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The use of liquids as a means of de-icing surfaces is a relatively new development, having only come to the fore in the last decade, or so. Previously, most contractors favored the use of solid ice-melters, mostly because adding a liquid to an icy surface seemed counter-intuitive.New and better products, training opportunities, development of outstanding application equipment, pressure to reduce chloride emissions, and cost savings have made savvy ice and snow contractors recognize the advantage of incorporating liquid ice melt into their overall strategy. That&#;s not to say that solid ice melt solutions don&#;t have their place. It&#;s a matter of using the right melting product for each situation. In general terms, here are the recommendations of which to use for optimal results:
When to use Liquids & Solids:
- Improving traction on the surface of ice and snow: solids
- Prevention of ice and snow bonding to surfaces: liquids
- Breaking down ice and snow on surface pavement for removal: liquids and solids
Choosing the Right Liquid for the Right Job
Chlorides (or salts) are the best-known and most popular de-icers because they are inexpensive and readily available. They include sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride. Chlorides are corrosive, can damage vegetation, and are harmful to the environment.
Potassium Chloride
- Effective to 20°F
- Less harmful to the environment than sodium chloride
- Works well as a blending agent
Sodium Chloride
- Effective to 5°F
- Inexpensive and most commonly available
Magnesium Chloride
- Effective to -15°F
- Less corrosive and safer for the environment
- Requires slightly more volume to be effective
- Good option to blend with other de-icers
Calcium Chloride
- Effective to -25°F
- Melts ice faster
- More expensive
- More corrosive and worse for the environment
Non-chloride de-icers, such as calcium magnesium acetate, potassium acetate, urea, and sodium formate, are non-corrosive and less toxic to the environment than chlorides. They are, however, more expensive. Non-chloride de-icing solutions are what airports generally use and are excellent options for parking structures, bridges, and other environments where corrosion and environmental concerns justify the added cost.
Calcium magnesium acetate and urea are effective up to 20°F, sodium formate is effective to 0°F, and potassium acetate to -15°F.
Using Liquids on Concrete
Concrete is particularly vulnerable to de-icers. By lowering the freezing point of water, de-icers cause repeated thawing and refreezing of ice. When that water is trapped in concrete, which is more common in poor quality concrete, its expansion can cause chipping, breakage, and other damage. To minimize the damage caused by de-icers, it&#;s best to limit the volume applied and to remove the melted ice and snow as quickly as possible.
Understanding Different Liquid Ice-Melt Uses:
Anti-icing
Any experienced snow removal contractor worth his salt (pardon the pun) will tell you that it is far easier and faster to remove loose snow or ice than compacted ice that is frozen to the surface. Anti-icing is what allows you to be proactive when a weather event is looming. Application of the liquid to surfaces beforehand will help prevent it from bonding to the pavement by melting snow from the bottom-up. Anti-icing agents can melt approximately 1/4&#; of snow, providing you more time to complete the task of removing the accumulation. Since it takes as much as 5 times more salt and 50% more resources to break up existing ice bonded to the pavement than it does to prevent it, anti-icing can reduce your operating costs and boost your efficiency.
To be most effective, anti-icing requires good weather forecasting information and pavement surface temperature readings. Anti-icing liquids should not be applied at temperatures above 32°F, as it can make road surfaces more slippery. Other benefits of anti-icing:
- Reduces damage to property and to the environment
- Limits plowing time
- Minimizes risk of accidents, making it safer for pedestrians and drivers
Pre-wetting:
Pre-wetting is the practice of coating dry salt with liquid as it&#;s being spread on the surface. This helps to speed up the melting process. It also helps to prevent salt from blowing or bouncing off the desired surface. This practice is also an effective way to reduce salt usage.
De-icing:
When the snow has fallen, and the ice has formed a bond with the pavement surface, deicing is required. The application of de-icing liquid either on its own for thinner layers or with solid ice melt is an effective way to break up the ice and release the bond with the surface. This method melts ice and snow from the top down. Always plow before applying de-icing solutions. Foot and automobile traffic will help mix the material with the snow and ice, and therefore, areas with a higher volume of traffic require less material.
The Benefits for Property Managers and Other Customers
Integrating liquid deicers into your ice control strategy will help to set you apart from other snow removal contractors. Your customers will appreciate the faster results you achieve, the lower risk of slip and fall injuries, the improved protection to lawns and vegetation, and the reduced corrosion caused by your deicing solution. They will also achieve savings because their property will require fewer repairs due to cracks caused by frequent freeze and thaw cycles.
15 Jan
Breaking down the science behind industrial de-icers, we take a closer look at the chemicals that drive them and how specific formulations are better for certain uses.
As the United Kingdom is enveloped in the chill of winter, industries and businesses find themselves immersed in a daily struggle against the elements. This ongoing battle aims to safeguard uninterrupted operations and secure access amidst icy conditions.
Central to this effort are industrial surface de-icers &#; specialised chemical formulations whose use in well planned and strategically deployed. These solutions, engineered to resist frost and ice on surfaces, equipment, and vehicles, play a pivotal role in maintaining a secure and operational environment.
