It’s no secret that most ice melt products can be hard on the environment, especially if they are not properly applied. Run off from harsh products or over-spreading can be damaging to plants, animals and even people. But if you are a commercial snow contractor looking for an eco-friendly ice melt, look no further – we are happy to be your Calcium Magnesium Acetate Supplier. Why use Calcium Magnesium Acetate? Let’s take a look.
What is Calcium Magnesium Acetate Ice Melt?
Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) is an environmentally friendly alternative ice melt chemical when compared to harsher products like Magnesium Chloride and Rock Salt. It does not contain urea, chloride, or nitrogen and has minimal impact on storm water run off.
While the price is somewhat higher than other products, CMA is biodegradable and does not contaminate the environment. It’s less corrosive than other products too, making it easier on concrete and asphalt. In fact, the Calcium Magnesium Acetate that we supply to snow removal companies is as corrosive as tap water! And while it can leave a residue after being applied, that residue does not track easily inside buildings so it’s of low concern and it actually helps by requiring fewer applications.
Calcium Magnesium Acetate Data Sheet
When to use Calcium Magnesium Acetate Ice Melt
It is best to apply CMA after snow or icing begins. It is effective at melting snow and ice down to about 15°F, which is about the same as rock salt. It can be used to offset the corrosive effects of chlorides and enhance deicing performance when blended with rock salt.
Calcium Magnesium Acetate works differently than other ice melts. When applied to snow, CMA keeps snow particles from adhering to each other or to the surface. It does not create a brine like rock salt. So when using CMA, snow is usually lighter and drier which improves traction. For the best results, Calcium Magnesium Acetate should be applied early in the storm, to prevent snow from packing down hard and bonding to the surface. This makes it much easier to removal snow and ice later.
The fact that Calcium Magnesium Acetate doesn’t produce a running brine means that it doesn’t move off the surface like other deicing products and it adheres to the surface better. Because of this, fewer applications are needed of this product. Studies show that surfaces treated with Calcium Magnesium Acetate often exhibit anti-icing characteristics in subsequent storms.
How to Apply Calcium Magnesium Acetate Ice Melt
As mentioned above, Calcium Magnesium Acetate should be applied early in a storm before much snow or ice has fallen. This is essential for a “bottom up” application that keeps falling precipitation from adhering to the surface. It is recommended to start with a heavier application and taper off as time goes on.
Typical application rates:
- 250 to 400 pounds per lane mile
- 5 to 15 pounds per thousand square feet
- 20 to 40 grams per square meter
Calcium Magnesium Acetate’s bulk density is about 40 pounds per cubic foot compared to 70 pounds per cubic foot for rock salt. Since CMA is lighter, applications based on weight will appear to have 75% more pellets on the road surface compared to an equivalent application of salt.
Order from a Calcium Magnesium Acetate Supplier
If you would like to order Calcium Magnesium Acetate, we keep a powerful CMA product from Cryotech in stock and available for shipping or pick up 24/7 at our facility in Bethesda, MD. Cryotech CMA ® Solid Commercial Deicer contains 96% hydrated Calcium Magnesium and other acetates, and less than 4% water-insoluble material. According to Cryotech, “To receive the maximum corrosion protection benefit from CMA deicer blends, it is important to verify the amount of CMA being used in the mixture by checking labels and product data sheets. Cryotech CMA is the only commercially available pure calcium magnesium acetate produced and sold in the United States.”
Contact us at Snow & Ice Salt & Chemicals Unlimited online or call 301-986-5859 for more info or to order Calcium Magnesium Acetate today!
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