US3761020A - Method and apparatus for snow making - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for snow making Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3761020A
US3761020A US00227126A US3761020DA US3761020A US 3761020 A US3761020 A US 3761020A US 00227126 A US00227126 A US 00227126A US 3761020D A US3761020D A US 3761020DA US 3761020 A US3761020 A US 3761020A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
water
snow
air
compressed air
ambient atmosphere
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US00227126A
Inventor
J Tropeano
P Tropeano
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3761020A publication Critical patent/US3761020A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25CPRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C3/00Processes or apparatus specially adapted for producing ice or snow for winter sports or similar recreational purposes, e.g. for sporting installations; Producing artificial snow
    • F25C3/04Processes or apparatus specially adapted for producing ice or snow for winter sports or similar recreational purposes, e.g. for sporting installations; Producing artificial snow for sledging or ski trails; Producing artificial snow
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25CPRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2303/00Special arrangements or features for producing ice or snow for winter sports or similar recreational purposes, e.g. for sporting installations; Special arrangements or features for producing artificial snow
    • F25C2303/048Snow making by using means for spraying water
    • F25C2303/0481Snow making by using means for spraying water with the use of compressed air

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT High velocity streams of compressed air and pressurized water are furnished in a colcl ambientatmosphere from two independent sources of supply and precooled by momentarily confining the high velocity streams in elongated passageways formed in a snow-making jet construction whose outer surfaces are exposed to the cold ambient atmosphere. Portions of the passageways in the jet structure are arranged in a manner such that the stream of water is precooled by the cold ambient atmosphere and an inner stream of compressed air undergoes peripheral precooling by means of the precooled stream of pressurized water. The precooled stream of air may undergo successive stages of expansion while in a confined state to further cool the mixture. Regulated quantities of the precooled compressed air may also be injected into the confined stream of art of snow making, and the characteristics of the snow crystals or particles being desirably controlled.
  • temperature of ambient air where snow-making is to be carried out, must be in the freezing range, and preferably should be in a range of 28 F. and lower.
  • the eflectiveness of the ambient atmosphere in converting an expanded mixture of air and water into snow particles may de pend to some extent in the way in which the cold ambient air occurring in the immediate vicinity of the region of expansion is utilized.
  • efficiency in snowmaking may drop appreciably. This is evidenced by the fact that relatively large flows of air and water mixtures in the terms of cubic feet per minute may not do as satisfactory a job of snow-making as a plurality of snow makers using relatively smaller flows of the mixture.
  • snow particle condition or flake characteristics which are created by the snow-making process.
  • a wet, heavy form of snow particle is less desirable since it does not spread properly andmay accumulate in objectionable piles.
  • the snow flakes or cyrstals are too fine, theymay, when being producd in a windy area especially, be blown away or fail to cover properly with a satisfactory accumulation being realized in a desired portion of a ski slope.
  • Another object of the invention is to increase the rate at which snow can be made in any given suitably cold ambient air atmosphere and to provide an improved snow-making jet construction suitable for this purpose.
  • Another object of the invention is to devise a method of precooling streams of compressed air and pressurized water to obtain greater efficiency in snow-making and to make possible the production of a snow cover at temperatures higher than those customarily relied upon for a successful snow-making operation.
  • Still another object is tocontrol more efiectively the characteristics of the snow flakes or snow cyrstals which are formed in a snow-making process.
  • Still another object is to devise an apparatus in which precooling of compressed air and water may be carried out in a novel manner.
  • Yet another object is to devise an improved method of utilizing cold ambient air in a localized re gion of snow-making.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one preferred embodiment of snow-making apparatus of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a fragmentary plan view illustrating a nozzle section and supply conduit means
  • FIG. 3 is a crosssection taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a cross section taken on the line 44 of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross section taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 6 is a cross section taken on the line 6-6 of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 7 is a detail elevational view of a conduit portion of the snow-making apparatus of the invention with one of the nozzles removed therefrom;
  • FIG. 8 is a fragmentary elevational view further illustrating details of a conduit portion for the snow-making apparatus of the invention and special valve mechanism combined therewith.
  • our improved method is devised to operate upon the principle of more efficiently utilizing the cold ambient atmosphere occurring in a localized area in which snow-making is desired to be carried out at any given period.
  • our improved method of operation is based on the idea of using cold ambient atmosphere to lower the temperature of streams of compressed air and water while separated and in a confined state ina snow-making jet structure.
  • one desirable form of precooling may, for example, be carried out by momentarily confining the high velocity streams in isolated relationship and in elongated restricted passageways formed in a special jet structure which is exposed at its outer surface to cold ambient atmosphere.
  • Portions of the passageways may be arranged in concentric relationship so that an inner stream of compressed air undergoes peripheral precooling by means of an outer cold stream of pressurized water which in turn is cooled by cold ambient atmosphere in which the conduit means is positioned.
  • precooling may be accomplished by such steps as introducing controlled quantities of precooled air into the stream of water and by carrying out partial expansion of the mixture in a confined space in the nozzle section of the jet structure.
  • the resulting precooled mixture may then be discharged through the nozzle means into a a cold ambient atmosphere to accomplish a final expansion of the mixture and formation of snow at efficiency levels not heretofore realized in the art of snow-making.
  • the snow-making apparatus shown therein comprises one preferred embodiment of means for carrying out the invention method. It will be understood, howvever, that the invention is not intended to be limited to this apparatus and it may be desired to carry out the method in other ways.
  • the apparatus employed includes a snowmaking jet structure generally indicated by the arrow J, and means for furnishing independently supplied streams of compressed air and pressurized water, utilizing conventional air compressor and water pumping equipment which is not shown in the drawings, but is indicated in the form of compressed air and water pipes A and W respectively, as shown at the right hand side of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 1 there is also illustrated a jet supporting tower member T mounted on a movable base B forlocating the jet structure at any desired height above an area to be covered with snow. It may also be desired to utilize the jet structure of the invention indendently of the tower, and for this purpose a conventional sled or bracket structure may be utilized.
  • FIGS. 2 to 8, inclusive denotes an elongated enclosure body of generally tubular form having a handle part II.
