High capacity snow melting apparatus and method

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A high capacity snow melting apparatus has a plurality of dedicated heater/blower units coupled to a plurality of commingled heat radiant conduits for direct contact with snow and ice. Terminal sections of the conduits are elevated to an upper region of the hopper and have downwardly directed exhausts for substantial and efficient preheating of new snow loads. A water bath in the bottom of the hopper is level controlled to cover the conduits and drain water from the hopper. The apparatus is self-contained with enclosed fuel supply, back-up power generation and electrical controls. The apparatus can be configured to generate sufficient BTUs to melt 500 tons or more of snow per hour.