Road Dust Control Chemicals in Canada

Canadian cities can spend billions of dollars each year on infrastructure, but the budget may be insufficient to do all the work required, and the demand to conform to higher safety, environmental, and health protection standards increases. In some cases, there is no funding to pave all gravel roads, lanes and parking lots. This can become a problem in hot, dry weather as the small particles become stirred up by traffic, causing dust. When that is the case, municipalities often turn to dust control products on unpaved roads and paths to minimize their impact on the environment.

Dust control is critical to prevent air-borne particles from contaminating the air. Dust control products help keep dust and small particles on the road to minimize risks associated with poor visibility due to dusty conditions. Dust is not a problem when it rains or when the ground is wet, however, this is not the case when the conditions are dry. Then it becomes important to consider using road dust control chemicals. These chemicals provide lasting results and do not dry out easily, minimizing the need for frequent reapplication.

Resin modified emulsion products are a commonly used road dust control chemical in Canada. Apart from controlling dust, they also strengthen and stabilize the road. Resin modified emulsion products are a good alternative to calcium chloride when environmental sensitivity is a priority. Made from tree resin ingredients, the non-ionic, state-of-the-art emulsion technology has superior bonding strength and environmentally friendly benefits. It can be used near wetlands without risk of contamination. 

High-quality, environmentally friendly road dust control chemicals in Canada should be non-corrosive and biodegradable. Therefore, they do not pose any significant risk to the environment, people, or application equipment. They contain a humectant which draws moisture from the air and aids in minimizing dust, as well as a surfactant to ensure optimum wetting characteristics.

How to Use Conveyor Belt De-icer

Frost and ice tend to form on conveyor belts during frigid winter weather. Not only will it cause delays and disruptions in your work—it may cause damage to the conveyor belt and equipment, as well. One of the most common ways to remove the ice is through direct combustion, which applies direct flame to the surface of the belt as it moves. However, using a specially formulated conveyor belt de-icer can be a better option when you want to reduce manual labour and save on energy costs. Here are some things to consider that can help you maximize the efficacy of the product:

• Use your existing equipment – A conveyor belt de-icer does not require special machinery or equipment for application. You can use your existing equipment to spray the agent on idlers, pulleys, and belts to prevent precipitation buildup and ice glaze on critical components.
  
  
• Choose the right de-icer - A good conveyor belt de-icer is a non-toxic, de-icing and anti-freeze compound with excellent wetting characteristics. It is non-hazardous, biodegradable, safe to handle, and compatible with belt wetting fluids that are glycol-based (i.e., propylene and ethylene glycol). Make sure it is from a reputable manufacturer that has freeze-tested the compound to ensure stability. Consider a liquid de-icer that can maintain low viscosity, even at sub zero temperatures.

• Generate cover friction – When you apply anti-icing or de-icing products to conveyor belts, keep in mind that the objective is to make sure that there is enough cover friction to enable the belt to work efficiently, even if it needs to go through a steep climb. Belt cover friction prevents backsliding to ensure the materials being transported have a good surface for gripping.

• Pre-treat conveyor belts for prevention – By pre-treating machinery with the conveyor belt de-icer you will ensure smoother operations. The deicer provides a layer of protection to the equipment and belt, even before the weather gets cold.

• Apply regularly – Apply conveyor belt de-icer regularly to maintain effectiveness throughout the winter. Pre-spraying the belt, as well as continuously spraying the product on the belt will prevent it from freezing to the belt and from sticking together, thus minimizing carry-back.

Propylene Glycol and Its Various Useful Properties

Propylene glycol is a more environmentally friendly option than ethylene glycol and should be used where the possibility of contamination of waterways, vegetation or soil can occur. It can be formulated as an effective solvent or as an ingredient in deodorants, cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals, to maintain moisture in the products. The Material Safety Data Sheet describes propylene glycol as a colourless liquid that is more viscous than water, and with a slightly sweet flavour. Its boiling point is 188^oC, and the melting point is -22^oC, with a specific gravity of 1.036, making it slightly denser than water. It cannot evaporate to a significant degree, so its vapour pressure remains negligible at normal room temperature.