  • This enclosure body constitutes a basic component of our improved snow jet construction and consists in a multipassageway conduit designed to conduct flows of compressed air and water and function as a novel means of precooling the flows.
  • the length of the overall enclosure body may be, for example, approximately six inches
  • the air passageway may be of a diameter of, for example. I and inches
  • the diameter of the annular passageway for water contained within an outer water jacket portion of the enclosure body may be, for example, of 3 and Pi inches.
  • a threaded connection 4 which is designed to have connected thereto the air pipe A.
  • Communicating with this threaded connec-- tion 4 is an elongated air conducting passageway 6 which extends all the way through the enclosure body 2, as is most clearly shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
  • the enclosure body 2 with an inner tubular section 8 which is supported in spaced relation to the outer tubular portion of the enclosure body 2 by means of a web 10.
  • an outer annular water conducting passageway 12 which is concentrically arranged with respect to the air passageway throughout a part of the length of passageway 6, and outer portions of enclosure body 2 function as a water jacket section.
  • a water conduit portion 14 Formed integrally with enclosure body 2 at a lower side thereof, immediately below the passageway 6, is a water conduit portion 14 through which extends a water passageway 16, as best shown in FIG. 3.
  • the water passageway 16, as also indicated in FIG. 3, is in communication with the water passageway 12 at a point of merging occurring directly below the handle portion H.
  • the passageways 6 and 12 are located in circumferentially spaced apart relationship and thus a flow of water in the passageway 12 completely surrounds a flow of air passing through the passageway 6 for a substantial distance of travel. Attention is directed to the fact that when the relatively thin outer water jacket portion of enclosure body 2 being exposed to a cold ambient atmosphere, cooling of water passing therethrough may be realized. It is pointed out that compressed air flowing inside of the relatively thin tubular portion 8 can derive a cooling effect from the surrounding body of relatively colder water.
  • the enclosure body 2 with a manifold supporting housing end 20.
  • the housing part 20 is formed at two opposite sides with flat retaining surfaces against which are detachably secured a pair of manifold members M1 and M2 bymeans of fastenings 22, 24, etc., as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • Supported at outer extremities of the manifold members M1 and M2 are spaced nozzle members N1 and N2 which are of hollow construction to provide mixing chambers 28 and 30 terminating in restricted orifices 28a and 30a.
  • the duct means includes separated air and water outlets which are formed in opposite sides of the housing body 20 to guide air and water in isolated relationship to one another away from the passageways 6 and 12 and intthe manifold members M1 and M2. As shown, for example in FIGS. 3, 4 and 8, a transversely located opening 32 is formed in the housing to intersect at right angles the passageway 6, thus forming dual opposite outlets for the air. Likewise, the adjacent portions of the housing 20 are formed with transversely located apertures 34, 36, 38 and 40. These apertures are most clearly indi-,
  • FIGS. 4 and 8 occur on two opposite sides of the passageway 32.
  • Each of the manifold members M1 and M2 are formed with complementary flat faces through which extend openings corresponding to those in the housing 20.
  • the manifold face Ml is formed with an air opening 32 and water apertures 34' and 38' so that when the manifold is secured in place, a continuous passageway is realized, as shown in FIG. 4.
  • duct portions D1 and D2 Extending away from the openings in faces of each of the manifolds are duct portions D1 and D2 which terminate in restricted tip portions D3 and D4 having openings D5 and D6.
  • the ducts D1 and D2 are supported in spaced relation to the wall sections of the manifolds M1 and M2, as shown in FIG. 4, and this arrangement provides for water leaving the passageway 12 to pass through the manifold and around the duct portions D1 and D2 and their tips D3 and D4 to mix with compressed air leaving the orifices D5 and D6.
  • FIGS. 1, 2 3, 5 and 8 we have also determined that we can very desirably control the characteristics of the snow which is produced by the method described through the aid of a special valve mechanism V illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 3, 5 and 8.
  • a valve mechanism V illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 3, 5 and 8.
  • FIGS. 3 and 5 we form the inner tubular section 8 with a valve aperture V1 by means of which compressed air confined in the tubular member 8 may be released into the space enclosed by the tubular section 2.
  • a valve head V2 Arranged to move into and out of sealing relation with a valve seat formed around this opening V1 is a valve head V2 which is rotatably supported in a threaded connection V3 in the enclosure body 2.
  • a hand wheel V4 provides for adjusting the valve head V2 as desired.
  • the invention may be combined with a tower member T to accomplish a reverse precooling action to that which takes place in the enclosure body 2.
  • This is accomplished by introducing air through the passageway A into the interior of the tower T, as shown in FIG. 1, so that this air with the turret surface being exposed to a cold ambient atmosphere undergores a degree of precooling.
  • water furnished through the pipe W is conducted through the tower T inside of this flow of precooled air until reaching an outlet port W1; similarly the air exits an outlet port Al. From these outlet ports, Al and W1, the flows are reversed and conducted into the enclosure body 2 so that the air is located inside of the water to accomplish the precooling described.
  • a method of snow-making the steps which in clude furnishing streams of compressed air and pressurized water from two independent sources of supply, conducting the streams into an enclosure body in which precooling takes place and ejecting a mixture of the compressed air and water into a cold ambient atmosphere in which the mixture undergoes expansion and further cooling to produce snow particles, said precooling being carried out in successive stages including a first stage in which precooling is carried out by exposure to cold ambient atmosphere to lower the temperature of the said compressed air, a second state in which controlled amounts of the lowered temperature air is injected into the water while confined in the enclosure body, and a third stage in which portions of the lowered temperature air undergoes expansion and additional cooling while contained in the enclosure body.
  • a method of snow-making the steps which include furnishing streams of compressed air and pressurized water from two indendent sources of supply, conducting the streams into an enclosure body in which precooling takes place and ejecting a mixture of the compressed air and water into a cold ambient atmosphere in which the mixture undergoes expansion and further cooling to produce snow particles, said step of furnishing the streams of compressed air and water including leading the streams through independent cooling chambers in whice the inner cooling chamber conducts the water and an outer cooling chamber conducts the air, with the outer cooling chamber having a surface exposed to the cold ambient atmosphere.
  • a method of making snow in which a mixture of compressed air and water is ejected from a snowmaking nozzle and expanded and cooled in a cold ambient atmosphere to form snow particles, the steps which include confining the high velocity streams of compressed air and water in an elongated enclosure body which is exposed to the cold ambient atmosphere and lowering the temperature of the confined streams of air and water while in isolated relationship, then injecting metered quantities of the relatively lower temperature air into the relatively higher temperature water, and thereafter ejecting a mixture of the air and airinjected water into the cold ambient atmosphere to form snow particles whose particle characteristics are controlled by the said injection of the internally injected air.

