Calcium Chloride Home : Frequently Asked Questions : General Questions

How do I make solutions by mixing solid calcium chloride products with water?

Use cool water! Significant heat is released when dissolving. Add solid calcium chloride slowly while continuously mixing. If solids are allowed to sit motionless while in contact with water, a hard cake will form that will be slow to dissolve.

The observed temperature increase during dissolving will vary depending on the conditions associated with each specific application. However, a rough estimate may be calculated as follows: For DOWFLAKE™ Xtra 83-87% Calcium Chloride Flakes, assume a temperature increase of 2.8°F per percent increase in concentration. For PELADOW™ Premier Snow & Ice Melter and Anhydrous Calcium Chloride 94-97% Mini-Pellets, assume 3.2°F and 3.5°F, respectively, per percent increase in concentration. For example, when making up a 30% solution from DOWFLAKE™ Xtra 83-87% Calcium Chloride Flakes, the solution temperature may be expected to increase approximately (30 x 2.8°F) = 84°F.

A spreadsheet tool is available to determine the amount of dry calcium chloride to mix with water to achieve solutions of various concentrations. The link is provided below.

Making Solutions Using Dry Calcium Chloride Products Calculator