Calcium Chloride Ice Melt
When it comes to finding the most powerful ingredient for melting ice, Calcium Chloride ice melt is generally the top choice. Calcium Chloride is a chemical used for numerous purposes, including refrigeration, dust control, and melting ice.
Calcium Chloride is available in liquid formulations, but as an ice melter it is usually provided in pellet or flake form. If you are thinking of using Calcium Chloride on your residential or commercial property but are unsure of its benefits compared to other ice melters, the following information will help you make an informed decision.
Calcium Chloride Ice Melt: Information
Calcium Chloride is widely used by commercial businesses for melting ice and is the preferred choice over common rock salt. It has several key advantages, the most important being the following:
Quick Melt
Calcium Chloride has the most powerful and quickest melting action on the market today. For ice to melt, deicing chemicals must first reach the pavement and dissolve into brine. Calcium Chloride absorbs moisture from the atmosphere as opposed to relying on the little water that snow has to offer. As it returns to liquid state and mixes with water, Calcium Chloride also becomes exothermic—it releases thermal energy that further helps in melting the ice surrounding it, which in turn allows it to release more thermal energy.
Cold Temperatures
Calcium Chloride currently holds the record for melting ice at the coldest temperatures. While potassium chloride can melt ice down to approximately -13°F (-25°C) and rock salt down to -10°F (-23.3°C), Calcium Chloride can melt down to -25°F(-31.7°C). This makes Calcium Chloride ice melt the most effective ice melter during harsh winter conditions and heavy snowstorms.
Calcium Chloride Ice Melt – Cost
A lot of people might be deterred by the higher cost of Calcium Chloride ice melt as it is relatively more expensive compared to rock salt, urea and other types of ice melters. However, when evaluating the cost it is important to not only look at the price tag but also the results. Since Calcium Chloride is able to melt ice at a rapid speed and at very low temperatures, it can be argued that it is the most cost-effective ice melter solution.
Using Calcium Chloride Ice Melt
Calcium Chloride is not a perfect ice melt solution. While it is indeed effective and can be used in a wide array of temperatures and winter conditions, you still have to be cautious and use the product as directed to get maximum results. Here are some important factors to consider when using Calcium Chloride ice melt:
- • Make sure you are wearing thick protective clothing including gloves and a mask.
- • Use Calcium Chloride in moderation. Over-application may harm concrete, vegetation and other surface areas.
- • Use mats in entranceways to to prevent tracking.
- • Wash hands thoroughly after applying this chemical. This product may cause skin irritation for some individuals. If skin irritation occurs, rinse with water, remove and wash contaminated clothing, and consult a physician. This product may cause eye irritation. If eye irritation occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and call physician. Harmful if swallowed. If ingested, give water, induce vomiting and call physician immediately.
Calcium Chloride Informational Video
In this video, Brian Erickson, a field biologist and expert science tutor, further discusses the nature and foundation of Calcium Chloride as well as its various uses:
