As a snow contractor, choosing the right ice melt product for your business is crucial. One factor that can affect your decision is the shape of the ice melt. There are three common shapes of ice melt products: pellets, flakes, chips, and drops or liquid spray. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between each shape and how they can impact your ice melting efficiency.
Ice Melt Pellets
Ice melt pellets are the most common shape of ice melt products. They are small, round, and about the size of a pea. The most significant advantage of pellets is that they are easy to use and spread. The round shape makes them flow smoothly through spreaders, which is why many contractors prefer them. Additionally, pellets have a lower tendency to clump, which reduces the risk of clogs and ensures a more even spread.
One example of ice melt pellets is PELADOW™ Calcium Chloride Pellets. PELADOW™ is a premium ice melt product designed for effective snow and ice removal on commercial and industrial surfaces. These pellets have a unique spherical shape that allows them to penetrate through thick layers of ice and snow, providing fast and efficient melting action. PELADOW™ Calcium Chloride Pellets are effective in temperatures as low as -25°F, making them a reliable choice for harsh winter conditions. Additionally, the pellets are made with pure calcium chloride, ensuring maximum performance and minimal environmental impact.
Magnesium chloride pellets are another popular shape of ice melt product used by snow contractors. They are made from magnesium chloride, which is known for its ability to melt ice and snow in extremely low temperatures. Magnesium chloride pellets are typically small and uniform in size, allowing for even and consistent coverage. They are also less damaging to concrete and vegetation than rock salt and some other ice melt products, making them a good choice for use in sensitive areas. Additionally, magnesium chloride is considered to be less corrosive than other ice melt products, which can extend the lifespan of equipment and reduce maintenance costs.
Pure Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) deicer that is shaped in spherical balls. It is a unique ice melt product that provides an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional road salt. This granulated deicer is made from dolomitic lime and acetic acid and is low in corrosion, making it ideal for use on concrete, metal, and other surfaces that can be damaged by traditional ice melts. CMA is approved by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration and is becoming an increasingly popular choice for snow and ice removal on roads, bridges, and sidewalks.
CMA is manufactured by Cryotech, a company that uses their patented “Unipel technology” to create the product in little spherical balls. The technology ensures that the product is consistent in size and shape, making it easy to apply and allowing for maximum coverage. CMA works by inhibiting the bond between ice and the pavement, allowing for easier removal of snow and ice. The product is also biodegradable and does not harm the environment, making it an excellent choice for those looking to minimize their environmental impact.
Another ice melt that is pellet-shaped is Sodium Acetate Ice Melt (NAAC). It is a high-performance deicer that comes in the form of white to gray spherical pellets. Unlike other deicers that contain chlorides and urea, sodium acetate is non-chloride-based, making it a safer choice for the environment and infrastructure. Sodium Acetate is quickly biodegradable even at low temperatures and minimally toxic to fish and mammals, making it an eco-friendly alternative to other deicers. This deicer is less persistent in the environment than other solid deicers, making it an excellent choice for environmentally sensitive areas. Additionally, it is safer for structural steel and reinforcing steel embedded in concrete. Sodium Acetate is a reliable choice for snow contractors who are looking for an effective and safe way to melt ice and snow.
Ice Melt Flakes
Ice melt flakes are another common shape of ice melt products. They are thin, irregularly shaped pieces that can resemble small shavings or wood chips. Flakes have a larger surface area than pellets, which means they can melt ice more quickly. However, the downside is that flakes can stick together and form clumps, which can cause clogs in spreaders.
An example of ice melt flakes is DOWFLAKE™ Calcium Chloride Flakes which are a popular choice for ice melt products because of their high performance and fast-acting nature. These flakes are made of nearly 100% calcium chloride, which means they have a very low freezing point and can effectively melt ice and snow even at very low temperatures. The flakes are also hygroscopic, which means they absorb moisture from the air to create a brine solution that provides a longer-lasting and more effective melting action. DOWFLAKE™ Calcium Chloride Flakes are also known for their purity, consistency, and low dust generation, which makes them a preferred choice for many snow contractors.
Magnesium chloride flakes are another form of ice melt product that is popular among snow contractors. Similar to the pellets, they are made from magnesium chloride, a chemical compound that is effective at melting ice and snow at low temperatures. Magnesium chloride flakes have a lower effective temperature range than rock salt and calcium chloride, making them a great option for extreme cold weather conditions. Just let the pellets, they are also less damaging to concrete and vegetation compared to other ice melt products, making them a great option for environmentally sensitive areas.
Ice Melt Chips or Crystals
Ice melt chips or crystals are larger and more varied than pellets and flakes. They typically resemble small pieces of broken glass or gravel. Chips and crystals are more effective at providing traction on slippery surfaces and can melt ice quickly due to their increased surface area. However, they can be challenging to spread evenly and may require a specialized spreader.
