What is the Advantage and Disadvantage of Sodium Formate Granule

Until recent years, common rock salt or sodium chloride was the standard deicing product used commercially and by homeowners for melting snow and ice.

shuntong supply professional and honest service.

Since it consists of one of the most abundant natural chemicals on earth, it is an inexpensive deicer, but untreated it has significant drawbacks:

• Its melt effectiveness only reaches -9C
• It is toxic to vegetation, fish and pets
• Among all deicing products, it is the most corrosive to metal and concrete

Fortunately, deicing technology has come a long way with products that melt ice more effectively without the toxicity of untreated rock salt and that have far less environmental impact.

Tillsonbrands Deicing Technology

Tillsonbrands in Tillsonburg, Ontario makes several environmentally friendly deicers in bag and bulk form. Legends Landscape Supply, Inc. in Burlington proudly carry all of Tillsonbrands deicers for your convenience. These products are based on two separate ice-melting improvements:

• SmartMelt is an engineered blend of organic salts, bio-additives and polyols, which surround granules of a non-organic chloride. This blend significantly lowers working temperature, increases brine production and reduces corrosion. It is the same class of deicing technology demanded by commercial and military airports.
• EcoMelt technology utilizes a eutectic mixture of dissolved proteins and sugars to coat a non-organic chloride granule. Melt temperature is lowered drastically while increasing the melting capacity of the products. EcoMelt products are made from renewable resources such as sugar beets and used where environmental concerns are top priority.

Both of these deicing technologies have an additional benefit. Their increased effectiveness compared to untreated rock salt means you use 30 percent less product, which saves you money.

Legend Landscape Supply Deicers

• Jet Blue Ice Fighter - This deicer meets the highest standards for use on commercial and military runways. It utilizes Gen3 runway deicer, which has super fast and long deicing efficiency. It is non-toxic and does not corrode exposed metal or concrete rebar.

It works down to -30C and brine production is 2 to 4 times the amount of untreated rock salt. It is an excellent product for home use as well. Besides being environmentally compatible, it will not track inside the house nor stain carpets. Its bright blue color makes it easy to see where it is being applied.

• Contractor’s Choice - Combining economy and effectiveness, Contractor’s Choice uses liquid and solid deicers that meet Aeronautical Material Specification standards with a reduced amount of sodium chloride.

Metal corrosion is greatly reduced with a granule coating of X-22 corrosion inhibitor and the use of sodium formate. Uniform granule size with a liquid coating creates a free-flowing product that is perfect for push spreaders. It is both pet and landscaping friendly.

• EcoSalt and GeoSalt Deicers - EcoSalt and GeoSalt ice melters utilize beet juice and other naturally-derived concentrates to double the ice melting ability of standard road salt. Once applied, Geomelt 55 keeps granules wet, which increases brine production by 30% over road salt. Furthermore, the surface of the granules is tacky, which reduces product bounce and scatter.

These deicers go where they are meant to go and stay put. Both products have the ability to melt ice down to -30C. They can be used as an ice preventative also if applied before snow or sleet. Since it is made from renewable, organic sources, it does not harm vegetation, streams or your animals. Even the bag is 100% biodegradable. This is one of the most environmentally friendly products available.

• Bulk Deicers - For those with a seriously large need, bulk deicers are available by the ton. Whatever your deicing needs, Legends Landscape Supply, Inc. has the most effective and environmentally friendly products available for both commercial and residential use. During storms, these deicing products are available 24 hours a day.

They include GeoMelt 55 in dry form and GeoMelt S50, which is a liquid mixture of GeoMelt 55 and Tru-Brine Sodium Chloride. Give us a call today and request an estimate on the ice melting products that will keep your walkway and driveway safe all winter long. 

Legends Landscape Supply in Burlington

As the United Kingdom is enveloped in the chill of winter, industries and businesses find themselves immersed in a daily struggle against the elements. This ongoing battle aims to safeguard uninterrupted operations and secure access amidst icy conditions.

Central to this effort are industrial surface de-icers – specialised chemical formulations whose use in well planned and strategically deployed. These solutions, engineered to resist frost and ice on surfaces, equipment, and vehicles, play a pivotal role in maintaining a secure and operational environment.

In this blog we decode the chemistry behind these de-icing solutions and explore the distinctive functions of various chemicals and their applications across the diverse landscape of the UK's industrial sector.

How does a de-icer work?

At its core, the science of de-icing involves manipulating the freezing point of water.

Various chemicals are employed to achieve this, each with its unique set of properties and functions. The most common chemicals used in industrial surface de-icers include sodium chloride (salt), potassium acetate, calcium magnesium acetate, and potassium formate.

