial blc~er ccmprising an i~peller fan 24 having a circumferential OE ay of radial blades drivably connected to an electric motor 26. Motor 26 is coaxially mountred within fan housing 12 by a circumferential OE ay of stationary vanes 28 fixed within the hGusing. The vanes 28 are oriented so that the generally spiral air pattern generated by the fan 24 is converted by the vanes 28 to a substantially linear, unidirectional air current. The rear intake of the housing 12 is preferably covered by a coarse mesh screen 30 to mInimize the likelihood of injury to the cperator and also to prevent leaves, twigs, and other debris from being drawn into the machine.
Mounted at the outlet end of the machine about the periphery of the fan housing 12 is a circular watr-r manifold 32 having connected thereto groups of water nozzles 33 and 35. As best shrJwn in Figure 2, the water nozzles are separated into two groups; an upper group 35 and a lcwer sroup 33. In the preferred embcdiment of the present s.now mak m a machine, there are six water nozzles in upper group 35 and four water nozzles in lower group 33. The precise number o water nozzles is not critical to the invention. Significantly, however, it will be noted that both the upper 35 and lower 33 groups of water nozzles are substantially confined to the top and bottcm portions of the water manifold 32. More specifically, it will be appreciated that the top group of water nozzles 35 are all located substantially within the upper quadrant of the manifold 32, c ntered about the vertical axis thereof, 5 ~
and the bottcm group of water nozzles 33 are all located substantially within the lower quadrant of the manifold 32, centered about the vertical axis. me quadrants of the water maniEold 32 centered a~out the horizontal axis thereof are substantially devoid of any water nozzles. m e water nozzles in upper group 35 are preferably mcunted to the water manifold 32 at a 45 degree angle relative to the vertical plane of the manifold and the water nozzles 33 in the lower group are preferably mcunted to the water manifold 32 at a 30 degree angle relative to the vertical. m e water nozzles utilized in the preferred embodiment of the snow making machine comprise 60 degree full cone, spiral nozzles, manufactured by Bete Fog Nozzle, Inc., No. TF6~N.
Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the water spray from the upper set of nozzles 35 is emitted into the high volume current of air from essentially above the air current while the water spray frcm the lower set of nozzles 33 is e~itted into the air current from essentially below ~he air current.
The water manifold 32 is supplied by a 1-1/2 inch water inlet line 34, with the supply of water to the manifold being controlled by a control valve 36. An additional 1/4 inch water line 38 is tapped off the main water line 34 upstream from the main control valve 36 and extends through an opening in the bottom of the fan housing 12 to supply the seeder nozzles 45. Water supply through this line 38 is controlled by a second control valve 37. Optionally, a second tier of water nozzles 41', supplied through an additional pair of valves 39 tapped off the water manifold 32, may be included in the upper group as shown in phanto~ in Figure 2, to further increase the capacity of the machine 10.
The seeder nozzles 45, as illustrated in Figures 1-3, are located essentially at the center of the ~ter ~anifold ring 32, although set slightly forward of the fan housing 12. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of seeder nozzles 45 are provided which are disposed horizontally and positioned at a ninety degree included angle, as best ~3~
shown in Figlre 4. The seecler nozzles utilized in the preEerred entxxlument camprise Bete NoF~ nozzles that have been m~odified by drilling a 0.125 inch round hole 48 into the opening in the fa oe of the nozzle, as shown in Figure 5O The s3eder nozzles 45 are fed by wat~r line 38 and a souroe of oompressed alr which is supplied via a one half inch air inlet line 40 that e~-tends through an opening in the top of the fan housing 12.
The campressed air inlet line 40 and the water inlet line 38 are joined at a T-couplin~ 42 which is located adjacent the rear of the electric motor 26 in the fan housing 12. With particular reference to Figure 3, T-c~upling 4~ has formed internally therein a plate 46 which is disposed transversely to the water and air inlet lines, 38 and 40 respectively, to insure that the ccmpressed alr and water flow out the center tap of the coupling. Ihe oompressed air from line 40 and the water from line 38 are oo~bined and mixed in an expansicn chamber 44 which, as shGwn in Figure 4, contains a venturi-type constricted ~lddle section which serves to vaporize the air-water muxture. The water vapor is then expelled as a fine mist thrDugh the seeder nozzles 45. The ratio of compressed air to water in the seed line in the preferred embodi~.ent varies fron approximately 8:1 to 15:1.
In operation, a cold water spray is injected by both upper and lc~er sets of water nozzles, 35 and 33 respectively, into the high volume air current generated by the fan 24 such that the two sectors of water spray converge downstream from the output end of the machine 10.
