Ice melt, also known as de-icing salt, can harden primarily because of a chemical reaction with the moisture in the air.
How Ice Melt Hardens
The hardening of ice melt isn't a single step, but rather a process caused by environmental conditions and the inherent properties of the product. The main reason why ice melt gets hard is:
- Moisture Absorption: Ice melt products, which often contain chlorides, are hygroscopic. This means they readily absorb moisture from the surrounding air. This is the primary cause of the clumping and hardening of the product.
- Airborne Chlorides: As noted in the provided reference, "Airborne chlorides draw moisture from the ice melt, degrading and hardening the product."
- Degradation: The absorbed moisture causes the ice melt to degrade. This degradation results in the formation of solid clumps.
- Caking: Over time, the moisture causes the fine salt granules to stick together, forming large, hardened masses that are difficult to break apart.
The Importance of Proper Storage
To prevent ice melt from hardening, it's critical to store it correctly. According to the reference, temperature-controlled environments are ideal.
Recommended Storage Conditions:
- Dry Environment: Store ice melt in a dry place to minimize moisture absorption.
- Temperature Control: As mentioned in the reference, store the ice melt in a temperature-controlled environment like a warehouse, garage, or shed to prevent it from absorbing moisture.
- Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers to prevent air exposure and reduce the chance of moisture contamination.
Impact of Hardened Ice Melt
When ice melt hardens, it not only becomes more difficult to handle, but also reduces its effectiveness. It can lead to:
- Reduced Spreading Efficiency: Hardened clumps do not spread evenly, making it harder to apply the correct amount of product.
- Blocked Spreaders: It can clog spreaders, rendering them unusable.
- Wasted Product: Difficulty in spreading means some product may remain unused and may become unusable over time.
Solutions to Hardened Ice Melt
While proper storage is the best prevention, here are some solutions for hardened ice melt:
- Break Up Clumps: Manually break up the hardened clumps with a shovel or hammer, if not completely solid.
- Use a Sieve: Pass the clumps through a large sieve to separate the usable parts.
- Warm Storage: If practical, store the ice melt in a warmer environment for a while, which might make the hard lumps less solid and easier to break apart.
Conclusion
In summary, ice melt hardens primarily because it absorbs moisture from the air due to the presence of chlorides. This leads to degradation and clumping of the product. Proper storage in dry, temperature-controlled environments is crucial for preventing this.
