Accumulation Downwind
A new type of wood sand fence and snow fence has been developed and patented by James H. Kirby and the University of South Florida. It is manufactured with the same type of wood and the same type of wire used in traditional sand and snow fences. This new style increases the amount of sand or snow accumulated downwind of the fence.
The Vortex
Traditional wood snow fence and wood sand fence use rectangular 3/8" thick by 1½" wide slats. The new style uses triangular pieces of wood made by sawing a 1" x 1" x 48" in half on the diagonal. This triangular shape is better at disrupting the airflow as it passes through the fence. And it will do so regardless of wind direction by creating "asymmetrical vortexes" in the air. Air-born particles become trapped in the vortex and fall to the ground.
Slat Shape, Updated
Traditional rectangular slats are more limited in their ability to disrupt airflow. They are usually aligned at right angles to the prevailing winds. If the wind blows parallel to the fence line, little if any sand or snow will collect. The shape of the pieces in the new wood sand and snow fence allows the fences to work well in any wind from any direction.
See a more detailed presentation of this new wood and wire sand and snow fence, including suggestions for deployment.
