DETERMINING FEASIBILITY OF WEST VIRGINIA OIL AND GAS FIELD BRINES AS HIGHWAY DEICING AGENTS--PHASE III. FINAL REPORT

The research described in this report represents the third and final phase of a comprehensive research project to determine the feasibility of West Virginia oil and gas field brines as highway deicing agents. Phase III focused on expanding the limited brine quality information collected in Phase I to include brine availability information (both quality and quantity) statewide. A principal objective was to develop a microcomputer-based brine availability database based on existing information and analysis conducted as part of the current effort. Seventy brine samples were analyzed from 23 counties; based on meeting acceptable criteria, 32 of these samples were found to be suitable. A ranking system was developed for brine spreading and brine addition to abrasive materials. Brine quality and quantity information was included in the database, which is capable of generating a number of different reports. According to the database, almost 568,000 gallons per year of suitable brine were identified. A number of brine usage scenarios were identified and evaluated. The most promising scenario was treating a standard abrasive hopper spreader with brine as a substitute for conventional rock salt. Also addressed in the report are economic/managerial aspects of brine storage and handling and pollution prevention guidelines.

• Corporate Authors:

  West Virginia University, Morgantown

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  Morgantown, WV  United States  26506-6103

  West Virginia Department of Highways

  1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
  Charleston, WV  United States  25305

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Eck, R W
  • Sack, W A
• Publication Date: 1991-5

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 185 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Brines; Databases; Deicers (Equipment); Economics; Environmental impacts; Feasibility analysis; Handling and storage; Handling characteristics; Quality control; Storage facilities; Supply
• Uncontrolled Terms: Availability; Deicers; Handling; Quality; Quantities
• Subject Areas: Economics; Environment; Freight Transportation; Geotechnology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials; Terminals and Facilities; Vehicles and Equipment; I35: Miscellaneous Materials; I62: Winter Maintenance;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00610140
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: WVDOH Res Proj 76
• Contract Numbers: WVDOH-RP 76
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jun 30 1991 12:00AM