A Review of Ice Protection Techniques for Structures in the Arctic and Offshore Harsh Environments

Abstract

Icing can jeopardize local infrastructure, hinder field operation, destroy vessel superstructures, and threaten life and property safety in the Arctic and other cold offshore and marine environments. Research on ice protection (both anti-icing and de-icing) technologies is critical to equipment, structures, and personnel in these environments. This review systematically evaluates a wide range of ice protection techniques divided into three main categories, i.e., active, passive, and hybrid ice protection techniques. Active anti-icing/de-icing technologies include mechanical, thermal, or chemical methods, requiring an additional energy source to prevent ice formation or remove accumulated ice from the target surfaces. Passive anti-icing/de-icing techniques can prevent ice accumulation or reduce ice adhesion without external energy sources; they create and maintain the icephobic properties of the target surfaces. Excessive energy consumption is a major technical limitation of active ice protection technologies. On the other hand, it is challenging for any passive technology to meet the long-term ice protection requirements in the Arctic or different cold offshore/marine environments. A combination of two or more active and passive ice protection methods, i.e., a hybrid approach, seems promising and can be applied in various situations according to the specific requirements of different vessels, offshore structures, and equipment.