Using liquid brine with calcium chloride or magnesium chloride is a very effective way to control dust on dirt roads, construction sites, mines and quarries, baseball fields, horse arenas, and more. But how does it work? Let’s take a closer look at how these products can help you provide a valuable service to your customers during the summer months.
Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride are both hygroscopic salts. This means they attract and hold water molecules from the surrounding environment. When these products are applied to a surface, they pull moisture from the air and hold it on the surface, creating a layer of moisture that keeps the dust down. The moisture also helps to bind the surface particles together, creating a more stable and durable surface.
In addition to their dust control properties, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride have other benefits. For example, they can improve the performance of unpaved roads by increasing their stability and reducing maintenance costs. They can also be used as a pre-wetting agent for road salt during the winter months, making it more effective at melting ice and snow.
If you already have the sprayer equipment and ice melt products to make liquid brine for winter ice management, adding dust control services in the summer is a no-brainer. It’s a great way to generate additional revenue and keep your crews busy during the off-season. And the health benefits of reducing dust are well-documented.
One product that is particularly well-suited for liquid brine dust control is Safe ‘n Sure Liquid Brine. This product is made from a blend of calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and other ingredients that work together to create a long-lasting dust control solution. Safe ‘n Sure is easy to use and can be applied with a variety of spraying equipment, including 100-gallon, 300-gallon, 535-gallon, 1035-gallon, and 6000-gallon tanks.
Using Safe ‘n Sure Liquid Brine for dust control is a cost-effective solution that can save your customers money in the long run. By reducing the amount of dust in the air, you can help prevent damage to vehicles, machinery, and equipment. You can also reduce the need for costly road maintenance and repairs, as well as reduce the risk of accidents and injuries due to poor visibility.
In addition to the cost savings, there are also health benefits to reducing dust in the air. Exposure to dust can lead to respiratory problems, especially for people with pre-existing conditions like asthma and COPD. Dust can also aggravate allergies and cause eye irritation. By reducing dust, you can improve the overall health and well-being of your customers and their communities.
As a snow contractor, you already have the equipment and products needed to provide dust control services in the summer months. Adding this service to your offerings is a great way to generate additional revenue and keep your crews busy during the off-season. And by using products like calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, you can provide a cost-effective solution that helps keep your customers’ roads and properties dust-free and healthy. So why not take advantage of this opportunity and start offering dust control services today?
Calcium Chloride for Dust Control
Calcium chloride is a hygroscopic compound, meaning it has the ability to absorb water from the atmosphere, including moisture from the air and surfaces. This is an important property for dust control because when the chemical is applied to a dirt road or other dusty surface, it will pull in moisture from the air, as well as any moisture in the soil, and form a layer of brine on the surface. The brine layer helps to keep dust particles from becoming airborne by weighing them down and keeping them stuck to the surface.
One of the advantages of calcium chloride is that it is very effective at reducing dust even in low humidity conditions, which can be challenging for other dust control methods. In addition, it is relatively inexpensive and easy to apply. Calcium chloride can be applied as a liquid brine with a spray truck, or as a dry powder that is spread over the surface and then watered in.
Magnesium Chloride for Dust Control
Magnesium chloride is similar to calcium chloride in that it is also a hygroscopic compound that absorbs moisture from the air and surfaces. However, it has some advantages over calcium chloride for certain applications. For example, magnesium chloride is less corrosive than calcium chloride, making it a good choice for use on concrete surfaces or in areas where metal corrosion is a concern.
Magnesium chloride is also effective at reducing dust, although it may not work as well in very dry conditions as calcium chloride. Like calcium chloride, it can be applied as a liquid brine or as a dry powder.
Dust Control Equipment
To apply liquid brine for dust control, snow removal contractors can use the same equipment they use for applying liquid deicers in the winter. This includes sprayers of various sizes, from small handheld sprayers to large truck-mounted sprayers with capacities of several thousand gallons.
When applying liquid brine for dust control, it is important to make sure that the solution is evenly distributed over the surface. This can be achieved by using a nozzle that produces a fine mist or by using a spray bar that covers a wide area.
For smaller areas, such as baseball fields or horse arenas, handheld sprayers may be sufficient. For larger areas, such as construction sites or mining operations, truck-mounted sprayers are the most efficient option.
Health Risks and Environmental Concerns of Dust Control Services
When used properly, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride are generally safe for both humans and the environment. However, there are some potential health risks and environmental concerns to be aware of.
Both chemicals can cause skin and eye irritation, so it is important to wear protective gear when handling or applying them. In addition, they can be harmful if ingested, so they should be stored out of the reach of children and animals.
Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride can also have an impact on the environment if they are not used responsibly. In particular, overuse of these chemicals can lead to the buildup of salts in the soil and water, which can harm plant life and aquatic ecosystems. For this reason, it is important to use these chemicals in moderation and to follow recommended application rates.
Conclusion
Adding dust control services to their lineup can be a profitable venture for snow removal contractors, especially those in areas with high levels of dust pollution. By using products like calcium chloride and magnesium chloride to create liquid brine, contractors can help their customers reduce dust and improve air quality in a variety of settings.
With the equipment and expertise already in place, adding dust control services can be a relatively simple and cost-effective way for snow removal contractors to expand their offerings and tap into a new market. By doing so, they can not only increase their revenue but also make a positive impact on the health and well-being of their customers and the environment. Contact us today for pricing and options on dust control products!