Simultaneously, a fine vapor mist of nucleated ice crystals is emitted by the twin seeder nozzles 45 to thereby generate a relatively flat fan of nucleation horizontally across the entire high v~lume air stream so that the nucleated paIticles contact the tw~ surfaces of wa~er as the sprays from the upper and lower sets of water nozzles 35 and 33 converge. Importantly, the central convergence of the sprays frcn the upper and lower sets of water nvzzles 35 and 33 consolidates the air 31~35~
stream causing the water spray to remain suspended within and carried by the air stream for a substantially greater distance than with prior designs, thereby prcnriding significantly greater time for the process of crys~allization to take place. Additionally, it is signific~nt to note that the seeder nozzles 45 emit their nucleated lce crystal spray into the void between the two converging water sprays, thus extending the time before the nucleating ice crystals contact the two separate surfaces of water. This, in turn, signifieantly increases the effectiveness of the nucleation process, thereby enhancing the capacity of the machine for high quality snow crvstal formation. Moreover, the increased efficiency of the nucleation process provides the additional dividend of permitting the use of substantially less compressed air. In particular, the snow making machine of the preferred embodiment utilizes approximately one-half the ccmpressed air volume of oonventional snow making machines, thus permitting the use of an air cempressox of one-half the horsepewer capacity, which, of course, reduces the energy consumption of the machine. Finally, the above-noted features in combination provide the sncw naking machine of the present invention with the capability of producing greater quantities o_ high quality snow at higher temperatures under given atmospheric conditions, than with oonventional sncw ~ ing machines.
A second e~bodiment accordina to this invention is illustrated with reference to Figures 6 and 7. These figures illustrate modified snow making machine 110 which differs from the previously described e~bodiment in that an enlaraed diameter shroud mmber ]11 is provided.
Fan housing 112 is substantially identical to that described in connection with the ~irst embodiment. Fan housing 112 features an internally mounted impeller fan 124 driven by an electric motor 126.
Electric motor 12~ is mounted within fan housing 112 by stationarv vanes 128. Like the first en~xxl~nent, housing 112 includes screen 130 which prevents access to the rotating internal cemponents by operators or 15~
debris. Shroud member 111 is generally cylindric~l and preferably has a flared entrance end 115 and is mounted by a plurality of radially directed mount mg rods 117 which maintain shroud m~ber 111 in coaxial alignment with fan housing 112. Shrcud 111 is axially located such that it lies within the plane formed by the discharge end of housing 112.
Circular water manifold 132 is mounted at the discharge end of shroud mEmber 111. In addition, seeder nozzles 145 are centrally located generally within the plane of the discharge end of shroud mem~er 111.
This second en~xxl~ment of this invention employs shroud me~ber 111 to control the introduction of a secondary airflow, identified by arrcw 150, which flows into the annular gap betweerl housing 112 and' shroud flared end 115. Due to the high rate at which the primary airflow flows, atmospheric air in the vicinity of this primary airflow is caused to nove. Shroud member 111 guides this secondary airflow vement such that it can mix with the primary airflow.
In operation, snow making machine 110 provides increased performance in that greater quantities of high ouality snow may be produced within given atmospheric conditions. Additionally, this en~xxl~ment permits sncw prcduction in warmer atmospheric conditions than is possible using prior art devices. m ese benefits are believed to result due to several factors. By Qusing greater quantities of atmospheric air to be miYed within the atomized water being dispersed by nozzles 125, 133 and 135, greater cooling, and therefore i oe crystal generation, of the water occurs. Also, the induced secondary airflow is of a cooler temperature and therefore enhances snow production since it is not driven past elec~ric motor 126 which dissipates heat which is added to the airflcw. Finally, sin oe water nozzles 133 and 135 are caused to spray across the annular secondary airflow region, it is suspended in air longer and therefore has a greater opportunity to be cooled sufficiently to generate ice crystals.
313S~
While the ab~ve description constitutes the preferred embodiment of the present in~ention, it will be appreciated that the inventicn is susceptible to modification, variation and change withcut departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the acco~panying claims.