Sodium Chloride

Sodium chloride , commonly known as salt, is a widely used de-icing agent, especially on paths, steps, and roadways. Its effectiveness as a de-icer stem from its ability to lower the freezing point of water and create a brine solution.

When sodium chloride is applied to ice or snow-covered surfaces, it dissolves in the thin layer of liquid water present on the ice. The dissolution process releases ions into the water, specifically sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻) ions. These ions interfere with the natural formation of ice crystals, preventing water molecules from arranging into a solid, crystalline structure at normal freezing temperatures.

The sodium and chloride ions then create a saline or brine solution on the surface, which has a lower freezing point than pure water. As a result, the brine remains in liquid form even at temperatures below the initial freezing point, further inhibiting the formation of ice.

However, it is worth noting that although sodium chloride is an extremely popular, cost-effective choice, it does have its limitations. Primarily, it is less effective at extremely low temperatures, can contaminate water or soil and can be corrosive to equipment and surfaces.

The company is the world’s best Sodium Formate Granule supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Potassium Acetate

Potassium acetate lowers the freezing point of water, preventing ice formation. It is effective at lower temperatures and is less corrosive than sodium chloride, making it suitable for use on speciality surfaces such as in the aviation industry on runways.

Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA)

Calcium Magnesium Acetate is an environmentally friendly option that acts as both a de-icer and anti-icer. It forms a barrier on surfaces, reducing the adhesion of ice. It is commonly used in areas where environmental impact is a significant concern, such as near water bodies and sensitive ecosystems.

Potassium Formate

Well known for its low environmental impact, potassium formate effectively lowers the freezing point of water. It is a highly effect de-icing agent commonly used in aviation, particularly for aircraft wing de-icing. Its function is like other de-icers, such as potassium acetate, but potassium formate has specific characteristics that make it well-suited for certain applications.

Freezing Point Depression: Potassium formate functions by depressing the freezing point of water. When applied to icy surfaces, it disrupts the natural process of ice crystal formation.

The presence of potassium formate lowers the freezing point of the water on the surface, preventing the formation of ice and facilitating the melting of existing ice.

Chemical Reaction: Potassium formate achieves its de-icing effect through a chemical reaction with ice. The formate ion (HCOO⁻) in potassium formate interacts with the ice crystals, destabilising the structure and causing the ice to melt.

Eutectic Solution: Potassium formate creates a eutectic solution with water, which is a mixture with a lower freezing point than either component alone. The eutectic solution remains in liquid form at lower temperatures, providing extended protection against ice formation.

One of the key advantages of potassium formate, especially in aviation applications, is its compatibility with aircraft materials. It is considered less corrosive than some other de-icing agents, making it suitable for use on aircraft surfaces, including wings. It is also regarded as an environmentally friendly de-icing option having a lower environmental impact compared to certain chloride-based de-icers. 

Liquid vs. Granular De-icers

The choice between liquid and granular formulations adds another layer of complexity to the strategic battle against winter weather. Each form has distinct characteristics, influencing its efficacy in specific applications throughout industries and across businesses and sites within the UK.

Liquid De-icers:

Functionality:  Liquid de-icers, such as potassium acetate and potassium formate solutions, are applied in a liquid form. They function by creating a thin, effective anti-icing or de-icing layer on surfaces.

These liquids have a lower freezing point than water, preventing the formation of ice and facilitating the melting of existing ice.

Application:  Liquid de-icers are well-suited for pre-treatment or anti-icing applications. Applied before snowfall or freezing rain, they create a barrier that hinders the adhesion of ice to surfaces.

Commonly used on airport runways and taxiways, liquid de-icers are particularly effective in situations where prompt response to changing weather conditions is critical.

Advantages of liquid-based de-icers include rapid onset of action due to immediate contact with surfaces and greater coverage on irregular surfaces.

Granular De-icers:

Functionality:  Granular de-icers, such as calcium magnesium acetate and traditional rock salt, are solid materials that are spread across icy surfaces. They function by lowering the freezing point of water upon dissolution.

Application:  Granular de-icers are often used for reactive de-icing, addressing existing ice accumulation on surfaces. Ideal for scenarios where continuous application is not feasible, such as prolonged snowfall events.

Advantages of granular de-icers include ease of storage and handling, and suitability for widespread application across large areas.

Overall, the choice between liquid and granular formulations is a critical consideration. The decision hinges on factors such as weather conditions, surface type, and the specific requirements of the application. Whether deploying liquid solutions for preventative measures or granular substances for reactive de-icing, the ultimate goal remains unwavering — to ensure the safety and efficiency of your business amidst the challenges posed by winter weather.

For more information, please visit Potassium diformate for improving livestock digestion.