Ground-Based Warm Fog Dispersal Systems - Technique Selection and Feasibility Determination with Cost Estimates

This engineering study determines the feasibility of and prepares a conceptual design for a ground-based warm fog dispersal system at a selected airport which has a high frequency of fog and a large air traffic volume that is adversely affected by fog. Los Angeles International Airport LAX was selected as the airport for study. The study considers and includes a brief review of warm fog dispersal mechanisms. The results indicate that heat is presently the only reliable technique for warm fog dispersal. Two methods of applying heat to fog are examined in detail, namely, the Thermokinetic and Modified Passive Thermal. Engineering costs estimates are developed. The results of the study indicate that both systems would be cost-effective at Los Angeles International Airport. For improving the visibility in fog to CAT 2 minimums, the 12-year benefit-to-cost ratio of the Thermokinetic Fog Dispersal System which uses natural gas for fuel is 8.7 to 1 while the Modified Passive Thermal Fog Dispersal System has a ratio of 4.8 to 1. The study concludes that a Thermal Fog Dispersal System at LAX is both feasible and cost effective.