Propylene glycol is stable, and doesn’t decompose over time. It has low toxicity, low vapour pressure, and a low freeze point, however, it is  flammable at high temperatures. When mixed with water, propylene glycol interrupts ice formation, making it an effective antifreeze or de-icer. Water may freeze at 0^oC, but adding propylene glycol in a 36 percent concentration ensures the water will remain liquid to -18^oC, and more concentrated solutions will remain liquid at lower temperatures.

Propylene glycol is also used in HVAC systems and must contain corrosion inhibitors to counteract acids formed by oxidation of the glycol. Rust or corrosion of metal will decrease the life of the pipes, boilers and other equipment, making inhibitors necessary.

Industrial grade propylene glycol may be recommended where ethylene glycol is unsafe or not recommended, and where you may need to be environmentally sensitive. Many industries use it for different applications, like de-icing, anti-freeze, and hydro-testing, so it is often sold in different grades and blends. Reputable chemical distributors and suppliers can deliver propylene glycol in different methods and in any preferred storage medium, like in bulk, tote, drums, or pails to suit your application.

Propylene Glycol and Its Uses in Canadian Industries

One of the most commonly used synthetic organic compounds for a wide variety of applications is propylene glycol. Its use and safety depends on its formulation, making it versatile for use in food, beauty products, and industrial applications. For Canadian industries, propylene glycol is preferred in applications that require environmental sensitivity, and ethylene glycol may be unsafe or not ideal. Experienced and reputable chemical distributors and suppliers in Canada carry the product in different grades, delivery methods, and blends to cover every industry that may require it. Some examples include tech-grade and recycled products. It can be pre-mixed with deionized water in the correct percentage to give you the freeze protection you require. It can also have dye, or corrosion inhibitors added and is available in standard storage mediums such as bulk, pails, totes, or drums.

Propylene glycol is water soluble, non-corrosive, colourless, and hygroscopic, with a low freezing point, low toxicity, low vapour pressure, mild odour, and medium viscosity. Hence, it is typically used in Canadian industries as hydro-testing fluid, deicer, and anti-freeze. You can purchase it pre-mixed with water, or in its concentrated form, depending on your specifications. Working with the right distributor or supplier will ensure that the product will be prepared according to your specification for burst protection, freezing, or boiling.

The aviation industry in Canada relies on propylene glycol as an aircraft and runway de-icer, to increase the safety and efficiency of airports. Propylene glycol is a critical factor in sustainable wear and weather protection in coatings and paintings, and as an element for ensuring the cleanliness and quality of liquid detergents. Industrial grade propylene glycol may be used in the production of varnishes and in the manufacture of high-performance and unsaturated polyester resins for gel coats, synthetic marble castings, sheet moulding compounds, and reinforced plastic laminates, which are used for the construction of marine vessels and products. It may be used as a solvent for printer inks, a hydraulic fluid stabilizer, and as a preservative for floral arrangements.

Dust Suppression Solutions for Industries in Canada

Inadequate or improper dust management can lead to increased safety risks, employee health hazards and damage to costly equipment. There are many types of dust control products on the Canadian market, but not all of them are the same—and you need expert advice from a manufacturer or supplier who can advise you on the solutions you need.

Dust Suppression for Mining

In recent years environmentally friendly dust control products have been developed, including solutions for mining. Novamen’s Nova DCP-60 is a bio-degradable, non-regulated dust control product for mining and other aggregate handling processes. The product is freeze conditioned to work in all weather conditions, including down to -30º Celsius. It contains a surfactant to provide optimum water wetting characteristics as well as acting as a humectant to draw moisture from the air to aid in the reduction of dust. The product is non-corrosive and contains only low concentrations of salt compounds.

Dust Suppression for Gravel Roads

Cost effective dust control solutions that combine wetting agents with organic chemicals are great for controlling air borne dust from gravel roads. They absorb moisture from rainfall or the atmosphere to keep road surfaces damp, therefore reducing the creation of dust from moving vehicles. NovaMax DCP-C is a resin-modified emulsion product that provides a high-performance treatment solution for unpaved road surfaces. It works as a dust suppression product and provides surface stabilization for roads. Formulated from tree resin ingredients, this high quality, non-ionic emulsion technology is unique in its high bonding strength and can be used even in proximity to wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas.

