Liquid calcium chloride has many uses, among them anti-icing, snow melting and dust control.

Using Liquid Calcium Chloride as an Anti-Icing Agent

Anti-icing helps to melt snow and ice before it can freeze once it hits the ground. An anti-icing agent like liquid calcium chloride is commonly applied before the onset of a snow and/or ice storm. Many are not clear on exactly how anti-icing agents like liquid calcium chloride work. Following is some brief information on the process.

In the anti-icing process, only the first couple of centimeters of snow is melted. No more than this. The whole purpose of de-icing is to prevent snow and ice from sticking (or bonding to) the surface of the road. This prevents what´s known as the development of hard pack.

The Most Obvious Benefit of De-Icing

The most obvious benefit of de-icing is the prevention of slippery roadways. When a roadway has an anti-icing agent like liquid calcium chloride put on it, when it is plowed, a wet, black pavement will be revealed. Without an anti-icing agent, the first plow of the snow usually reveals an icy, very slick glaze that can cause slipping and sliding by vehicles. This leads to accidents. Wet, black pavement, as opposed to slick, icy pavement is much safer to drive on because it has more traction.

Beware of false claims made by many companies that sell anti-icing agents. You may run across some advertising the fact that their products can melt inches of snow. As mentioned above, liquid calcium chloride can melt only a couple of centimeters, which is less than half an inch.

Now be aware, there are different kinds of snow, eg, low-moisture snow. Liquid calcium chloride may be able to effectively melt a bit more than two centimeters of this kind of snow, because it is a great moisture absorbent. However, this is an anomaly. Industry-accepted standards are that liquid calcium chloride can melt less than half an inch of snow.

Using Liquid Calcium Chloride to Control Dust

Liquid calcium chloride is an excellent agent for controlling dust. Dust can be an environmental hazard, as well as cause health problems. Some of the harmful effects of dust are respiratory problems, potholes, vehicle damage (from potholes and things like paint erosion) and farmer crops. So, controlling it helps people and the environment.

How does liquid calcium chloride work to control dust? One of the benefits of the chemical compound calcium chloride is that it attracts moisture. This works in dust control by binding dust particles, thus preventing them from becoming free-floating agents.

The Benefits of Dust Prevention with Liquid Calcium Chloride

In roadways, one of the major benefits is erosion reduction. Because the road surface stays damp, this holds down the dust, which reduces erosion and helps to prevent potholes. One application can last up to a few years if the conditions are right.

To find out how liquid calcium chloride can best be used for your conditions and environment, consult a professional.