Calcium chloride is an environmentally friendly alternative to rock salt that can be used to melt ice. It works even in temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also pet friendly and works well in freezing weather. Compared to rock salt, calcium chloride is safe for humans and pets.

Exothermic nature of calcium chloride

Calcium chloride is an exothermic substance that generates heat when combined with moisture. It attracts moisture from the air and causes a chemical reaction that results in a solution of water and salt called an "ice melting brine." This reaction takes place rapidly, releasing a large amount of heat. This process can be used in the melting of ice in cold climates.

Calcium chloride releases heat as it melts, and its this exothermic nature that increases its performance, making it more efficient than rock salt when used as an ice melter. In addition, it can perform at extremely cold temperatures. This property makes calcium chloride a superior deicing agent and significantly outperforms rock salt.

The properties of calcium chloride also determine the speed of its action. It can melt ice at temperatures as low as -51C. However, at -60F, its melting action becomes impractical. This is because the melting temperature of a chemical, called the eutectic point, differs from its practical melting temperature in the field. Although magnesium chloride has a lower eutectic point than calcium chloride, it retains substantial melting ability between -10 and -25F.

Why is calcium chloride more effective than traditional rock salt?

Calcium chloride is used in ice melting applications because it is relatively harmless to soil and plants. It is also more effective in colder temperatures than sodium chloride. The effectiveness is attributed primarily to its ability to melt and liquify at colder temperatures and prevent re-freezing once the brine is formed. These are both important factors to consider when picking an ice melt, specifically;

1. Traditional rock salt deicers depend on moisture and water to work. This means that unless the temperature is above freezing point, sodium chloride will not be an effective ice melt.

2. Second - calcium chlorides' unique properties of being able to absorb water/moisture from the air mean that it will work below the freezing point of water. This means that it can be used to eliminate snow and ice even in the harshest of winter conditions.

3. Finally - because calcium chloride has less chloride per pound than sodium chloride, potassium chloride, or even magnesium chloride; this means road surfacing, concrete, sidewalks, and other targeted area will be less impacted by the harmful effects of chloride corrosion.

Compared to rock salt, calcium chloride is cheaper and less corrosive. It is also slightly more environmentally friendly. However, it is best applied a few hours before snow falls. This helps prevent the snow from sticking to the surface and prevents it from rolling away.

What about refreezing when temperatures drop?

We all know that ice melters can potentially damage or crack concrete among other surfaces when the cold weather goes through periods of thaw and refreeze. These weather cyclings can cause the dissolved liquid to seep into the cracks in the concrete, and fracture the pavement overnight when the water freezes again and expands.

One major advantage of calcium chloride, is that the ice melting brine has a much lower re-freezing temperature when compared to conventional ice melters. This means that calcium chloride is less likely to re-freeze at night, preventing any damage to the surface you apply it to.

Calcium chloride ice melt brine solution

Calcium chloride is commercially available in three different forms: solid and liquid. Granules and flakes contain 77 to 80 percent calcium chloride, while liquid calcium chloride is available in solutions that contain between 30% and 42% calcium chloride per liter. Calcium chloride salt should always be stored in a cool and most importantly - dry space, as it attracts moisture.

Calcium chloride is also used in beverages and foods as a firming agent. It is widely used in sports drinks and bottled water. It is also used to keep canned vegetables firm, and it also helps retain the color of cheese. It is also used as an electrolyte in beverages and pickles. It has a pronounced salty taste and is an important ingredient in these products.

Calcium chloride is an excellent deicer for use in cold climates. Its exothermic action causes a liquid brine that dissolves ice. This liquid melts the ice, and it is easy to clean up. In addition, it is safe for pets.

Safety of calcium chloride compared to other deicers

Calcium chloride is a specialty salt that is used for several different applications. It is an effective deicing agent that not only improves the safety of roads and pedestrians, but it also eliminates unhealthy dust particles in the air. Calcium chloride is the most commonly used deicer, accounting for the majority of the volume used annually. Its chemical reaction with water produces a mild exothermic reaction, which causes it to release heat as it dissolves.

One of the benefits of calcium chloride ice melt is that it works at lower temperatures than other deicing agents. While rock salt and potassium chloride lose effectiveness at temperatures below zero, calcium chloride is an effective ice melter even at -20degF.

However, calcium chloride has some disadvantages over sodium chloride. Foremost, when the brine mixture is formed during the ice melting process, the pH of the solution is increased. This may cause damage to vegetation and plant life, as highly alkaline conditions are not desirable.

Second, the price point of calcium chloride de icers is often times higher than conventional salts.

Although calcium chloride is the most widely used deicer, it is expensive compared to other deicing agents. It can melt ice at a temperature as low as -25oF and is available in flake, liquid, and pellet form. Calcium chloride is hard on surfaces and can cause salt stains.

Using Calcium Chloride

Pound for pound, calcium chloride makes for a much more effective deicer than any other salt on the market. The typical round form of the prill, is fast acting, and no need to use large quantities of the products makes it more economical for most situations.

Calcium chloride is also safer for the environment than rock salt. It is less likely to affect the water supply and cause plant damage, unlike rock salt, which may damage grass and plants and pollute run-off waters during the spring melt. Calcium chloride is three times more expensive than rock salt, but you only need a third of the quantity.

Conclusions

Calcium chloride is highly soluble in water and is ideal to melt ice faster in winter storms. Magnesium chloride, which is also highly soluble in water, is not as effective. It is best mixed with other deicers to maximize its efficacy.

The Winter months can be a challenging time for anyone.

Calcium chloride has the advantage of being able to dissolve ice faster. It changes the melting point of water and makes it difficult for ice to bond with the ground. In addition to being cheaper, calcium chloride is also more effective at melting ice at lower temperatures. It melts ice at temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Calcium chloride is a hygroscopic substance, meaning it attracts water molecules from the air and surrounding surface. Its ability to draw heat from the surrounding environment makes it a great choice for melting ice, especially in harsh winter conditions.

Don't hesitate to contact us at Eco Living Solutions should you have any questions, or inquiries about where to access our fast-acting calcium chloride ice melt, or need more information about our other deicers and de-icing products.