The most common means of dealing with ice during the winter cold are anti-ice reagents, which differ from each other not only in chemical composition or type of origin, but also in the form of release. Recently, the greatest demand is for granular reagents, which have increased efficiency..

In order for the fight against ice to be as effective as possible in all weather conditions, it is necessary to choose the right anti-ice reagents for road treatment. Currently, the most popular and widespread anti-ice agents are substances such as calcium chloride, technical salt, marble and granite chips, and magnesium chloride.

According to their structure and form of release, all reagents used are divided into several types:

• Powder. This is the most famous and widespread form of release of anti-icing agents, which is a free-flowing substance. The most common reagents available in powder form are sodium chloride and calcium chloride. The main advantage of this form of release of the substance is its ease of storage.
• Liquid. This is a relatively new form of production of anti-icing agents, which is most often used to remove snow from areas in small enterprises and in private yards. The disadvantage of liquid reagents is their relatively high cost compared to substances in other forms of release.
• Granular. This form of release of reagents is solid small granules, which, in addition to anti-icing qualities, also have abrasive properties, preventing slipping on an icy road. Recently, it is granular reagents that are in high demand, since their cost is comparable to powder agents, and their efficiency and speed are several times higher.

The main advantage of granular deicing agents is their optimal shape, which is small round grains. Due to this structure, the granules, barely falling on the ice surface, instantly come into contact with the ice, biting into it during use. The result of such an impact is not only rapid ice melting, but also its splitting, which reduces the adhesion of the ice crust to the road surface. Thus, after using the reagents in the granules, the remaining ice is easily removed from the asphalt using improvised tools or special equipment.

Additional properties of granular reagents

In addition to all the above advantages of a deicing agent in granules, granular calcium chloride or magnesium chloride also has such advantages as:

• Environmental friendliness and safety of operation. Unlike technical salt, which in the process of use causes irreparable damage to road surfaces and other surfaces, granular reagents do not cause any harm to the environment.
• Resistant to frost. Due to the special structure, the granules of the anti-icing agent are able to perform their work effectively even at low air temperatures down to -30C °.

Due to its affordable cost, safety and high efficiency, calcium chloride in granules is actively replacing technical salt and sand-salt mixture in many settlements.

Anti-icing reagents are modern means that ensure the passability of roads in large cities. They can help make roads safer, and the tools themselves are harmless to the environment.

How do reagents work?

Most of these products are designed to lower the melting point of the snow. When sprinkling snow, anti-icing agents lead to the fact that the active substance releases heat, which quickly clears the roads from icing and drifts. All mixtures are solid or liquid, in our country the first option is most often used, since it differs:

1. Ease of use.
2. No need to use special equipment and special training of personnel.
3. Low cost over a large footprint.

Most often granular and have better melting properties. In addition, some deicing agents of this type can be used even at temperatures below 30 degrees. Some formulations are supplemented with corrosion inhibitors to protect the road surface from deterioration. The snow melts and is easily removed, and the degree of slip is reduced, due to which the road is clean and safe.

From the history

The need to use reagents arises every winter, as this is the easiest way to timely avoid the formation of ice on the roads. The production of anti-ice reagents is carried out in accordance with GOSTs so that the final composition does not have a harmful effect on the natural balance, is easily removed from the soil and does not lead to damage to car tires. Due to the fact that modern technologies are being improved, and the quantity and quality of the raw materials used is increasing, modern anti-icing agents are able to ensure environmental friendliness and safety of use.

It is noteworthy that in recent years these compositions have changed significantly, and the usual sand-salt mixture (92% - sand, 8% - technical salt) has been replaced by more modern anti-icing reagents. Their composition is different, which depends on the purpose of the product and the scope of its application. Over time, use became impractical, since in the spring there was sand on the roads, which clogged the gutters. Later it was customary to use just technical salt as a reagent, which quickly melted the ice, was distinguished by its resistance to frost and constant action.

On the other hand, such anti-icing reagents - first of all technical salt - had drawbacks. First of all, they were expressed in corroding car bodies, shoes of passers-by, and where the soil turned out to be too salty, nothing grew.

