During the winter season, every road manager must take care of the removal of snow and de-icing from roadways, pavements and other traffic routes. Increasingly, specialised vehicles can be found on Polish streets, which do not spread, but spray the product preventing slipperiness. These usually use so-called technical road salt.
Characteristics of road salt
This preparation, which is used in a wide variety of industries, is a technological waste product resulting from processes using brine in membrane electrolysis. It consists of sodium chloride (min. 98% content), sulphate (max. 1.5%) and potassium ferrocyanide as an anti-caking agent (approx. 0.0007-0.002%). Due to the high amount of impurities, it is grey in colour, but its physical properties are no different from pure sodium chloride.
Where does the salt come from?
The largest producers of this substance in Poland are currently two companies: Ciech S.A. and Anwil S.A.
– Ciech S.A. – a company with more than 70 years of tradition, manufactures in its plants located in three countries in Europe (Poland, Germany, Romania) not only the substance for the creation of the fall mixture, but also soda ash, calcium chloride, plant protection agents and brew and other organic chemical products, as well as glass packaging.
– Anwil S.A. – based in Włocławek, was established in 1966 as Nitrogen plant. Initially it produced ammonium nitrate, nitric acid and ammonia, and over time other chemicals and plastics were also manufactured there.
Where is the salt used?
In Poland, this preparation is mainly used in winter maintenance, as it can quickly deal with the removal of glazing and slipperiness on roads. Thanks to its low granulation, it dissolves very quickly in water (a properly balanced mixture can retain its liquid form at temperatures as low as -10°C). The product can be used in liquid or powder form directly on various types of traffic routes. In addition to winter road maintenance, the product is also used in the chemical and energy industries.
In what form do we sell technical road salt at ALPIMO?
We strive to provide a wide range of options so that every customer finds the ideal option for their needs. In our company, you can purchase the preparation, which comes from Ciech S.A., in 25 kg and 50 kg bags and in the so-called big bags with a capacity of 500 kg and 1000 kg.