Abstract

High velocity streams of compressed air and pressurized water are furnished in a cold ambient atmosphere from two independent sources of supply and precooled by momentarily confining the high velocity streams in elongated passageways formed in a snow-making jet construction whose outer surfaces are exposed to the cold ambient atmosphere. Portions of the passageways in the jet structure are arranged in a manner such that the stream of water is precooled by the cold ambient atmosphere and an inner stream of compressed air undergoes peripheral precooling by means of the precooled stream of pressurized water. The precooled stream of air may undergo successive stages of expansion while in a confined state to further cool the mixture. Regulated quantities of the precooled compressed air may also be injected into the confined stream of water at predetermined points thereby to control snow characteristics. Precooling compressed air and water with the jet construction of the invention produces snow at efficiency levels not heretofore realized in the art of snow making, and the characteristics of the snow crystals or particles being desirably controlled.

Description

United States Patent [1 91 Tropeano et a1.
[45.] Sept. 25, 1973 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SNOW MAKING [76] Inventors: Joseph C. Tropeano, 20 Revere St.';
Philip L. Tropeano, 12 Revere St., both of Lexington, Mass.
[22] Filed: Feb. 17, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 227,126
152 us. or. 239/2 s, 2.39/14 [51] lnt. C1. F25c 3/04 [58] Field of Search 239/2 S, 14
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,408,005 10/1968 Struble et a1. 239/2 S 3,010,660 11/1961 Barrett 239/2 S 3,298,612 1/1967 Torrens 239/2 S 3,301,485 1/1967 Tropeano et a1. 239/14 X 3,464,625 9/1969 Carlsson 239/2 S 3,596,476 8/1971 Jakob et a1. 239/2 S Primary Examiner-M. Henson Wood, Jr. Assistant Examiner-John J. Love Art0rneyMunroe H. Hamilton [57] ABSTRACT High velocity streams of compressed air and pressurized water are furnished in a colcl ambientatmosphere from two independent sources of supply and precooled by momentarily confining the high velocity streams in elongated passageways formed in a snow-making jet construction whose outer surfaces are exposed to the cold ambient atmosphere. Portions of the passageways in the jet structure are arranged in a manner such that the stream of water is precooled by the cold ambient atmosphere and an inner stream of compressed air undergoes peripheral precooling by means of the precooled stream of pressurized water. The precooled stream of air may undergo successive stages of expansion while in a confined state to further cool the mixture. Regulated quantities of the precooled compressed air may also be injected into the confined stream of art of snow making, and the characteristics of the snow crystals or particles being desirably controlled.
3 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEDSEP25I973 SHEETEUFI H Y b PATENTEI] SEPZS I975 SHEET 30F 4 V PATENTED SEP2 5 I973 SHEET U 0F 4 l METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SNOW MAKING This invention relates to a method and apparatus for making snow as commonly produced by snow-making equipment now in use in providing a cover of snow on winter recreational areas such as ski slopes and the like.
In conventional snow-making methods, limitations are present, both with respect to the amount of snow which can be produced in any given time interval, as well as the characteristics or quality of the snow particles which are made and spread over a ski slope surface.
As is well known, temperature of ambient air, where snow-making is to be carried out, must be in the freezing range, and preferably should be in a range of 28 F. and lower. We have determined that the eflectiveness of the ambient atmosphere in converting an expanded mixture of air and water into snow particles may de pend to some extent in the way in which the cold ambient air occurring in the immediate vicinity of the region of expansion is utilized. We have observed that if too great a demand for cold air occurs, efficiency in snowmaking may drop appreciably. This is evidenced by the fact that relatively large flows of air and water mixtures in the terms of cubic feet per minute may not do as satisfactory a job of snow-making as a plurality of snow makers using relatively smaller flows of the mixture. We have also determined that another highly important factor is the snow particle condition or flake characteristics which are created by the snow-making process. For example, a wet, heavy form of snow particle is less desirable since it does not spread properly andmay accumulate in objectionable piles. n the other hand, if the snow flakes or cyrstals are too fine, theymay, when being producd in a windy area especially, be blown away or fail to cover properly with a satisfactory accumulation being realized in a desired portion of a ski slope.
It is a chief object of the invention, therefore, to provide an improved snow-making method and apparatus which is characterized especially by substantially greater efficiency than is obtainable with conventional snow-making equipment.
Another object of the invention is to increase the rate at which snow can be made in any given suitably cold ambient air atmosphere and to provide an improved snow-making jet construction suitable for this purpose.
Another object of the invention is to devise a method of precooling streams of compressed air and pressurized water to obtain greater efficiency in snow-making and to make possible the production of a snow cover at temperatures higher than those customarily relied upon for a successful snow-making operation.
Still another object is tocontrol more efiectively the characteristics of the snow flakes or snow cyrstals which are formed in a snow-making process.
Still another object is to devise an apparatus in which precooling of compressed air and water may be carried out in a novel manner.
And still another object is to devise an improved method of utilizing cold ambient air in a localized re gion of snow-making.
The nature of the invention and its other objects and novel features will be more fully understood and appreciated from the following description of a preferred emboidment of the invention selected for purposes of illustration and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one preferred embodiment of snow-making apparatus of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary plan view illustrating a nozzle section and supply conduit means;
FIG. 3 is a crosssection taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a cross section taken on the line 44 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a cross section taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a cross section taken on the line 6-6 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 7 is a detail elevational view of a conduit portion of the snow-making apparatus of the invention with one of the nozzles removed therefrom;
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary elevational view further illustrating details of a conduit portion for the snow-making apparatus of the invention and special valve mechanism combined therewith.