Primary requirements

The principle of operation of most anti-icing products is simple: it absorbs moisture from the ice, as the crystals become saturated with water, they turn into a liquid, heat up and melt the frozen crystals. Today, a different anti-icing agent can be used to process the roadway - GOST is different for each material, as well as technical requirements:

1. Maximum safety for the environment.
2. No harm to the natural balance of the soil.
3. High efficiency: that is, products at low concentrations must be fast working at all temperatures.
4. Ease of use: most formulations are scattered or sprayed on the soil.

Composition

Anti-icing reagents mostly consist of various salts - chlorides, chlorates, hydrochlorides, which begin to act at extreme temperatures, and act instantly. The effectiveness of reagents is increased due to several components:

• anti-corrosion additives;
• biophilic components that improve soil quality;
• accelerating additives that act in extreme temperatures;
• baking powder.

Calcium chloride

In recent years, more advanced anti-icing agents have been used, the technical characteristics of which contribute to the observance of environmental standards. And the usual solid formulations have been replaced by effective liquid formulations that are easy to apply and do not leave marks on the road, on wheels, or on shoes. Most often, of the liquid analogs, HKM is used, which is less consumed, is capable of melting ice even at low temperatures and prevents the appearance of ice.

On the other hand, the anti-icing reagent based on had disadvantages:

1. It works for only three hours, so the road must be processed constantly.
2. Scientists who studied the composition of this product came to the conclusion that when it is used, the coefficient of adhesion of tires to the road surface decreases, that is, it turns out that XKM attracts moisture, while technical salt repels it.
3. Calcium chloride did not meet the environmental requirements, as it could cause allergies and corrode the metal of vehicles.

Pros and cons

Experts note that due to its hygroscopic properties, calcium chloride reacts with it and releases heat when it gets on snow. Such deicing agents, the technical characteristics of which are very different, do not harm the environment. The benefits of using this anti-icing agent include:

• the ability to quickly and deeply penetrate the ice layer;
• prompt ice melting and soil fertilization;
• reduction of adhesion forces between ice and road surface due to brine formation;
• the activity of the reagent, which affects its lower consumption.

"Icemelt"

The use of anti-ice reagents is aimed at timely clearing the streets of cities from snow. Eismelt is a modified substance capable of acting at the lowest possible temperature of -20 degrees. The use of this substance is advisable due to its effectiveness, efficiency, safety and the possibility of using it even on grass. The structure of the anti-ice agent is a gray crystalline granules, consisting of sodium chloride, a corrosion inhibitor that is needed to protect the surface.

Application of "Aysmelt"

The composition of the material allows it to be used in two directions:

1. As a preventive measure. In this case, Eismelt is used in advance, even before the onset of winter, to treat the coating that is most at risk of icing. It is best if processing is carried out before precipitation. The substance should be evenly distributed over the surface.
2. For the fight against ice. In this case, the material is applied to the ice surface, dissolving the particles. Before processing, the coating must be free of loose snow.

These anti-icing reagents have several features:

• easy to use;
• consumed in small quantities;
• do not contain harmful substances and impurities, therefore, if used correctly, they will be safe for nature, people and animals.

Granite chips

This anti-icing drug has been used as such for a long time, since there are no harmful substances in it, and its cost pleases with its availability. For processing the road against ice, crumb of fraction 2-5 mm is suitable, which is easy to distribute over the surface. Granite chips are different:

• strength;
• durability;
• environmental friendliness and safety;
• use at any temperature.

Granite chips are produced by crushing crushed granite rocks, after which the material is sieved and washed - this is necessary in order to rid the composition of granite dust. Of course, this is not a reagent in the literal sense of the word, since the crumb does not melt ice, but due to its high abrasiveness and good adhesion to the ice surface, the material has found wide application in this capacity.

Sand salt

Perhaps the sand-salt mixture is the most popular way to get rid of ice. It is a combination of river sand with technical salt. The use of this composition is advisable due to its low cost and the possibility of using it in any temperature conditions. The mixture is created taking into account certain proportions, which depends on the degree of ice and the characteristics of the treated surface. The effectiveness of using this reagent is explained by several features:

• sand, due to its abrasiveness, contributes to better adhesion of the wheels of vehicles and the surface of the roadway;
• technical salt melts the ice, making it less slippery.

