De-icing agents are chemical compounds designed to fight ice and snow. Massively they began to be used not so long ago as an analog of natural sand and granite chips. Thanks to such anti-icing products, it is possible to reduce pedestrian injuries and the number of accidents involving vehicles on the roadway. In composition, they are of different types.
Such salts are applied to the surface of the ice and lower the melting point of water from 20°F to -30°F depending on the composition. This process prevents the formation of ice. Also, some recommend using salt before ice forms to completely prevent it from forming.
Composition and types of anti-icing reagents
De-icing substances of a chemical type are divided into types:
- chlorides – based on potassium and sodium chloride;
- acetates – materials containing calcium, ammonium, and potassium acetate;
- carbamates – may include urea and urea ammonium nitrate;
- calcium and magnesium nitrates.
There are also combined reagents. They simultaneously have an anti-icing effect and serve to roughen the roadway, increasing the adhesion of tires to asphalt and concrete. Each type has different properties, registration times, and common effects. They also differ slightly in price.
What Are the Benefits of Using Road Salt?
One of the main benefits of using rock salt is its effectiveness. It really helps to fight ice and helps to bring up safety on the road.
The second plus is availability. Of course, depending on the type and company, the valuable ones differ, but they are still quite cheap. If you don’t have room to store a lot of salt, you can purchase rock salt bags. They are smaller and cheaper.
It is also relatively easy to apply, allowing for a quick and efficient response to drops in outside temperature.
A third benefit is that Bulk Salt for Dust Control can be used, which is quite environmentally damaging and should be eliminated. Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride help in this process, which are strong dust suppressors.
The fourth point is that the saline stays where it was left. It sticks to where you spilled it, so the wind can’t blow it away. Which is a good guarantee that your efforts were not in vain and the salt will do its job.
The fifth point is immediate action. Salt begins to act after a short period of time after application.
One of the vital benefits of salt is that it helps prevent collisions, injuries, and road accidents, which is why many people spill salt in the winter.
An equally important plus is that salt hugs your life in winter. You don’t have to constantly shovel snow. With the help of rock salt, you can relax and at the same time, your sidewalks and paths will be clean and safe for others and for you.
Harm of Anti-Icing Reagents
Despite modern technologies, the harm of de-icing reagents takes place. There is no such person who at least once in his life did not bring pellets home to the hallway on his shoes. it has been established that the harmful effect of some reagents can be reduced if their physicochemical properties are taken into account. For example, acetates should only be used in well-ventilated areas, as they are heavier than air.
Also, some types of salt can be bad for plants and pets. Therefore, please consult bulk rock salt suppliers before use. They will pick the right one for you.
The dissolution of salt in water leads to an increase in its presence in groundwater. It also affects the fauna and flora of the rivers.
Salt containing sodium can raise the pH of the soil and make it less fertile.
Thus, it can be concluded that de-icing salt has a large number of benefits and can make your life much easier and safer in winter. But it also has negative properties. Therefore, carefully approach the choice of salt, and consult with professionals. You can contact a salt distributor in Minneapolis or a reseller in any state. The main thing is to carefully check reviews and price compliance. Carefully familiarize yourself with the qualities of the reagents and the possible consequences of their use. Then you can save yourself from unnecessary costs and problems.
