Monday 3 October 2016

How Liquid De-Icer Can Prevent Coal and Other Aggregates from Freezing

Harsh winters and cold weather can make coal and other aggregates freeze, which makes it difficult to unload. For this reason, de-icers are used to make sure that they do not freeze. De-icers come in either solid or liquid types, with the former being some of the most commonly used in the form of calcium chloride and rock salt. However, they can possibly damage concrete and vegetation when used excessively or used the wrong way. Hence, industries like mining turn to liquid de-icer as a better alternative, especially if they want to achieve quick results. Here are ways that a liquid de-icer can prevent freezing and why it is preferred:

It melts fast – Solid de-icers take time to dissolve into the brine before they can work to melt snow and ice. Liquid de-icers are already in liquid form, so they can begin melting the ice as soon as they are applied. As long as they are properly stored in a tightly sealed container, liquid de-icers remain consistent and they can retain their liquid form regardless of the temperature or the season.

It comes with excellent release properties – High-quality liquid de-icers have release properties that can let aggregates release cleanly from the side of hoppers, trucks, and conveyor belts. They are applied after loading and make unloading easier as the product is not frozen into a large block. They are specially blended to ensure a minimum freezing point of -40 degrees Celsius.

Specially formulated for coal – Some types of liquid de-icers are specifically designed to prevent aggregates like coal and petroleum coke from freezing to rail cars, conveyor systems, and truck boxes. These de-icers are versatile and are also used in airport runway applications and hydro-testing markets.

Leaves no residue – Solid de-icers typically leave a powdery or oily residue, which can be hard to clean. A liquid de-icer is not likely to leave any stubborn residue, and if it does, it can serve as an anti-icing agent, too.