With the foregoing objectives in view, we have conceived of an improved method for making snow wherein high velocity streams of compressed air and pressurized water are furnished in a cold ambient atmo sphere from two or more independent sources of supply and the streams of air and water are precooled in a special a jet structure before being mixed and dis charged from nozzle means at the outer end of the jet structure.
Our improved method is devised to operate upon the principle of more efficiently utilizing the cold ambient atmosphere occurring in a localized area in which snow-making is desired to be carried out at any given period. Essentially, our improved method of operation is based on the idea of using cold ambient atmosphere to lower the temperature of streams of compressed air and water while separated and in a confined state ina snow-making jet structure. By means of precolling in thisrnanner and in other ways hereinafter noted, we
1 find that subsequent cooling realized from conven- 'tional expansion of the mixture in the cold ambient atmosphere results in a materially improved method of making snow.
In our improved method, one desirable form of precooling may, for example, be carried out by momentarily confining the high velocity streams in isolated relationship and in elongated restricted passageways formed in a special jet structure which is exposed at its outer surface to cold ambient atmosphere.
Portions of the passageways may be arranged in concentric relationship so that an inner stream of compressed air undergoes peripheral precooling by means of an outer cold stream of pressurized water which in turn is cooled by cold ambient atmosphere in which the conduit means is positioned.
We have also determined that important precooling may be accomplished by such steps as introducing controlled quantities of precooled air into the stream of water and by carrying out partial expansion of the mixture in a confined space in the nozzle section of the jet structure. The resulting precooled mixture may then be discharged through the nozzle means into a a cold ambient atmosphere to accomplish a final expansion of the mixture and formation of snow at efficiency levels not heretofore realized in the art of snow-making.
Referring to the drawings, the snow-making apparatus shown therein comprises one preferred embodiment of means for carrying out the invention method. It will be understood, howvever, that the invention is not intended to be limited to this apparatus and it may be desired to carry out the method in other ways.
In general, the apparatus employed includes a snowmaking jet structure generally indicated by the arrow J, and means for furnishing independently supplied streams of compressed air and pressurized water, utilizing conventional air compressor and water pumping equipment which is not shown in the drawings, but is indicated in the form of compressed air and water pipes A and W respectively, as shown at the right hand side of FIG. 1.
In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, there is also illustrated a jet supporting tower member T mounted on a movable base B forlocating the jet structure at any desired height above an area to be covered with snow. It may also be desired to utilize the jet structure of the invention indendently of the tower, and for this purpose a conventional sled or bracket structure may be utilized.
Considering in greater detail the jet structure J, components of which are indicated in FIGS. 2 to 8, inclusive, numeral 2 denotes an elongated enclosure body of generally tubular form having a handle part II. This enclosure body constitutes a basic component of our improved snow jet construction and consists in a multipassageway conduit designed to conduct flows of compressed air and water and function as a novel means of precooling the flows. We have found that by using suitable dimensions for the length of the enclosure body as well as the size of the passageways, it becomes possible to carry out significant precooling of the fluids. In a typical snow jet construction of the invention, the length of the overall enclosure body may be, for example, approximately six inches, and the air passageway may be of a diameter of, for example. I and inches, and the diameter of the annular passageway for water contained within an outer water jacket portion of the enclosure body may be, for example, of 3 and Pi inches.
In furnishing fluid flows through this elongated enclosure body 2, we provide at one end, a threaded connection 4 which is designed to have connected thereto the air pipe A. Communicating with this threaded connec-- tion 4 is an elongated air conducting passageway 6 which extends all the way through the enclosure body 2, as is most clearly shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
In accordance with the invention, we further form the enclosure body 2 with an inner tubular section 8 which is supported in spaced relation to the outer tubular portion of the enclosure body 2 by means of a web 10. There is thus defined an outer annular water conducting passageway 12 which is concentrically arranged with respect to the air passageway throughout a part of the length of passageway 6, and outer portions of enclosure body 2 function as a water jacket section.
Formed integrally with enclosure body 2 at a lower side thereof, immediately below the passageway 6, is a water conduit portion 14 through which extends a water passageway 16, as best shown in FIG. 3. The water passageway 16, as also indicated in FIG. 3, is in communication with the water passageway 12 at a point of merging occurring directly below the handle portion H.
It will be observed that by means of the concentrically spaced tubular construction described, the passageways 6 and 12 are located in circumferentially spaced apart relationship and thus a flow of water in the passageway 12 completely surrounds a flow of air passing through the passageway 6 for a substantial distance of travel. Attention is directed to the fact that when the relatively thin outer water jacket portion of enclosure body 2 being exposed to a cold ambient atmosphere, cooling of water passing therethrough may be realized. It is pointed out that compressed air flowing inside of the relatively thin tubular portion 8 can derive a cooling effect from the surrounding body of relatively colder water.
In combination with this cooling structure made up of concentrically arranged tubular parts, as noted above, we may further construct the enclosure body 2 with a manifold supporting housing end 20. The housing part 20 is formed at two opposite sides with flat retaining surfaces against which are detachably secured a pair of manifold members M1 and M2 bymeans of fastenings 22, 24, etc., as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Supported at outer extremities of the manifold members M1 and M2 are spaced nozzle members N1 and N2 which are of hollow construction to provide mixing chambers 28 and 30 terminating in restricted orifices 28a and 30a.