Claims (16)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An apparatus for making snow comprising:
a housing having an inlet end and a discharge end, fan means disposed in said housing for generating a substantially unidirectional high-volume primary airflow stream exiting at said discharge end, a shroud surrounding said housing discharge end, thereby forming an annular gap between said shroud and said housing, said shroud controlling the introduction of a secondary airflow stream through said annular gap which surrounds said primary airflow stream, water injection means located around the periphery of said shroud for injecting water across said secondary airflow stream and into said primary airflow stream; and nucleation means for injecting a high velocity water spray into said primary airflow stream.
a housing having an inlet end and a discharge end, fan means disposed in said housing for generating a substantially unidirectional high-volume primary airflow stream exiting at said discharge end, a shroud surrounding said housing discharge end, thereby forming an annular gap between said shroud and said housing, said shroud controlling the introduction of a secondary airflow stream through said annular gap which surrounds said primary airflow stream, water injection means located around the periphery of said shroud for injecting water across said secondary airflow stream and into said primary airflow stream; and nucleation means for injecting a high velocity water spray into said primary airflow stream.
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein said shroud is generally cylindrical and has an outwardly radially flared inlet end.
3. An apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein said shroud is connected to said housing by a plurality of radially extending mounting rods.
4. An apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein said shroud is located within the plane of said housing discharge end.
5. An apparatus for making artificial snow comprising:
a housing having an inlet end and a discharge end;
fan means disposed within said housing for generating a substantially unidirectional high-volume primary airflow stream;
a shroud surrounding said housing discharge end thereby forming an annular gap between said shroud and said housing, said shroud controlling the introduction of a secondary airflow stream through said annular gap which surrounds said primary airflow stream, first water injection means located around the periphery of said shroud for injecting a high-velocity water spray across said secondary airflow stream and into said primary airflow stream at an obtuse angle relative to the direction of said primary airflow stream from a location substantially above said primary airflow stream;
second water injection means located around the periphery of said shroud for injecting a high-velocity water spray across said secondary airflow stream and into said primary airflow stream at an obtuse angle relative to the direction of said primary- airflow stream from a location substantially below said primary airflow stream;
and nucleation means for injecting a high-velocity spray comprising a mixture of water and compressed air into said primary airflow stream from a location approximately midway between said first and second water injection means.
a housing having an inlet end and a discharge end;
fan means disposed within said housing for generating a substantially unidirectional high-volume primary airflow stream;
a shroud surrounding said housing discharge end thereby forming an annular gap between said shroud and said housing, said shroud controlling the introduction of a secondary airflow stream through said annular gap which surrounds said primary airflow stream, first water injection means located around the periphery of said shroud for injecting a high-velocity water spray across said secondary airflow stream and into said primary airflow stream at an obtuse angle relative to the direction of said primary airflow stream from a location substantially above said primary airflow stream;
second water injection means located around the periphery of said shroud for injecting a high-velocity water spray across said secondary airflow stream and into said primary airflow stream at an obtuse angle relative to the direction of said primary- airflow stream from a location substantially below said primary airflow stream;
and nucleation means for injecting a high-velocity spray comprising a mixture of water and compressed air into said primary airflow stream from a location approximately midway between said first and second water injection means.
6. The apparatus of Claim 5 wherein said nucleation means includes a pair of seeder nozzles centered approximately between said first and second water injection means.
7. The apparatus of Claim 6 wherein said pair of seeder nozzles are disposed in a horizontal plane at approximately a 90 degree included angle centered relative to the direction of said primary airflow stream.
8. The apparatus of Claim 5 wherein said nucleation means includes an expansion chamber for mixing said compressed air and water.
9. The apparatus of Claim 8 wherein said expansion chamber contains a venturi-type constricted middle section.
10. The apparatus of Claim 5 further including an annular-shaped water manifold circumferentially located about said shroud for receiving an external supply of water, and wherein said first water injection means comprises a plurality of water nozzles connected to said water manifold and disposed substantially within the upper quadrant of said manifold centered about the vertical axis thereof and said second water injection means comprises a plurality of water nozzles connected to said water manifold and disposed substantially within the lower quadrant of said manifold centered about the vertical axis thereof.