COMBOTHERM™ Calcium Chloride is a popular ice melt product in chip form that is specifically designed for deicing and anti-icing applications on roadways and other critical surfaces. The unique chip shape of COMBOTHERM™ allows for excellent traction and provides a longer-lasting melting effect on ice and snow, making it a highly effective solution for winter road maintenance. Additionally, calcium chloride is known for its fast-acting and effective melting capabilities, and COMBOTHERM™ is no exception. Its use can help prevent accidents, reduce snow removal costs, and improve overall safety during the winter months.
Hot Melt deicer blend is another chip-like ice melt product. It is composed of 80% Sodium Chloride and 20% Magnesium Chloride. This combination creates a highly effective and fast-acting ice melt solution that can quickly break down ice and snow, making it ideal for use on roads, parking lots, sidewalks, and other outdoor surfaces. The addition of Magnesium Chloride helps to lower the melting point of the mixture, making it effective at lower temperatures than traditional rock salt alone. The blend also contains a corrosion inhibitor, which helps to protect metal surfaces from damage caused by the deicing process.
Cool Blue ice melt crystals are a popular choice among snow contractors for their fast and reliable ice and snow melting abilities. This ice melt product is made up of a specially blended formulation of sodium and magnesium chlorides that work together to create a powerful deicing solution. The combination of these two ingredients allows Cool Blue ice melt crystals to melt ice and snow faster than traditional rock salt. Additionally, the blue color of these crystals helps to provide a visual aid in spreading and coverage, ensuring that all areas are evenly covered.
Drops or Sprays (Liquid Brine)
Liquid brine is another type of ice melt “product “shape” that can be effective for snow and ice control. It is a solution made up of water and a salt such as sodium chloride, calcium chloride, or magnesium chloride. The solution is sprayed onto roadways or other surfaces before a snow or ice event to prevent snow and ice from sticking, or it can be applied after a snow or ice event to help melt the remaining snow and ice.
Liquid brine has some advantages over traditional ice melt products. For one, it can be applied in advance of a storm, which can help prevent ice from forming in the first place. Additionally, it can be used in areas where traditional ice melt products are not effective, such as on concrete surfaces or in areas with very low temperatures.
When using liquid brine, it is important to apply it evenly and in the right concentration. Too much liquid brine can cause damage to plants and trees, and it can also increase the risk of runoff into nearby waterways. Too little, and the brine may not be effective at melting snow and ice. It is also important to note that liquid brine is not effective in extremely cold temperatures, as it can freeze before it has a chance to melt the snow and ice.
Overall, liquid brine can be a useful tool in a snow contractor’s arsenal of ice melt products. It is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks and use it appropriately based on the specific needs and conditions of each job.
Our favorite liquid brine is Safe ‘n Sure Liquid Brine. It is a popular and effective deicing solution made from a solution of water and salt, typically calcium chloride or magnesium chloride. Safe ‘n Sure Liquid Brine is a high-quality liquid deicer that is designed to be used in pre-treatment and post-treatment applications. It is a powerful tool for snow and ice control because it can be applied in advance of a storm, which helps to prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement, making it easier to remove.
Safe ‘n Sure Liquid Brine is often used as an anti-icing solution, which means it is applied to road surfaces before a storm to prevent snow and ice from accumulating. It is also used as a deicing solution, which means it is applied to roads after a storm to melt ice and snow. Liquid brine is highly effective at melting ice and snow because it has a lower freezing point than water, which means it remains a liquid at colder temperatures than water.
One of the benefits of using Safe ‘n Sure Liquid Brine is that it is much less harmful to the environment than traditional rock salt. Liquid brine is less corrosive to roads and bridges, which can help to extend the lifespan of these structures. It is also less harmful to plants and vegetation, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Overall, Safe ‘n Sure Liquid Brine is a great choice for snow contractors looking for a powerful and effective deicing solution that is also safe for the environment.
Choosing the Right Shape for Your Needs
When deciding which shape of ice melt product to purchase, there are a few factors to consider. The first is the area you need to cover. If you have a large area to cover, pellets may be the best choice because they are easy to spread and less likely to clog. However, if you need faster melting or have a smaller area to cover, flakes or chips may be a better option.
Another factor to consider is the weather conditions. If you’re dealing with extremely cold temperatures, pellets may not be the most effective option. Flakes or chips may be better suited for those conditions due to their larger surface area and quicker melting capabilities.
In conclusion, the shape of ice melt products can make a significant impact on their effectiveness and ease of use. Pellets, flakes, chips and liquid all have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider your specific needs when making a purchase. With the right ice melt product, you can ensure the safety of your clients and the efficiency of your business during the winter months. Looking for more answers or a quote? Just fill out the quick form below.