Ice Slicer High Performance Deicers
Ice Slicer is a highly effective homogenous deicing product composed of naturally occurring complex chlorides and 60+ trace minerals. Ice Slicer’s telltale “reddish” color immediately sets it apart from other “white” salts. However, the distinction between Ice Slicer and “white” salt goes far beyond appearance. Ice Slicer’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, Ice Slicer will effectively melt ice at temperatures as low as 0° F. Ice Slicer 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 Ice Slicer may cost more than a single ton of “white” salt. However, it takes fewer tons of Ice Slicer 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 Ice Slicer. Because it takes fewer tons of Ice Slicer to achieve the same results, the total cost of deicing materials is actually lower for Ice Slicer users.
Perhaps more importantly, the overall long-term cost of using Ice Slicer is much less than using “white” Salt.
Lower Clean-Up Costs – According to Coralba meter tests, tire traction on surfaces treated with Ice Slicer 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 Ice Slicer than “white” salt, road crews using Ice Slicer 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, Ice Slicer is significantly less corrosive to steel than “white” salt. Thus, using Ice Slicer will essentially extend the life of equipment and bridge decks.
IMPROVED MELTING
Ice Slicer melts snow and ice faster and requires fewer reapplications than “white” salt. For example, according to independent laboratory testing, in a 30-minute period, Ice Slicer penetrated 15.3mm of ice while “white” salt only penetrated 6.5mm. Ice Slicer users also report that tire traction improves more rapidly when applying Ice Slicer 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. Ice Slicer’s lower application rates decrease the amount of chlorides introduced into the environment. Ice Slicer’s unique mineral composition also acts as an environmental buffer decreasing Ice Slicer’s alkalinity as compared to “white” salt. Ice Slicer 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 Ice Slicer, sediment-loading problems are decreased in environmentally sensitive areas. Furthermore, Ice Slicer 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, Ice Slicer is a highly effective deicing product. Ice Slicer’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 Ice Slicer has already been applied. Moreover, according to Analco Laboratories, Ice Slicer’s “reddish” color actually accelerates ice melt by absorbing 50% more of the sun’s radiant energy than white deicing products.
While Ice Slicer’s “reddish” color may initially give rise to concerns about potential staining there is no cause for concern. Ice Slicer is a naturally occurring product and its “reddish” color does not come from dyes or chemicals. Independent laboratory tests show that Ice Slicer 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 Ice Slicer may actually mitigate concrete damage.* History has shown that most winter storms occur between 10° F and 30°F. As mentioned above, Ice Slicer will effectively melt ice at temperatures as low as 0°F. By lowering the temperature at which water freezes, Ice Slicer 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.
*Ice Slicer 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 Ice Slicer 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
Ice Slicer’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 Ice Slicer 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 Ice Slicer 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.