Can liquid calcium chloride solutions be used to deice sidewalks and parking lots?
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Yes; however, it should be recognized that liquid deicers have significantly
less melt capacity than solid deicers because the liquids are already diluted
with water. This makes liquids best suited to anti-icing or pre-wetting
applications, but they can be used for deicing as well.
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The most common liquid calcium chloride concentration used in winter applications
is 32%. Solutions of this strength may be purchased direct from a LIQUIDOW™ distributor
or made by dissolving solid calcium chloride products in water (refer to the
General Questions section for guidance in making solutions from solid calcium
chloride products).
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The most appropriate liquid application rate depends on a variety of situation-specific
factors, including weather conditions, surface type, amount of snow/ice present, etc.
Over-application or application onto a contaminated surface may result in slickness.
If a liquid deicer is applied to a surface under humid conditions prior to a winter
storm event, it may absorb enough moisture from the air to dilute to a concentration
that will freeze when the temperature drops, possibly resulting in slickness. Because
the conditions that affect application rate vary significantly from situation to situation,
it is the responsibility of each end user to determine the liquid application rate best
suited for the particular situation.
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