Choosing the Right OxyChem Calcium Chloride Product

Various forms of OxyChem calcium chloride have been used to control dust on gravel roadways for more than 100 years, improving safety and comfort for motorists while reducing maintenance costs for road managers. Calcium chloride products also have a long history of successful use in road base stabilization and full-depth reclamation.

OxyChem offers LIQUIDOW™ Technical Grade Calcium Chloride Solution in concentrations ranging from 28% to 42%. Also offered are DOWFLAKE™ Xtra Calcium Chloride Flakes, a solid form product containing 83-87% calcium chloride, and Anhydrous Calcium Chloride 94-97% Mini Pellets, which is a solid material that may be applied directly or used in preparing calcium chloride solutions.

The most desirable product for any given situation is a matter of personal choice. Solid calcium chloride products may be spread directly, or dissolved in water and spread as a liquid. In the U.S., the most common liquid concentration used for dust control is 38%. In Canada, the most common concentration is 35%. Liquid concentrations higher than 38% may be used; however, higher concentrations are more likely to crystallize as the solution cools.

How to Prepare Solutions of Calcium Chloride

Use cool water when creating solutions. Significant heat is released when dissolving solid calcium chloride. 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.

When solid calcium chloride is dissolved, a temperature increase will occur and will vary depending on the conditions associated with each specific application. For example, when dissolving DOWFLAKE™ Xtra 83-87% Calcium Chloride Flakes, assume a temperature increase of 2.8°F per percentage increase in concentration. When making up a 30% solution, the temperature can be expected to increase approximately 84°F (30 x 2.8°F = 84°F).

Use our helpful Making Solutions Calculator tool to determine the amount of dry calcium chloride to mix with water to achieve solutions of various concentrations.