Easy antifreeze ideas

[WIBridge]

I am utilizing (8) 7500 gal water tanks to ballast barges during the erection of steel on a bridge project. With the coming of winter in Wisconsin we now have concern with the water in the ballast tanks freezing up. The tanks need to be clear of ice since the water is drained as the barges take load from the erected steel.

Are there any easy solutions out there to keep these tanks from freezing up? Since I am working from barges, electricity is only available from generators and that would require fueling after hours to keep them running through out the night. Some options that I am exploring:

(1) Water heaters used for cattle feed tanks
(2) Biodegradable antifreeze
(3) Water aeration
(4) Propane fueled construction heaters ducted into the tanks

Is there anything that I am leaving out? Thanks!

 

[IRstuff]

Additional insulation plus heating during the day?

TTFN

 

[wolfhnd]

What about the valves and pumps?

 

[RDK]

Propane fired boilers

Rick Kitson MBA P.Eng

Construction Project Management
From conception to completion

http://www.kitsonengineering.com

 

[jheidt2543]

Just a couple of thoughts:

1. If I understand you correctly, you discharge some of the water from the tanks. I would bet that using anything other than water from the stream you are in would have to be OK'd by either the WDNR or the Corps of Engineers. Point source pollution?

2. The Corps of Engineers uses barges nearly year round, they might have some suggestions on environmentally friendly anti-freeze agents.

 

[wolfhnd]

http://www.parkerboiler.com/thermal-fluid/

 

[Zambo]

Insulation of the tanks and movement of the water will stop it from freezing. Electric heaters placed at the bottom of the tank will raise the water temperature slightly and cause movement.

Contact a bolted galvanised steel water tank supplier.

Zambo

 

[KRSServices]

How long are the (water in the tanks) tanks exposed to below freezing temperatures? At -5 C, it would take quite a time for the water to freeze completely, particularly if it shifts due to subtle movements. You may want o look at the Bio antifreezes, such as RV antifreeze, or the like. It would be very expensive, but I used that material quite regularly to prevent damage to infrastructures (hydrants, etc) in Alaska and the Yukon. If it is an ovenight duration, I do not think you need to worry too much.

KRS Services

http://www.krs-services.com