An important feature of the invention consists in the provision of duct means for carrying out a further stage of precooling of the water and the compressed air. The duct means includes separated air and water outlets which are formed in opposite sides of the housing body 20 to guide air and water in isolated relationship to one another away from the passageways 6 and 12 and intthe manifold members M1 and M2. As shown, for example in FIGS. 3, 4 and 8, a transversely located opening 32 is formed in the housing to intersect at right angles the passageway 6, thus forming dual opposite outlets for the air. Likewise, the adjacent portions of the housing 20 are formed with transversely located apertures 34, 36, 38 and 40. These apertures are most clearly indi-,
cated in FIGS. 4 and 8 and occur on two opposite sides of the passageway 32.
Each of the manifold members M1 and M2 are formed with complementary flat faces through which extend openings corresponding to those in the housing 20. Thus, as shown in FIG. 7 the manifold face Ml is formed with an air opening 32 and water apertures 34' and 38' so that when the manifold is secured in place, a continuous passageway is realized, as shown in FIG. 4.
Extending away from the openings in faces of each of the manifolds are duct portions D1 and D2 which terminate in restricted tip portions D3 and D4 having openings D5 and D6. The ducts D1 and D2 are supported in spaced relation to the wall sections of the manifolds M1 and M2, as shown in FIG. 4, and this arrangement provides for water leaving the passageway 12 to pass through the manifold and around the duct portions D1 and D2 and their tips D3 and D4 to mix with compressed air leaving the orifices D5 and D6.
By means of this arrangement of parts, a further stage of cooling can be realized both by reason of cold water circulating around the duct members D1 and D2 and also by reason of the fact that some expansion of the compressed air occurs as the air leaves the orifices D5 and D6 just prior to being mixed with water and ejected through the orifices 28a and 30a into the outer atmosphere where still another stage of cooling takes place.
It is pointed out that the stages of cooling accomplished by the method and apparatus described results in both the water and the air reaching the outer ambient atmosphere at an appreciable lowered temperature, with the result that the outer ambient air can operate more effectively in producing snow.
We have also determined that we can very desirably control the characteristics of the snow which is produced by the method described through the aid of a special valve mechanism V illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 3, 5 and 8. As noted in FIGS. 3 and 5, we form the inner tubular section 8 with a valve aperture V1 by means of which compressed air confined in the tubular member 8 may be released into the space enclosed by the tubular section 2. Arranged to move into and out of sealing relation with a valve seat formed around this opening V1 is a valve head V2 which is rotatably supported in a threaded connection V3 in the enclosure body 2. A hand wheel V4 provides for adjusting the valve head V2 as desired. We have found that by precooling air in the passageway 6, and then allowing this precooled air to become injected in small quantities into a surrounding flow of water, there is accomplished a seeding of water crystals in the water and the quality of the snow particles ultimately produced in the ambient atmosphere outside the orifices 28a and 30a is regulated in size and wetness so that improved snow covering action can be realized and a more uniform distribution of snow can be accomplished.
As earlier pointed out, the invention, although not limited thereto, may be combined with a tower member T to accomplish a reverse precooling action to that which takes place in the enclosure body 2. This is accomplished by introducing air through the passageway A into the interior of the tower T, as shown in FIG. 1, so that this air with the turret surface being exposed to a cold ambient atmosphere undergores a degree of precooling. At the same time, water furnished through the pipe W is conducted through the tower T inside of this flow of precooled air until reaching an outlet port W1; similarly the air exits an outlet port Al. From these outlet ports, Al and W1, the flows are reversed and conducted into the enclosure body 2 so that the air is located inside of the water to accomplish the precooling described.
From the foregoing description, it would seem that we have disclosed an improved method of making snow, and we have found that by means of the precooling stages described, we are enabled to operate at some temperature levels in the freezing range which are not normally feasilbe for conventional snow making. More importantly, we have found that by utilizing the precooling stages described, either in one form or another, it becomes possible, with relatively small snow-making units, to increase snow production as much as two or three times over that which can be reailized with conventional snow-making equipment. The jet structure described is compact and readily movable about a ski slope and requires a minimum amount of attention and handling by snow-making operators.
We claim:
1. In a method of snow-making, the steps which in clude furnishing streams of compressed air and pressurized water from two independent sources of supply, conducting the streams into an enclosure body in which precooling takes place and ejecting a mixture of the compressed air and water into a cold ambient atmosphere in which the mixture undergoes expansion and further cooling to produce snow particles, said precooling being carried out in successive stages including a first stage in which precooling is carried out by exposure to cold ambient atmosphere to lower the temperature of the said compressed air, a second state in which controlled amounts of the lowered temperature air is injected into the water while confined in the enclosure body, and a third stage in which portions of the lowered temperature air undergoes expansion and additional cooling while contained in the enclosure body.
2. In a method of snow-making, the steps which include furnishing streams of compressed air and pressurized water from two indendent sources of supply, conducting the streams into an enclosure body in which precooling takes place and ejecting a mixture of the compressed air and water into a cold ambient atmosphere in which the mixture undergoes expansion and further cooling to produce snow particles, said step of furnishing the streams of compressed air and water including leading the streams through independent cooling chambers in whice the inner cooling chamber conducts the water and an outer cooling chamber conducts the air, with the outer cooling chamber having a surface exposed to the cold ambient atmosphere.
3. A method of making snow in which a mixture of compressed air and water is ejected from a snowmaking nozzle and expanded and cooled in a cold ambient atmosphere to form snow particles, the steps which include confining the high velocity streams of compressed air and water in an elongated enclosure body which is exposed to the cold ambient atmosphere and lowering the temperature of the confined streams of air and water while in isolated relationship, then injecting metered quantities of the relatively lower temperature air into the relatively higher temperature water, and thereafter ejecting a mixture of the air and airinjected water into the cold ambient atmosphere to form snow particles whose particle characteristics are controlled by the said injection of the internally injected air.

