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Concerns for Conveyor Belt Freezing Melt Away with Midwest

In Anti-Icing Deicing, Ice Free Conveyor® by Steve Vitale

At Midwest, we’re usually discussing the dangers and consequences of particulate matter for gravel runways, mining operations, construction sites, farms, and even residential roads. Though dust can pose a serious issue, winters bring a different threat in the form of ice. As temperatures drop, the specter of ice can cause complications like conveyor belt freezing, equipment damage, and buildup. Leaving …

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What is Winter Costing Your Railroad?

In Anti-Icing Deicing, Rail, Rail & Mass Transit, Railroads, Zero Gravity Third Rail® by Bob Vitale

Larger railroads have a fairly sound idea of the financial impact that severe winter weather can have on their railway maintenance costs. And so they prepare well in advance. But for many short lines, the costs to properly prepare are intimidating. And so they wait, until they can’t wait any longer.  But is putting off the expense the best approach …

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NASA’s Approach to Third Rail Deicing

In Anti-Icing Deicing, Railroads, Zero Gravity Third Rail® by Bob Vitale

Your current approach to third rail deicing doesn’t work as well as NASA’s. Here’s why.  In 2019, Chicago’s Metra commuter rail system gained notoriety for appearing to set their railway tracks on fire. Of course, the tracks weren’t literally set on fire. But the video footage caused quite a stir. That January, temperatures hit a shocking 50 below, with windchill. To …