HIGH PERFORMANCE DEICERS

IceSlicer is a highly effective homogenous deicing product composed of naturally occurring complex chlorides and 60+ trace minerals. IceSlicer’s telltale “reddish” color immediately sets it apart from other “white” salts. However, the distinction between IceSlicer and “white” salt goes far beyond appearance. IceSlicer’s unique chemical composition endows it with exceptional deicing characteristics. For example, while regular “white” salt will only melt ice at temperatures down to 17° F, IceSlicer will effectively melt ice at temperatures as low as 0° F. IceSlicer not only melts ice at lower temperatures than “white” salt, it is less corrosive to steel, and facilitates lower cleanup and re-vegetation costs.

LESS IS MORE
Lower Material Costs – A single ton of IceSlicer may cost more than a single ton of “white” salt. However, it takes fewer tons of IceSlicer to achieve the same results. Road crews consistently report that compared to “white” salt, they are able to clear the same number of lane miles using 50% to 70% less total product when using IceSlicer. Because it takes fewer tons of IceSlicer to achieve the same results, the total cost of deicing materials is actually lower for IceSlicer users.

Perhaps more importantly, the overall long-term cost of using IceSlicer is much less than using “white” Salt.

Lower Clean-Up Costs – According to Coralba meter tests, tire traction on surfaces treated with IceSlicer alone is as good or better than tire traction on surfaces treated with salt and sand. Besides the immediate cost savings from reducing or alleviating the need for sand or other abrasives, additional savings are realized as post-winter clean-up is reduced or eliminated entirely.

Lower Fuel and Labor Costs – Because it is possible to use less IceSlicer than “white” salt, road crews using IceSlicer make fewer trips to the product yard to reload. Fewer trips to the product yard translate into lower fuel and overtime costs, which in turn, allow crews to respond to secondary routes faster.

Lower Equipment Costs – According to ASTM B-117 corrosion tests, IceSlicer is 70% less corrosive to steel and eight times less corrosive to galvanized steel than “white” salt. Thus, using IceSlicer will essentially extend the life of equipment and bridge decks.

IMPROVED MELTING
IceSlicer melts snow and ice faster and requires fewer reapplications than “white” salt. For example, according to independent laboratory testing, in a 30-minute period, IceSlicer penetrated 15.3mm of ice while “white” salt only penetrated 6.5mm. IceSlicer users also report that tire traction improves more rapidly when applying IceSlicer compared to “white” salt.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Recent concerns about the amount of chlorides being introduced into the environment have thrust deicing programs into the public spotlight. IceSlicer’s lower application rates decrease the amount of chlorides introduced into the environment. IceSlicer’s unique mineral composition also acts as an environmental buffer decreasing IceSlicer’s alkalinity as compared to “white” salt. IceSlicer is also less harmful to aquatic life than organic deicers because it has no biological oxygen demand.

Because it is not necessary to use sand when applying IceSlicer, sediment-loading problems are decreased in environmentally sensitive areas. Furthermore, IceSlicer has fewer particulates than salt and sand, which equates to less air quality issues in PM10 and PM 2.5 areas.

BETTER EFFECTIVENESS
Simply stated, IceSlicer is a highly effective deicing product. IceSlicer’s unique “reddish” appearance comes from 60+ naturally occurring trace minerals. This “reddish” color facilitates application by allowing crews to visually monitor application rates and see where IceSlicer has already been applied. Moreover, according to Analco Laboratories, IceSlicer’s “reddish” color actually accelerates ice melt by absorbing 50% more of the sun’s radiant energy than white deicing products.

While IceSlicer’s “reddish” color may initially give rise to concerns about potential staining there is no cause for concern. IceSlicer is a naturally occurring product and its “reddish” color does not come from dyes or chemicals. Independent laboratory tests show that IceSlicer does not permanently stain carpets or fabrics. Machine washing is typically sufficient for cleaning.

EFFECTS ON CONCRETE
Most concrete damage is actually caused by the normal freeze-thaw cycle of water located on the surface of, and within concrete. The amount of damage caused by these freeze-thaw cycles is influenced by many factors including the total number of cycles, the rapidity of temperature fluctuations, the methods used to cure and mix the concrete during construction, the amount of air trapped in the concrete, and the ingredients used to construct the concrete.

Using IceSlicer may actually mitigate concrete damage.* History has shown that most winter storms occur between 10° F and 30°F. As mentioned above, IceSlicer will effectively melt ice at temperatures as low as 0°F. By lowering the temperature at which water freezes, IceSlicer significantly reduces the total number of freeze-thaw cycles during a given period of time. Reducing the number of freeze-thaw cycles in turn mitigates concrete damage.

*IceSlicer may mitigate concrete damage under most storm conditions. However, any manipulation of the freeze-thaw cycle has the potential to increase concrete damage in certain extreme winter storm conditions.

HEIGHTENED PUBLIC SERVICE
Crews using IceSlicer use fewer tons of deicing material and thus make fewer trips to the product yard. Fewer trips to the product yard mean more lane miles can be cleared in a given period of time. This extends crews’ delivery range and results in more clear roads. More clear roads mean fewer calls from concerned citizens and less liability from people venturing onto dangerous and icy roads.

LESS IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
IceSlicer’s all-natural composition is less harmful to roadside vegetation than “white” salt. Minimizing the impact on road-side vegetation not only lessens erosion concerns, but also positively affects public perception regarding deicing programs.

CONCLUSION
In many situations, costs associated with using IceSlicer are lower in terms of total material, clean-up, fuel, and labor. When these lower direct costs are coupled with longer equipment life and lighter environmental impact, it is clear that IceSlicer is a very cost effective solution. Besides offering world-class deicing products, Redmond Minerals, Inc. is committed to outstanding customer service and looks forward to tailoring a deicing program to fit your organization’s needs.