11. The apparatus of Claim 5 wherein said shroud is generally cylindrical and has an outwardly flared inlet end.
12. An apparatus for generating artificial snow comprising in combination:
an axial fan disposed within a cylindrically-shaped housing having an inlet end and a discharge end, for generating a substantially unidirectional high-volume primary airflow stream;
a shroud surrounding said housing discharge end thereby forming an annular gap between said shroud and said housing, said shroud controlling the introduction of a secondary airflow stream through said annular gap which surrounds said primary airflow stream, an annular water manifold circumferentially located about said shroud and having connected thereto an external supply of water;
a first plurality of water nozzles connected to said water manifold substantially within the upper quadrant of said manifold centered about the vertical axis thereof and disposed 90 as to inject a high-velocity water spray across said secondary airflow stream and into said primary airflow stream at an obtuse angle relative to the direction of said primary airflow stream;
a second plurality of water nozzles connected to said water manifold substantially within the lower quadrant of said manifold centered about the vertical axis thereof and disposed so as to inject a high-velocity water spray across said secondary airflow stream and into said primary airflow stream at an obtuse angle relative to the direction of said primary airflow stream;
at least one seeder nozzle for injecting a high-velocity spray into said primary airflow stream from a location at approximately the center of said housing, said seeder nozzle being supplied by a mixture of water and compressed air supplied through a venturi-type expansion chamber connected to said seeder nozzle.
an axial fan disposed within a cylindrically-shaped housing having an inlet end and a discharge end, for generating a substantially unidirectional high-volume primary airflow stream;
a shroud surrounding said housing discharge end thereby forming an annular gap between said shroud and said housing, said shroud controlling the introduction of a secondary airflow stream through said annular gap which surrounds said primary airflow stream, an annular water manifold circumferentially located about said shroud and having connected thereto an external supply of water;
a first plurality of water nozzles connected to said water manifold substantially within the upper quadrant of said manifold centered about the vertical axis thereof and disposed 90 as to inject a high-velocity water spray across said secondary airflow stream and into said primary airflow stream at an obtuse angle relative to the direction of said primary airflow stream;
a second plurality of water nozzles connected to said water manifold substantially within the lower quadrant of said manifold centered about the vertical axis thereof and disposed so as to inject a high-velocity water spray across said secondary airflow stream and into said primary airflow stream at an obtuse angle relative to the direction of said primary airflow stream;
at least one seeder nozzle for injecting a high-velocity spray into said primary airflow stream from a location at approximately the center of said housing, said seeder nozzle being supplied by a mixture of water and compressed air supplied through a venturi-type expansion chamber connected to said seeder nozzle.
13. The apparatus of Claim 12 further including a pair of seeder nozzles disposed in a horizontal plane and positioned at a 90 degree included angle centered relative to the direction of said primary airflow stream.
14. An apparatus according to Claim 12 wherein said shroud is generally cylindrical and has an outwardly radially flared inlet end.
15. An apparatus according to Claim 12 wherein said shroud is located within the plane of said housing discharge end.
16. A method of making artificial snow including the steps of:
generating a substantially unidirectional high-volume primary airflow stream;
generating and controlling a secondary airflow stream surrounding said primary airflow stream;
injecting a high-velocity water spray across said secondary airflow stream and into said primary airflow stream from a location substantially above said primary airflow stream; and injecting a high-velocity water spray across said secondary airflow stream and into said primary airflow stream from a location substantially below said primary airflow stream; and injecting into said primary airflow stream a high-velocity spray comprising a mixture of water and compressed air from a location approximately in the center of said primary airflow stream.
generating a substantially unidirectional high-volume primary airflow stream;
generating and controlling a secondary airflow stream surrounding said primary airflow stream;
injecting a high-velocity water spray across said secondary airflow stream and into said primary airflow stream from a location substantially above said primary airflow stream; and injecting a high-velocity water spray across said secondary airflow stream and into said primary airflow stream from a location substantially below said primary airflow stream; and injecting into said primary airflow stream a high-velocity spray comprising a mixture of water and compressed air from a location approximately in the center of said primary airflow stream.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/605,621 US4573636A (en) | 1983-04-18 | 1984-04-30 | Method and apparatus for making artificial snow |
| US605,621 | 1990-10-30 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1243851A true CA1243851A (en) | 1988-11-01 |
Family
ID=24424482
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000478593A Expired CA1243851A (en) | 1984-04-30 | 1985-04-09 | Method and apparatus for making artificial snow |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1243851A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2017152260A1 (en) * | 2016-03-07 | 2017-09-14 | Industries Samson Inc. | Conveying assembly for snowmaking apparatus |
| US11092373B2 (en) | 2010-10-04 | 2021-08-17 | Industries Snöflake Inc. | Conveying assembly for snowmaking apparatus |
-
1985
- 1985-04-09 CA CA000478593A patent/CA1243851A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11092373B2 (en) | 2010-10-04 | 2021-08-17 | Industries Snöflake Inc. | Conveying assembly for snowmaking apparatus |
| WO2017152260A1 (en) * | 2016-03-07 | 2017-09-14 | Industries Samson Inc. | Conveying assembly for snowmaking apparatus |
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