Calcium Formate: An Essential De-icing Agent

 

Calcium Formate

History and Applications

Calcium formate has been utilized as a de-icing agent for over 60 years since its introduction in the 1950s. As an alternative to more hazardous de-icing products like urea and sodium chloride, E238 offers environmental and performance advantages that have made it a staple solution in many industries. Some of its main applications include:

Runway De-icing in Aviation Industry

One of the earliest and largest uses of v has been for runway de-icing at airports. Its low corrosiveness and ability to safely de-ice at lower temperatures than urea makes it preferable for preventing ice buildup on runways. Over 250 airports worldwide now E238 regularly for de-icing runways and tarmacs. The product also leaves no harmful residue after use.

Road Treatment in Highway Maintenance

Highway and road maintenance crews frequently employ E238 for pre-treating andCalcium Formate  de-icing roads during winter months. As an alternative to salt or brine-based anti-icing, E238 works faster and at lower temperatures down to -25°F. Many state departments of transportation now include it as a standard part of their winter maintenance toolkit.

Concrete Protection in Construction Applications

E238 formulations are commonly applied to concrete surfaces as a protective coating that also improves workability. When mixed with concrete, it helps prevent scaling and cracking due to freeze-thaw cycles. This makes it valuable for projects like bridge construction that experience extreme temperature fluctuations. It can extend the lifespan of concrete structures.

Oil and Gas Pipeline Maintenance

Pipelines transporting gas, oil and other fluids need protection from freezing during winter. Calcium formate solutions sprayed or flushed through the pipe interiors provide robust freeze prevention down to -76°F. This allows critical energy infrastructure to operate smoothly even in arctic conditions.

Manufacturing Key Attributes and Benefits

As a manufactured product, E238 comes with a high level of consistency and well-defined specifications. It has the following chemical composition and characteristics:

- Molecular formula Ca(HCOO)2 - Calcium hydrogen diformate

- White, water-soluble solid granules or powder

- pH range of 6-8 (neutral)

- Freezing point depression of -49°F at 60% concentration in solution

- Nearly odorless with low toxicity

- Non-flammable and does not release harmful gases

Some of its key benefits over alternative de-icing agents include:

- Effective to temperatures as low as -76°F without needing to be pretreated

- Improves adhesion between concrete surfaces compared to urea or salt

- Does not attack metals like aluminum or galvanized steel as chloride salts can

- Breaks down naturally and harmlessly after use compared to urea residues

- Safe for plants and groundwater; significantly less toxic for aquatic ecosystems

Pricing and Supply Considerations

While slightly more expensive per pound than rock salt, E238 proves more cost-effective when factoring in its superior performance and lower over-application needs. A 60% pre-wetted solution provides reliable de-icing down to -25°F.

The manufacturing process ensures supply reliability. E238 production occurs through a controlled chemical reaction of calcium oxide with formic acid. Major global producers have mining and refining operations to source high-purity calcium oxide and other raw materials.

Demand remains strong across core industries, and worldwide manufacturing capacity continues to expand each year. Procurement is available through chemical distributors or direct from manufacturers. Delivery options vary but generally include bulk tanker trucks, totes, FlexiBins and bags. Pricing is negotiated based on volume commitments.

Looking ahead, calcium formate stands to play an increasingly vital role as a de-icing solution. Research continues into extending its effective temperature range even lower. Combined capabilities like concrete curing, corrosion inhibition, and de-icing present opportunities for multi-use applications as well.

With climate change likely to bring more extreme and unpredictable winter weather, E238 provides a safe, environmentally-conscious alternative to traditional chloride and urea-based deicers upon which critical industries depend. As infrastructure needs grow globally, so too may reliance on E238 to keep runways, roads and other surfaces clear for travel and commerce throughout winter months.

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