Claims (3)

1. In a method of snow-making, the steps which include furnishing streams of compressed air and pressurized water from two independent sources of supply, conducting the streams into an enclosure body in which precooling takes place and ejecting a mixture of the compressed air and water into a cold ambient atmosphere in which the mixture undergoes expansion and further cooling to produce snow particles, said precooling being carried out in successive stages including a first stage in which precooling is carried out by exposure to cold ambient atmosphere to lower the temperature of the said compressed air, a second state in which controlled amounts of the lowered temperature air is injected into the water while confined in the enclosure body, and a third stage in which portions of the lowered temperature air undergoes expansion and additional cooling while contained in the enclosure body.
2. In a method of snow-making, the steps which include furnishing streams of compressed air and pressurized water from two indendent sources of supply, conducting the streams into an enclosure body in which precooling takes place and ejecting a mixture of the compressed air and water into a cold ambient atmosphere in which the mixture undergoes expansion and further cooling to produce snow particles, said step of furnishing the streams of compressed air and water including leading the streams through independent cooling chambers in whice the inner cooling chamber conducts the water and an outer cooling chamber conducts the air, with the outer Cooling chamber having a surface exposed to the cold ambient atmosphere.
3. A method of making snow in which a mixture of compressed air and water is ejected from a snow-making nozzle and expanded and cooled in a cold ambient atmosphere to form snow particles, the steps which include confining the high velocity streams of compressed air and water in an elongated enclosure body which is exposed to the cold ambient atmosphere and lowering the temperature of the confined streams of air and water while in isolated relationship, then injecting metered quantities of the relatively lower temperature air into the relatively higher temperature water, and thereafter ejecting a mixture of the air and air-injected water into the cold ambient atmosphere to form snow particles whose particle characteristics are controlled by the said injection of the internally injected air.
US00227126A 1972-02-17 1972-02-17 Method and apparatus for snow making Expired - Lifetime US3761020A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US22712672A 1972-02-17 1972-02-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3761020A true US3761020A (en) 1973-09-25

Family

ID=22851856

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00227126A Expired - Lifetime US3761020A (en) 1972-02-17 1972-02-17 Method and apparatus for snow making

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US3761020A (en)

