Heat Pipes HEAT PIPES http://www.pafak.com/images/pipeline2.jpg PERMAFROST           http://ffden-2.phys.uaf.edu/212_fall2003.web.dir/Yevette_Lancaster/Alaska%20Pipeline.htm   Heat pipes help prevent the permafrost from thawing. Heat pipes Within the vertical support beams (VSB) there are condensers at the bottom filled with ammonia. Due to radiant energy, heat vaporizes in the ground and rises. Aluminum radiators are mounted on top of the posts to recondense the ammonia, creating a cyclical effect.   Radiant Heat Energy is given off in the form of heat. As heat rises it is cooled, removing ground heat. This stops the permafrost from melting. http://www.ecoheatsystems.com/images/photos/radiant.jpg Click on Arrow to Return to Structural Component Diagram Home .Introduction Structural Components Pipeline Problems  Bibliography