Among the advantages of using this composition are affordable cost, ease of use, quick action on the roadway and use in any conditions. But it is worth remembering that if low grade sand is used, in which there are many small particles, this will lead to the formation of mash on the road. A good mixture consists of refined fractional sand. The second point - the use of the composition is advisable only if there is a temperature of at least 20 degrees, since at lower temperatures the mixture will stick together, and it will not be easy to evenly distribute it.

Liquid products

Today, liquid deicing agents are becoming more and more popular. They are most often based on calcium chloride, and their main purpose is to fight ice on a winter road, which has a lot of traffic. The advantages of using liquid formulations include:

• the effectiveness of the impact on ice;
• facilitating mechanical snow removal;
• ensuring the level of safety on the road;
• fast distribution over the surface;
• ease of transportation.

Technology features

For the first time the technology of liquid reagents was used in Europe, and today it is popular in Russia as well. The essence of the process is that dry salt is moistened with solutions based on calcium chloride, which increases its effectiveness. The wetting technology is good in that:

1. The reagent is evenly distributed over the road surface.
2. The adhesion of the compound to the roadway becomes better.
3. The reagent remains on the road and is not carried away by cars, unlike solid materials, so it is advisable to use liquid solutions on the road with high intensity.
4. The use of a liquid reagent reduces the salt load on the environment.

Selection rules

Before choosing a deicing material, you need to take into account its characteristics such as:

1. High melting capacity. For example, calcium chloride is more effective than industrial salt in terms of its impact on the ice cover.
2. Sufficient crystallization temperature, which allows the reagent to be used for a long time.
3. Acceptable viscosity of the composition, which guarantees the safety of its use on the roadway. If the material contains calcium chloride, it can be used even at extreme temperatures.

Remember that liquid reagents are more effective because the surface is wetted. In addition, the use of such compositions is advisable due to the uniformity of distribution over the road surface, low consumption and a wide operating temperature range.

The name "reagent" means that the substance is reacting. In our case, we are talking about a reaction with ice, which the reagents melt by interacting with it. Therefore, for example, granite or marble chips cannot be called a reagent, since it does not melt the ice, but simply makes it less slippery. Chemicals are made on the basis of various substances, most of which are chlorides.

Sodium chloride

These are currently the most common reagents - common table salt for technical purposes. There are several degrees of cleaning. For example, pure sodium chloride is also used for descaling industrial boilers. Among the main advantages of this tool are its efficiency and economy. In frosts down to -15 degrees Celsius, salt works flawlessly. Due to its low cost, utilities pour it onto the roads with a generous hand, due to which the main disadvantages of this material are clearly manifested - it corrodes metals and poisons roadside vegetation, disrupting the composition of the soil.

Modified calcium chloride

Most popular reagentsbased on calcium chloride in the capital, where the authorities prohibit the use of salt to combat ice. Usually, calcium chloride is sprayed as a solution along the road, so dispenser trolley you will not need it when using it. True, after the first days of using this material in the capital, its obvious drawback was revealed - it itself significantly worsens the adhesion of the wheels of cars to the road. That is, destroying ice, such reagents themselves act as ice. The fact is that calcium chloride attracts moisture, which is why the road quickly becomes wet. In addition, the effect of using this tool lasts no more than three hours, so its consumption is very high.

Bischofite

This is the salt of the dried up ancient ocean, the main component of which is magnesium chloride. It is usually used as a dry material, so it will require reagent trolley... Among the main advantages of such a reagent is the possibility of its effective use even in severe frosts (up to -30 Celsius). It is also extremely gentle on the environment and even stimulates the growth of roadside vegetation. They are made on the basis of this natural mineral.

Also, various acetates and mixtures of acetates with chlorides are used to treat roads from ice.

One of the main tasks of the state is to ensure the safety of citizens, including in the winter. This requires deicing agents - solid (free-flowing), liquid or combined chemicals that can melt snow, ice and snow-ice formations, as well as reduce the freezing point of brine, which consists of melt water and a reagent. Most often, the following types of salts are used as reagents: chlorides, acetates, carbamides, formates, nitrates.