Cited By (38)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3822825A (en) * 1973-08-08 1974-07-09 H Dupre Snow making apparatus and system
US3908903A (en) * 1974-02-11 1975-09-30 Jr Samuel L Burns Snow making apparatus and method
US3952949A (en) * 1973-08-08 1976-04-27 Dupre Herman K Method of making snow
US3964682A (en) * 1975-03-17 1976-06-22 Tropeano Philip L Method and apparatus for making snow produced by cumulative crystallization of snow particles
US4050169A (en) * 1974-10-30 1977-09-27 Etudes Techniques Et Realisations (E.T.R.) Snow distribution system
EP0018280A2 (en) * 1979-04-20 1980-10-29 Le Froid Industriel York S.A. High pressure snow gun and battery of such snow guns
US4545529A (en) * 1982-08-12 1985-10-08 Tropeano Joseph C Method and apparatus for automatically making snow
JPS61197971A (en) * 1984-11-27 1986-09-02 ヨーク フランス エス.エイ. Artificial snow supply facility to skiing ground
US4746064A (en) * 1986-10-17 1988-05-24 Suga Weathering Technology Foundation Snow generating and snowfall apparatus
US4767054A (en) * 1987-01-23 1988-08-30 Suga Test Instruments Co., Ltd. Apparatus for changing artificial snow to wet snow
US4792093A (en) * 1987-03-04 1988-12-20 Suga Test Instruments Co., Ltd. Artificial snow wetting apparatus
US4798331A (en) * 1986-12-24 1989-01-17 Suga Test Instruments Co., Ltd. Artificial snow production apparatus
US4823518A (en) * 1985-03-08 1989-04-25 Nubs Nob, Inc. Lift mounted snowmaker
US4993635A (en) * 1989-11-20 1991-02-19 Dupre Herman K Portable snow making tower
US5154348A (en) * 1991-05-10 1992-10-13 Ratnik Industries, Inc. Snow-gun oscillation control apparatus
US5436039A (en) * 1990-02-02 1995-07-25 Miura Dolphins, Co., Ltd. Artificial snow in an aggregate form of snow granules
US5529242A (en) * 1993-06-11 1996-06-25 Hedin; Fredrik Device for making snow
WO1996035087A1 (en) * 1995-05-05 1996-11-07 Ratnik Industries, Inc. Fanless snow gun
FR2743872A1 (en) * 1996-01-22 1997-07-25 York Neige Water spray nozzle support, e.g. for use in making artificial snow
US5667137A (en) * 1995-08-31 1997-09-16 Dupre; Herman K. Ice and snow-free snow making tower structure
US5823427A (en) * 1995-11-13 1998-10-20 Snow Economics, Inc. Method and apparatus for making snow
US5890654A (en) * 1997-08-15 1999-04-06 Dupre; Herman K. Snow making tower
US5909844A (en) * 1995-06-27 1999-06-08 Lenko L Nilsson Water atomizing nozzle for snow making machine
US6029898A (en) * 1998-09-16 2000-02-29 Dupre; Herman K. Snow making tower and method of manufacture
US6164556A (en) * 1999-04-01 2000-12-26 Dupre; Herman K. Portable snow making system for home use
US6168089B1 (en) 2000-01-19 2001-01-02 Herman K. Dupre Snow making tower with antifreeze precooling system
US20060258514A1 (en) * 2005-05-16 2006-11-16 Kramer Jerry V Inline classic skiing track glazing machine
US7290722B1 (en) 2003-12-16 2007-11-06 Snow Machines, Inc. Method and apparatus for making snow
WO2010025501A1 (en) 2008-09-03 2010-03-11 Darren Visser Snow sports apparatus
RU2446021C1 (en) * 2010-08-13 2012-03-27 Государственное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Санкт-Петербургский государственный горный институт имени Г.В. Плеханова (технический университет)" Antidust sprayer
US9085003B2 (en) 2008-09-25 2015-07-21 Mitchell Joe Dodson Flat jet fluid nozzles with fluted impingement surfaces
US9170041B2 (en) 2011-03-22 2015-10-27 Mitchell Joe Dodson Single and multi-step snowmaking guns
EP3040657A1 (en) 2014-12-09 2016-07-06 Robert Krajnc Apparatus for making artificial snow
US9395113B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2016-07-19 Mitchell Joe Dodson Nucleator for generating ice crystals for seeding water droplets in snow-making systems
US20160290699A1 (en) * 2015-04-06 2016-10-06 Snow Logic, Inc. Snowmaking automation system and modules
US9631855B2 (en) 2011-03-22 2017-04-25 Mitchell Joe Dodson Modular dual vector fluid spray nozzles
RU192216U1 (en) * 2019-04-15 2019-09-06 Василий Петрович Горобей FINE Pneumohydraulic Humidifier
RU2704175C1 (en) * 2019-03-15 2019-10-24 Василий Петрович Горобей Air-hydraulic sprinkler

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3010660A (en) * 1958-10-10 1961-11-28 Barrett Francis Device for making snow
US3298612A (en) * 1964-08-18 1967-01-17 Robert L Torrens Snow-making unit
US3301485A (en) * 1964-09-14 1967-01-31 Joseph C Tropeano Method and apparatus for making frozen particles
US3408005A (en) * 1966-05-09 1968-10-29 Willard R. Struble Snow making nozzle
US3464625A (en) * 1965-01-22 1969-09-02 Atlas Copco Ab Method and means for making snow
US3596476A (en) * 1968-04-08 1971-08-03 Linde Ag Process and system for making artificial snow

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3010660A (en) * 1958-10-10 1961-11-28 Barrett Francis Device for making snow
US3298612A (en) * 1964-08-18 1967-01-17 Robert L Torrens Snow-making unit
US3301485A (en) * 1964-09-14 1967-01-31 Joseph C Tropeano Method and apparatus for making frozen particles
US3464625A (en) * 1965-01-22 1969-09-02 Atlas Copco Ab Method and means for making snow
US3408005A (en) * 1966-05-09 1968-10-29 Willard R. Struble Snow making nozzle
US3596476A (en) * 1968-04-08 1971-08-03 Linde Ag Process and system for making artificial snow

