Underscoring both its ingenuity and efficiency, RST has cut its runway de-icing costs in half with a clever new system engineered by the airport’s very own operations staff. The new system enables the airport to produce its own liquid de-icing solution by mixing solid de-icing chemicals with water rather than purchasing the essential winter weather combatant already in liquid form.
The development of the new system was spearheaded by three RST operations technicians who visited the Fargo International Airport to check out a similar system and process. When they returned, they drew inspiration from what they learned as well as their expertise with agricultural products to build a 3,000-gallon funnel-shaped mixing tank and to develop the optimal de-icing formula.
“It’s really a tribute to our staff and the skillset they have,” said Kurt Claussen, Deputy Airport Director/Operations Director. “The three technicians looked at the system and knew they could build it. They took ownership and they’re making it work,” Claussen said. “There’s a lot of regulatory oversight with processes like this. We have to make sure our products follow certain rules and stay within FAA parameters. We’re so proud of our team for figuring out how to make it work. Our operations technicians generally like to stay in the background, but this type of innovation reflects how incredibly talented they are.”
Kurt Claussen, Deputy Airport Director/Operations Director
Runway de-icing is necessary when there is freezing rain or freezing drizzle. While every winter is different, the airport has purchased roughly 32,000 gallons of liquid de-icer per year for the past several years, with a yearly price tag of about $140,000 to $150,000. In contrast, the “do it yourself” de-icing mixture will cost about $70,000 for the same amount.
Concluded Claussen: “It’s really exciting to be able to get the same results but save money because of internal innovations from our staff.”