It’s important to educate yourself on your dust control needs so you can accurately communicate with your supplier. They can then provide you with dust suppression products that are suitable to your industry requirements. The best suppliers can formulate solutions that are not harmful to animal life, aquatic life, or vegetation near your application site.

Potassium Acetate – Snow and Ice Control Solution for Airport Operations

Winter, with its accompanying cold weather and freezing precipitation, can make runways slippery and dangerous for takeoff and landing. To prevent snow and ice buildup, airports apply potassium acetate on roads and walkways used by planes, vehicles, and staff. The substance is an effective deicer and a better alternative to chloride salts (i.e. magnesium chloride and calcium chloride) because it is less corrosive, making it ideal for airport runways. Likewise, it is less aggressive on soil, making it suitable for areas of environmental sensitivity. High technical grade potassium acetate is preferred for many different applications, and being in liquid form, is easier to blend and use in various concentrations.

Reputable manufacturers of potassium acetate can supply it in bulk or in easy to handle containers, like drums. The product is safe for runways and will not harm airplanes and other equipment used in airports. Unlike other deicers, potassium acetate works fast and requires minimal application. It can be applied using existing applicators or equipment, and it can remain active, even at sub-zero temperatures. Hence, it is more reliable in improving the safety of airport runways and ensuring the continuity of airport operations, even during inclement weather.

Deicers are required when manually removing snow and ice is insufficient and doesn’t expose the surface of the road or runway. Potassium acetate deicers prevent snow and other precipitation from forming ice, while breaking down existing frozen material. An effective deicer should reduce the melting point of snow and ice, and turn it into a liquid brine which will run off. Any remaining snow and ice, once the bond has melted, can be removed manually or mechanically. Potassium acetate deicers are preferred over conventional glycol-based deicers, which can make the runway slippery. It possesses superb deicing characteristics, has low biochemical oxygen demand, is urea-free, and biodegrades at low temperatures. Potassium acetate is a cost-effective deicer, with minimal environmental impact and a longer lasting effect.

Five Facts You Should Know About Road Dust Control Chemicals

Unpaved roads pose many dangers to its users, among the most prevalent being the excessive amount of dust generated by daily traffic. More than just being a major nuisance, dust clouds from unpaved roads obscure the vision of drivers, creating traffic hazards. Airborne dust can have several other potential issues. Plant pores can become clogged with dust and cause a shading effect, resulting in stunted crop growth. Livestock can also be affected, suffering from dust pneumonia, pink eye and respiratory illnesses. People living in close proximity to unpaved roads can suffer from allergies, including hay fever and respiratory issues. The fine dust particles are also abrasive, increasing wear in equipment and vehicles. Dust that gets carried into creeks, streams, and lakes increases the turbidity of the water. The proposed solution to road dust is the application of dust control chemicals and the following are important facts you should know about dust suppressants:

•    Some of the most commonly used dust suppressants in today’s market include calcium chloride, lignin derivatives, magnesium chloride, road fabric, sodium chloride, resinous adhesives, and water. Selecting the right type of chemical or suppressant to use is a matter of determining the condition of the road and the results or level of dust control desired. Dust suppressants differ in performance characteristics and finding the right chemical or product to use should depend on the condition of the road as well as the type and volume of traffic it serves.

•    Magnesium and calcium chloride, which are hygroscopic salts are some of the most commonly used chemicals for treating unpaved road surfaces. Their hygroscopic properties retard evaporation from road surfaces even during the heat of day and draw moisture from the surrounding environment. This produces brine, which keeps road surfaces moist.

•    Dust suppressants are generally diluted with water at a rate of 25-50% and applied to the surface with a sprayer. Depending on the product used, the benefits will be cumulative, requiring less product over time as the road components adhere together to form a hardened surface.

•    Lignin is a cost-effective substitute to commonly used salts and chemicals. Lignin derivatives have natural cementing properties that bind dust particles together, reducing loss of fines and aggregate.

•    In wetlands or areas of environmental sensitivity it is important to use dust suppression products that will not harm the adjacent vegetation, fish and animals. For this reason many people are turning away from calcium chloride or other chloride salts toward less damaging options, such as lignin derivatives.