Cited By (48)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3822825A (en) * 1973-08-08 1974-07-09 H Dupre Snow making apparatus and system
US3952949A (en) * 1973-08-08 1976-04-27 Dupre Herman K Method of making snow
US3908903A (en) * 1974-02-11 1975-09-30 Jr Samuel L Burns Snow making apparatus and method
US4050169A (en) * 1974-10-30 1977-09-27 Etudes Techniques Et Realisations (E.T.R.) Snow distribution system
US3964682A (en) * 1975-03-17 1976-06-22 Tropeano Philip L Method and apparatus for making snow produced by cumulative crystallization of snow particles
EP0018280A3 (en) * 1979-04-20 1981-01-07 Le Froid Industriel York S.A. High pressure snow gun and battery of such snow guns
EP0018280A2 (en) * 1979-04-20 1980-10-29 Le Froid Industriel York S.A. High pressure snow gun and battery of such snow guns
US4545529A (en) * 1982-08-12 1985-10-08 Tropeano Joseph C Method and apparatus for automatically making snow
JPS61197971A (en) * 1984-11-27 1986-09-02 ヨーク フランス エス.エイ. Artificial snow supply facility to skiing ground
JPH0517468B2 (en) * 1984-11-27 1993-03-09 Yooku Furansu Sa
US4823518A (en) * 1985-03-08 1989-04-25 Nubs Nob, Inc. Lift mounted snowmaker
US4746064A (en) * 1986-10-17 1988-05-24 Suga Weathering Technology Foundation Snow generating and snowfall apparatus
US4798331A (en) * 1986-12-24 1989-01-17 Suga Test Instruments Co., Ltd. Artificial snow production apparatus
US4767054A (en) * 1987-01-23 1988-08-30 Suga Test Instruments Co., Ltd. Apparatus for changing artificial snow to wet snow
US4792093A (en) * 1987-03-04 1988-12-20 Suga Test Instruments Co., Ltd. Artificial snow wetting apparatus
US4993635A (en) * 1989-11-20 1991-02-19 Dupre Herman K Portable snow making tower
US5436039A (en) * 1990-02-02 1995-07-25 Miura Dolphins, Co., Ltd. Artificial snow in an aggregate form of snow granules
US5154348A (en) * 1991-05-10 1992-10-13 Ratnik Industries, Inc. Snow-gun oscillation control apparatus
US5529242A (en) * 1993-06-11 1996-06-25 Hedin; Fredrik Device for making snow
WO1996035087A1 (en) * 1995-05-05 1996-11-07 Ratnik Industries, Inc. Fanless snow gun
US5909844A (en) * 1995-06-27 1999-06-08 Lenko L Nilsson Water atomizing nozzle for snow making machine
US5667137A (en) * 1995-08-31 1997-09-16 Dupre; Herman K. Ice and snow-free snow making tower structure
US5823427A (en) * 1995-11-13 1998-10-20 Snow Economics, Inc. Method and apparatus for making snow
FR2743872A1 (en) * 1996-01-22 1997-07-25 York Neige Water spray nozzle support, e.g. for use in making artificial snow
US5934556A (en) * 1996-01-22 1999-08-10 York Neige Spray nozzle carrier
US5890654A (en) * 1997-08-15 1999-04-06 Dupre; Herman K. Snow making tower
US6029898A (en) * 1998-09-16 2000-02-29 Dupre; Herman K. Snow making tower and method of manufacture
US6164556A (en) * 1999-04-01 2000-12-26 Dupre; Herman K. Portable snow making system for home use
US6168089B1 (en) 2000-01-19 2001-01-02 Herman K. Dupre Snow making tower with antifreeze precooling system
US7290722B1 (en) 2003-12-16 2007-11-06 Snow Machines, Inc. Method and apparatus for making snow
US20060258514A1 (en) * 2005-05-16 2006-11-16 Kramer Jerry V Inline classic skiing track glazing machine
US7543400B2 (en) * 2005-05-16 2009-06-09 Jerry Vernard Kramer Inline classic skiing track glazing machine
EP2331217A1 (en) * 2008-09-03 2011-06-15 Darren Visser Snow sports apparatus
WO2010025501A1 (en) 2008-09-03 2010-03-11 Darren Visser Snow sports apparatus
US20110159973A1 (en) * 2008-09-03 2011-06-30 Darren Visser Snow sports apparatus
US8535168B2 (en) 2008-09-03 2013-09-17 Darren Visser Snow sports apparatus
EP2331217A4 (en) * 2008-09-03 2014-11-19 Darren Visser Snow sports apparatus
US9085003B2 (en) 2008-09-25 2015-07-21 Mitchell Joe Dodson Flat jet fluid nozzles with fluted impingement surfaces
RU2446021C1 (en) * 2010-08-13 2012-03-27 Государственное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Санкт-Петербургский государственный горный институт имени Г.В. Плеханова (технический университет)" Antidust sprayer
US9170041B2 (en) 2011-03-22 2015-10-27 Mitchell Joe Dodson Single and multi-step snowmaking guns
US9631855B2 (en) 2011-03-22 2017-04-25 Mitchell Joe Dodson Modular dual vector fluid spray nozzles
US9395113B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2016-07-19 Mitchell Joe Dodson Nucleator for generating ice crystals for seeding water droplets in snow-making systems
EP3040657A1 (en) 2014-12-09 2016-07-06 Robert Krajnc Apparatus for making artificial snow
US20160290699A1 (en) * 2015-04-06 2016-10-06 Snow Logic, Inc. Snowmaking automation system and modules
US11466915B2 (en) 2015-04-06 2022-10-11 Sl Usa, Llc Snowmaking automation system and modules
US11892222B2 (en) 2015-04-06 2024-02-06 Sl Usa, Llc Snowmaking automation system and modules
RU2704175C1 (en) * 2019-03-15 2019-10-24 Василий Петрович Горобей Air-hydraulic sprinkler
RU192216U1 (en) * 2019-04-15 2019-09-06 Василий Петрович Горобей FINE Pneumohydraulic Humidifier

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3761020A (en) Method and apparatus for snow making
US3831844A (en) Apparatus for snow making
US3908903A (en) Snow making apparatus and method
US3979061A (en) Method and apparatus for making artificial snow
US3964682A (en) Method and apparatus for making snow produced by cumulative crystallization of snow particles
US3494559A (en) Snow making system
US4915302A (en) Device for making artificial snow
US3716190A (en) Atomizing method
US3567116A (en) Atomizing method and apparatus
US4748817A (en) Method and apparatus for producing microfine frozen particles
US3301485A (en) Method and apparatus for making frozen particles
US4573636A (en) Method and apparatus for making artificial snow
US3257815A (en) Method and apparatus for the largescale production of snow fields for sports use
US3762176A (en) Method and apparatus for making snow
EP0057720B1 (en) Variable gas atomization
US4813598A (en) Snow making apparatus and method for making snow
JPH1172278A (en) Apparatus for producing fine powder snow particle from liquid carbon dioxide
US3952949A (en) Method of making snow
US4919331A (en) Snow making apparatus and method for making snow
US4569482A (en) Cleaning apparatus and method utilizing pressurized water
US4813597A (en) Anti-icing snowgun
US5083707A (en) Nucleator
US4730774A (en) Dual pressure compensating snowmaking apparatus
DE2941052A1 (en) Artificial snow generator system - mixes water with compressed air cooled by expansion in convergent-divergent nozzle
CA1315112C (en) Snowmaking process and apparatus