Oct. 24, 2007

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New technology to help keep ice away, people safer to be installed at Newark Liberty International Airport

MINNEAPOLIS –SafeLane® surface overlay, a new technology with a documented record of reducing weather-related crashes on roads and bridges, will be installed at an airport for the first time in the lower 48 states later this month. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will test the unique overlay on a service ramp and bridge used to transport baggage at the Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), about 16 miles from midtown Manhattan.

SafeLane overlay acts like a rigid sponge, storing anti-icing chemical applied before storms, then automatically releasing it as snow and ice conditions develop. The result is safer surfaces with better mobility and less winter maintenance because the overlay helps prevent frost or ice from ever forming. Plus, it provides superior friction for year-round traction in all weather.

SafeLane overlay will be applied to 22,000 square feet of surface on the approaches and deck of a bridge on a service road used to transport luggage to and from aircraft. The location has experienced problems with baggage carts sliding off the service ramp. Cryotech E36®, liquid potassium acetate, will be the deicing agent used on airport property and on the service ramp.

SafeLane surface overlay is licensed and marketed by Minnesota-based Cargill. Through an agreement signed earlier this year, Cargill has granted Cryotech, a world leader in deicing technology, exclusive rights to market SafeLane overlay to airports and the aviation industry.

“Newark is the fifth busiest airport in the nation,” said Keith Johnson, president and chief executive officer of Cryotech.  “Its size and commitment to being on the leading edge of technology make it an excellent location to demonstrate the effectiveness of SafeLane® technology for the aviation industry.”

Installation of the overlay is scheduled to begin the week of Oct. 29 (weather permitting) and will be completed within a week. SafeLane CA-48 overlay, a companion product to SafeLane HDX surface overlay, which is currently helping to make roads and bridges safer at 38 sites in 16 states, will be used at EWR. SafeLane CA-48 overlay has all the benefits of its counterpart, but uses a smaller aggregate material that meets the FAA size requirement for airport applications.

SafeLane CA-48 overlay was installed this summer on a sidewalk, walkway and service road at the Anchorage International Airport in Anchorage, Alaska and is also being used in six other states to help reduce pedestrian injuries from slips and falls on sidewalks, walkways and outdoor work platforms.

“We are confident SafeLane overlay can help improve winter operations at airports and military bases, when applied to baggage handling areas, walkways and parking ramps,” said Bob Persichetti, general manager for SafeLane surface overlay. “As our technology continues to undergo research and testing, we hope to position it for approval for use on taxiways and runways, providing even greater safety assurance for air travelers.”

An analysis of SafeLane overlay’s winter performance during the past two years by a leading ice and snow control expert has found a significant reduction in weather-related crashes at all test sites reporting data. Copies of the reports are posted at www.cargillsafelane.com.