ICE SLICER RS

 

 

Many questions about the use of Ice Slicer on parking lots have been raised. To make a brochure with proven results from controlled research is costly and must be done by permission of the manufacturer.  The current highway literature provides the basic principles of ice control.  Perhaps at some future date a brochure can be put together that is aimed at commercial use.

 

In the meantime, this paper is written for the sake of the commercial and private use.  It also makes comparisons to the use of sand.  For many years sand or sand/salt mixtures have been the main tool used in the attempt of ice control and/or safety.

 

Physical Properties

 

Ice Slicer is a bulk granular de-icing product used for ice control on roads and parking lots.  It has been used extensively by state and city highway authorities across the country and is ever increasing in popularity in the commercial sector.

 

Ice Slicer is a specialized, naturally occurring complex chloride with 60 plus trace minerals.  It has a moisture content of approximately 3% and at least 92% complex chlorides.  Its natural, darker color makes application easier and improves its ability to absorb solar energy, increasing its melting rate.  The trace minerals and micro nutrients serve to buffer the effects of sodium chloride on vegetation and the environment.  It is low in alkali and less corrosive than plain white sodium chloride.

· 92-99% complex chloride crystals (Sodium, Calcium, Potassium, and Magnesium Chlorides)

· Stream-run fine to extra course 3/8” particle size

· Anti-caking agents added

· Designed for outside storage

Best applied with a V-box spreader

 

Mode of Action

 

De-icers become effective when they turn to liquid form (brine).  Therefore, the sooner a product liquefies the sooner it melts snow and ice.  That’s why liquid de-icers work so efficiently and rapidly.  A product that has fines along with larger granules will work sooner and penetrate deep ice.  Another fact about chloride class de-icers is that the higher the magnesium or calcium content the more effective the product will be in colder temperatures.  Sodium or potassium chlorides of themselves are only good to 15 degrees above zero.  Ice Slicer, then, becomes an excellent choice for de-icing because of the particle size range of fines to 3/8” and the chloride blend including magnesium and calcium.

 

 

Application

 

Ice Slicer is used as a replacement for sand.  It has also been mixed with sand.  The designed application is to use this product on existing snow and ice (de-icing) because the crystals will penetrate the deep ice.  Though liquids may be used for either de-icing or pre-storm (anti-icing) applications, they should be used instead of Ice Slicer for anti-icing because they won’t bounce and scatter from the desired locations.

 

Application rates cannot be standardized because there are so many variables in its use.  For example, if the ambient temperature is 12 degrees F and there is a thin layer of snow that the snow plow couldn’t pick up, that would required substantially less product to “clear” the parking lot of snow or ice versus 0 degrees F and 1 inch of ice on a drive lane in the shadow of a North-facing building.

 

However, the opinions of many snow removal professionals suggest that application rates are between half and three quarters the amount of sand.  It should be obvious that the thin film of snow left behind the plow requires only a light broadcast of Ice Slicer and a shades drain pan with several inches of ice would require several time that amount.  The desired outcome would be that when the Ice Slicer crystals are dissolved into the brine stage the snow or ice should be melted also.  After the parking lot has dried up from the storm, any remaining Ice Slicer particles or extremely excessive white marks means that there was an over-application.  Experience will dictate how much product to throw down base on how much snow or ice is present and the ambient and/or pavement temperature.

 

 

Melting vs. Traction

 

Sand has always been thrown down for traction.  Then a percentage of salt was added for melting power.  The problem is that plain white salt becomes ineffective below 15 degrees so what happens is the sand gets smashed down into the snow pack until the air temperature rises above freezing.  Ice Slicer provides traction at first but within a short period of time it melts the ice and the travel surface no longer needs traction because the ice is gone.  In thick ice situations, heavier application rates can be used and if the ice isn’t completely melted the Ice Slicer will have penetrated and melted to the point that the remaining ice can be plowed off.  In other words, traction is a non-issue because these high performance de-icers, like Ice Slicer, eliminate the ice and the pavement becomes the traction.

 

The Costs of Sand

 

The sand that was thrown down on the ice for traction and safety becomes a hazard after the ice is all melted.  Sand (which is really small gravel) acts like ball bearings on dry pavement.  A parking lot sweeper called out to clean up the loose sand will cost $150 and up depending on the size of machine and the area to be cleaned up.   The sand that was so cheap to throw down now costs upwards of $200/ton.

 

Sand has also been a major contributor to the “brown cloud” that hangs over the Denver metro area.  Some municipalities and businesses have banned the use of sand.

 

Ice Slicer is an ice melter.  When properly applied, it dissolves while it melts.  When the ice is gone, so is the Ice Slicer.  There is nothing left.

 

 

Effects on Vegetation

 

Plant life can only tolerate certain amounts of chlorides.  Any of the chloride class de-dicers will be lethal to plants when over-exposed.  Ice Slicer is no exception.  The options are to use non-chloride de-icers (which are extremely expensive), live with the ice, or properly use economical chloride de-icers.

 

The major key to controlling ice and sparing vegetation at the same time is: 1) Apply proper amounts of Ice Slicer according to how much ice it has to melt, 2) Pile the snow is appropriate places.  The vegetation will allow some stray chlorides.  What needs to be avoided is grossly over-applying and then pushing it up into the vegetative areas.

 

The other angle to look at this is that the use of Ice Slicer goes a long way to reducing liability.  The goal is to have travel and walking surfaces safe.  To keep someone from slipping and falling is worth replacing some grass, perennials, or even a tree if necessary.  A medical bill or lawsuit would cost much more.  With prudent use of Ice Slicer, however, both goals can be met.