REAL ice is an Easy-Install Retro-Fit for Ice Arenas to remove Micro-Air Bubbles from water that is used when laying and resurfacing the ice. Through applying a multi-dimensional ordered vortex movement, it is possible to flood the ice with cold/ambient water to create hard & resilient ice. 

The REALice system is 100% maintenance free, no moving parts, no additional energy sourcesor systems needed.

REAL ice is in use in over 300 ice arenas world-wide & eligible to receive rebates from various utilities across North America.

WHAT IS 

SWICH SERVICES INC - Canadian Technology Transfer Partner  REALice | Copyright 2014SWICH SERVICES INC - Canadian Technology Transfer Partner  REALice | Copyright 2014

Think Swiss Watch Making - Highest Precision Mechanical Engineering for de-aeration

How does it work?

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Made & Quality Controlled in Sweden

3D Printed Laser Sintered Polyamide PA2200

Temperature resistance: 110°C / 230°F

Pressure resistance 98.1bar

verified & tested

Warranty 5 years - Life expectancy +10 years

No moving parts - maintenance free!

Cold water has approx. 3 times more micro air bubbles than hot water! 14/15 mg /l - compared to 5/6 mg / l

Solid ice can’t hold air - if not removed, it forms bubbles

What is removed: Micro air bubbles

Why degassing / de-aerating?

Degassing Demonstration

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1.Micro Air Bubbles in water pulled into the low-pressure zone

2.Low pressure zone causes micro air bubbles to expand & gather into large bubbles.

3.Large bubbles (Air) are lighter than water & will disappear into the atmosphere.

What happens in the REALice Vortex Generator?

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REAL ice is simulating “hot water”

Viscosity decreased: water flows out faster (3% - 17%)

Heat capacity increased: ice lasts longer, melts slower

Electrical conductivity increased: brine works more effective / less insulation

Reduces lime scale - calcium bicarbonate (CaHCO3) is transformed into calcite & preferentially aragonite, which does not attach to pipes, nozzles or other surfaces = softens the water

No change in surface tension

Effects on the Water

Investigations of ice crystal structure were made at Luleå Technical University, Sweden, 2011

Degassed / De-aerated Water forms Larger Ice Crystals = denser sheet of ice

SWICH SERVICES INC - Canadian Technology Transfer Partner  REALice | Copyright 2014Installation: 1-2 hours of work required of a certified plumber

less draw on compressors & boilers (approx. 25% down) less dehumidifier run timeless rust on structural beams

less ice cleans needed less condensation in the arena less water used, and wasted

longer amortisation on equipment

less energy used less money spent on electricity & natural gas less CO2 emitted

Domino - Effect using Cold/ambient Temperature

More ice-time!

Savings Potential: Natural Gas 79% Hydro 10% - 12%

Large Scale FortisBC Pilot Study 2014

90% of the pilot participants successfully adapted their operations to the REALice® technology.

The achieved ice quality was evaluated from acceptable to excellent.

FortisBC quantified the average savings across the participating pilot arenas at  330 GJ in Natural Gas per year,

- A reduction of 79%!

Across the pilot arenas, an average increase of  3°F in slab temperature was observed. 

Ice slab thickness was reduced on average by 0.25 – 0.5 inch.

Comparison Chart Kerry Park Rec Centre:

kW

h u

se

700000

900000

Year 2008-2014 Last five months of the year

comparison

558679

650649

698552

828894

640320

725760

828480 Average 2008 - 2013 compared to 2014

Reduction of 152,908 kWH in 5 months period

Cost savings in 5 months period of $ 12,233

Annual savings of 8 month use $ 19,572

Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex Williams Lake, B.C.

Arena Electricity Use 2008-2014 (kWh)

Average 2009 - 2013 compared to 2014

Reduction of 334 GJ in 5 months period

Cost savings 5 months period of $ 3,334

Annual savings 8 month use $ 5,334

Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex Williams Lake, B.C.

Natural Gas Use 2009-2014 (GJ)

Gas

use

500

1100

1700

2300

Year 2009-2014 Last five months of the year comparison

1564.6

1860.2

1802.91794.21804.4

2228.3

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= simulating “hot water”

SWICH SERVICES INC - Canadian Technology Transfer Partner  REALice | Copyright 2014

add Map of Areans

Already 13 arenas across British Columbia using the REALice system!

REALice: Over 300 times worldwide | & NHL Winter Classics 2010 - 2015

REALice installations in North America, April 2015

Thank You - Discussion - Questions