These substances have different operating temperatures, melting ability (the ability of 1 gram of a substance to melt a certain amount of ice), corrosiveness to metal and concrete, price, impact on shoes, animals, soil, and human health.

Here is a summary table in which we will analyze the main properties and characteristics of the means designed to combat ice.

We will compare according to the following indicators: operating temperature, melting capacity, corrosivity, cost, impact on the environment, urban infrastructure and human health.

We conclude that almost all ice-melting substances, if they are used as one-component anti-ice reagents, have their disadvantages. Therefore, from the point of view of a combination of efficiency, environmental friendliness and a favorable price, multicomponent deicing agents with sodium formate in the composition are most suitable for use in an urban environment.

An example is the Bionord product, which is produced by the Ural Plant of Deicing Materials (UZPM). It is a reagent based on several chloride salts and formates. In Moscow, anti-icing reagents such as "Bionord" have been used for more than 4 years, during this time the number of injuries among pedestrians has decreased by 2.5 times, the number of accidents due to unsatisfactory road conditions has decreased by 30%, despite the growth of the vehicle fleet ... Also, the percentage of soil salinization has decreased by 2 times. Compositions of this type are considered the safest chloride-based deicing materials in Russia.

Cleaning of snow and ice has always been considered one of the main problems of public utilities, and despite the constant introduction of new ways of saving from ice, salt is still in use. The Village collected 5 technologies for cleaning streets in those countries where it snows in winter, learned about their pros and cons, and took comments from environmentalists, shoe makers and ordinary people.

SALT (NaCl)

PETERSBURG, MOSCOW, KIEV

Cheapness

Harm. Salt is a chloride, a very active substance. For example, a few years ago, it led to an accident at the South substation (Petersburg), severing the wires laid underground. Salt corrodes pipes, bridges, cars, causes allergies, damages shoes, clothes, paws of animals and historical monuments. Not to mention the environment, as it gets into groundwater, soil and rivers.

Sidewalks are sprinkled with technical salt or salt mixtures based on it
Snow removal in Kiev

MOSCOW

KIEV

PETERSBURG

FRICTIONAL METHOD:
SAND AND STONE CRUSH

AUSTRIA, FINLAND, GERMANY, SWEDEN AND OTHERS

environmental friendliness, reusability

lingers on the carriageway for no more than half an hour:
it is blown away by the wind, by the wheels of cars and by the feet of pedestrians.

In Helsinki, snow is compacted and sprinkled with stone chips

TORGEIR WAA METHOD

SWEDEN

efficiency, environmental friendliness, long-term result

special expensive equipment is needed

The method invented by Thorgeir Vaa is being piloted in Sweden

In 2004, Sweden introduced a new method of dealing with ice, which was invented by the Swedish scientist Torgeir Vaa. Fine sand in a ratio of 7 to 3 is mixed with hot water at 90–95 ° C and sprayed on the streets. Hot sand melts into the snow and makes the surface rough. Such processing is enough for 3-7 days with daily traffic of about 1,500 vehicles. Or until another snowfall has passed.

ALTERNATIVE CHEMICALS

USA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND

Magnesium chloride

high efficiency

more expensive than technical salt and causes
even more severe corrosion of metals

Great Salt Lakes in Utah

Americans and Canadians use primarily magnesium chloride, which is mined from the Great Salt Lakes in Utah, to clean streets and sidewalks. MgCl2 contains less chlorine than other chlorides, and its efficiency is much higher at lower consumption. In the winter of 2010, Maryland spent $ 50 million on road cleaning and Virginia $ 79 million. Canada spends $ 1 billion annually on road maintenance in winter.

NO FUNDS

JAPAN AND THE REST 230 COUNTRIES

After a snowfall in Aomori Prefecture

In the mountains of Japan, up to several meters of snow falls during the winter, and in cities - 15–20 cm per night. As a result, by the end of winter, sidewalks and intercity roads turn into narrow snowy canyons with walls 2 human height or more. However, the roads in Japan are not processed in any way, only the snow is removed. Therefore, ice in cities is not such a rare occurrence. At the same time, studded tires are prohibited in the country. By the way, snow removal near houses and on sidewalks is the responsibility of the residents themselves.

ECOLOGIST'S OPINION