Use of this bacterium as a seeding agent has been limited to producing snow in ski resorts, although there have been some experiments with aerial applications. Cloud Seeding Delivery Systems. Commonly available aircraft can be modified to carry an assortment of cloud seeding devices. Silver iodide nuclei dispensers include pyrotechnic dispensers and models that burn a solution of silver iodide and acetone. In the burning process, a typical silver iodide-acetone solution is forced through the nozzle into a combustion chamber where it is ignited, and the silver iodide crystals formed through combustion are expelled into the atmosphere.
Pyrotechnics are similar to ordinary highway flares.
Pyrotechnic flares impregnated with silver iodide can be mounted on aircraft, burned, and dropped into the clouds. Dry ice is frequently dispensed through openings through the floor of aircraft modified for cloud seeding. Types of aircraft used in operational cloud seeding programs range from a single engine aircraft to larger twin engine aircraft. The most common type of ground generator consists of a solution tank which holds the seeding agent. Other components include a means of pressurizing the solution chamber, dispensing nozzles, and a combustion chamber.