Anti-Icing...The Liquid Answer

Holt, Glen; ,

Anti-Icing...The Liquid Answer

by Glen Holt, Ice Technologies Inc, Cincinnati, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Pacific Rim TransTech Conference?Volume II: International Ties, Management Systems, Propulsion Technology, Strategic Highway Research Program

Abstract:

In the fall of 1984, Great Salt Lake Minerals and Chemicals Corporation of Ogden, Utah (a major producer of Salt and Allied Chemicals) introduced their 'Alternative Deicers' to Washington State Department of Transportation for testing. Two products were tested: Qwiksalt + PCl a granular product, 83% sodium chloride, 10% magnesium chloride hexahydrate and 7% PCl, corrosion control polymer and a liquid product, Freezgard + PCl, which consisted of 275 magnesium chloride and 5% PCl. Magnesium chloride plus inhibitor liquid appears to have emerged as the 'Liquid Answer' - the anti-icer of choice, due to a number of attributes. It is hygroscopic resulting in quick action; effective at low temperatures, -5F; safe on roadside vegetation at recommended rates of application. Additionally, magnesium chloride is also known as an effective anti-spalling agent. Another reason for its popularity, in addition to it's effectiveness, is the low application rate required (40 to 60 gallons per lane mile, in most cases, and its low cost.)

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