In this blog we decode the chemistry behind these de-icing solutions and explore the distinctive functions of various chemicals and their applications across the diverse landscape of the UK's industrial sector.
How does a de-icer work?
At its core, the science of de-icing involves manipulating the freezing point of water.
Various chemicals are employed to achieve this, each with its unique set of properties and functions. The most common chemicals used in industrial surface de-icers include sodium chloride (salt), potassium acetate, calcium magnesium acetate, and potassium formate.
Sodium Chloride
Sodium chloride, commonly known as salt, is a widely used de-icing agent, especially on paths, steps, and roadways. Its effectiveness as a de-icer stem from its ability to lower the freezing point of water and create a brine solution.
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Featured content:What is the Advantage and Disadvantage of cas 6303 21 5 australiaWhen sodium chloride is applied to ice or snow-covered surfaces, it dissolves in the thin layer of liquid water present on the ice. The dissolution process releases ions into the water, specifically sodium (Na&#;) and chloride (Cl&#;) ions. These ions interfere with the natural formation of ice crystals, preventing water molecules from arranging into a solid, crystalline structure at normal freezing temperatures.
The sodium and chloride ions then create a saline or brine solution on the surface, which has a lower freezing point than pure water. As a result, the brine remains in liquid form even at temperatures below the initial freezing point, further inhibiting the formation of ice.
However, it is worth noting that although sodium chloride is an extremely popular, cost-effective choice, it does have its limitations. Primarily, it is less effective at extremely low temperatures, can contaminate water or soil and can be corrosive to equipment and surfaces.
Potassium Acetate
Potassium acetate lowers the freezing point of water, preventing ice formation. It is effective at lower temperatures and is less corrosive than sodium chloride, making it suitable for use on speciality surfaces such as in the aviation industry on runways.
Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA)
Calcium Magnesium Acetate is an environmentally friendly option that acts as both a de-icer and anti-icer. It forms a barrier on surfaces, reducing the adhesion of ice. It is commonly used in areas where environmental impact is a significant concern, such as near water bodies and sensitive ecosystems.
Potassium Formate
Well known for its low environmental impact, potassium formate effectively lowers the freezing point of water. It is a highly effect de-icing agent commonly used in aviation, particularly for aircraft wing de-icing. Its function is like other de-icers, such as potassium acetate, but potassium formate has specific characteristics that make it well-suited for certain applications.
Freezing Point Depression: Potassium formate functions by depressing the freezing point of water. When applied to icy surfaces, it disrupts the natural process of ice crystal formation.
The presence of potassium formate lowers the freezing point of the water on the surface, preventing the formation of ice and facilitating the melting of existing ice.
Chemical Reaction: Potassium formate achieves its de-icing effect through a chemical reaction with ice. The formate ion (HCOO&#;) in potassium formate interacts with the ice crystals, destabilising the structure and causing the ice to melt.
Eutectic Solution: Potassium formate creates a eutectic solution with water, which is a mixture with a lower freezing point than either component alone. The eutectic solution remains in liquid form at lower temperatures, providing extended protection against ice formation.
One of the key advantages of potassium formate, especially in aviation applications, is its compatibility with aircraft materials. It is considered less corrosive than some other de-icing agents, making it suitable for use on aircraft surfaces, including wings. It is also regarded as an environmentally friendly de-icing option having a lower environmental impact compared to certain chloride-based de-icers.
Liquid vs. Granular De-icers
The choice between liquid and granular formulations adds another layer of complexity to the strategic battle against winter weather. Each form has distinct characteristics, influencing its efficacy in specific applications throughout industries and across businesses and sites within the UK.
Liquid De-icers:
Functionality: Liquid de-icers, such as potassium acetate and potassium formate solutions, are applied in a liquid form. They function by creating a thin, effective anti-icing or de-icing layer on surfaces.
These liquids have a lower freezing point than water, preventing the formation of ice and facilitating the melting of existing ice.
Application: Liquid de-icers are well-suited for pre-treatment or anti-icing applications. Applied before snowfall or freezing rain, they create a barrier that hinders the adhesion of ice to surfaces.
Commonly used on airport runways and taxiways, liquid de-icers are particularly effective in situations where prompt response to changing weather conditions is critical.
Advantages of liquid-based de-icers include rapid onset of action due to immediate contact with surfaces and greater coverage on irregular surfaces.
Granular De-icers:
Functionality: Granular de-icers, such as calcium magnesium acetate and traditional rock salt, are solid materials that are spread across icy surfaces. They function by lowering the freezing point of water upon dissolution.
Application: Granular de-icers are often used for reactive de-icing, addressing existing ice accumulation on surfaces. Ideal for scenarios where continuous application is not feasible, such as prolonged snowfall events.
Advantages of granular de-icers include ease of storage and handling, and suitability for widespread application across large areas.
Overall, the choice between liquid and granular formulations is a critical consideration. The decision hinges on factors such as weather conditions, surface type, and the specific requirements of the application. Whether deploying liquid solutions for preventative measures or granular substances for reactive de-icing, the ultimate goal remains unwavering &#; to ensure the safety and efficiency of your business amidst the challenges posed by winter weather.
For more Potassium formate de-icing agentinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
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