Zilwaukee Bridge

Michigan DOT chose CF7 to prewet CMA as it was being applied. When prewet at the time of application, CMA does not bounce and roll, staying on the bridge surface longer. Since CF7 is a high performance deicer, there is an immediate effect. Michigan DOT has also modified equipment for direct application of CF7 for anti-icing and frost conditions.

Potential CF7 customers are typically concerned with deicing speed, environmental issues and/or corrosion. They include transportation officials, public works agencies, property management firms and industrial facilities requiring a high-performance liquid deicer for prewetting primary deicers like road salt and CMA, or sand. CF7 is appropriate for direct application when speed is critical. It is also suitable for use on outdoor mechanical handling systemssuch as conveyors and elevators, as well as on walkways, rail switches, and virtually all outdoor deicing applications.


Product Performance

1. Prewetting Agent

CF7 is an effective prewetting agent for CMA, road salt, other solid deicers, and sand. Because CF7 has a very low freezing point (-60°C / -76°F) and is a clear liquid free from matter in suspension, it significantly improves the performance of solids and does not clog spray nozzles. Application rates follow, and should be considered starting points, as local conditions have a significant effect on fluid requirements.

2. Anti-icer

CF7 is an effective anti-icer, sprayed on the pavement before precipitation actually starts. A high traction film then exists to prevent adhesion of ice and snow, which is then mechanically removed. Uniform coverage and frequent plowing to prevent fluid dilution are important considerations in an anti-icing program. This technique is commonly used to keep bridge decks from freezing.

3. Deicer

Experience suggests that CF7, when used as a deicer, may be applied in an even film or in bands on 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) centers. Banding the fluid minimizes dilution from melting, allowing CF7 to penetrate to the pavement to break the bonds of ice and snow prior to mechanical removal. Suggested application rates follow. CF7 is also used as an aid to solid deicers in heavy ice situations. Here, a solid deicer is first applied to punch holes in the ice. Then, CF7 is applied over the top, penetrating through the holes to the surface, quickly breaking the ice-to-pavement bonds so that mechanical removal can be more easily accomplished.

4. Other Applications

CF7 can also be used to:

* Coat rail and truck beds, non-porous roofs, road signs, etc. so snow and ice do not adhere
* Keep rail switches open
* Free manhole covers, truck scales
* Keep conveyors ice-free
* Keep lavoratory systems from freezing.
CF7 is also used in the creation of Cryotech CMAK, a blend of liquid CMA (calcium magnesium acetate) and CF7. CMAK is recommended for use in automated anti-icing systems (see photo above). Containing no chlorides, it combines the low-corrosion properties of CMA with the high performance of potassium acetates. CMAK has a lower freezing point (<25F) than pure CMA, but retains many of CMA's attributes such as safety for steel embedded in bridge decks and parking garages. See MSDS for additional information.

5. Corrosion

Because CF7 is acetate based, it is compatible with most materials and is generally considered non-corrosive. Special corrosion inhibitors have been added to provide the same level of protection as E36, Cryotech's airport approved liquid deicer.

6. Avoid CF7 Use

* On low quality or non air-entrained concrete
* In direct application to galvanized metals
* In close proximity to non-watertight electrical systems
* In mixture with liquid chloride deicers like calcium chloride

7. Shelf Life

CF7 is stable and may be stored indefinitely if kept in clean, closed containers. Containers not adequately sealed may exhibit biological growth as a result of the fluid prematurely biodegrading. CF7 stored in rusty or contaminated containers may experience a reduction in inhibitor concentration and/or show fluid discoloration.

Environmental Impact

Tests with CF7 show it readily biodegrades at low temperatures and has a relatively low oxygen demand (BOD) when compared to glycol-based deicers. Toxicity tests rate CF7 "relatively harmless" to aquatic life, the most favorable classification used by the environmental community. And the fluid does not contain nitrogen. Therefore, CF7 is considered much safer for the environment than either glycol or urea.

As suggested by federal agencies, the following general summary of environmental and hazard information is provided. More detail is available in the MSDS. Complete test report documentation is available upon request.


Biodegradability

The chemical oxygen demand (COD) of CF7 was determined using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 410.1.

* COD (TOD) = 0.30 gm 02/g

The biological oxygen demand (BOD) of CF7 was determined using the EPA approved dilution method (Hach).

* BOD20 @ 2°C = 0.30 gm O2/g
* BOD5 @ 10°C = 0.30 gm O2/g
* BOD5 @ 20°C = 0.14 gm O2/g

Aquatic Toxicity

Current EPA methods were used for measuring the acute and chronic toxicity of CF7.

* Fathead minnow 7-day chronic, LC50 (mg/L) ........ > 1500
* Rainbow trout 96-hour acute, LC50 (mg/L). .......... > 2100
* Daphnia magna 48-hour acute, LC50 (mg/L) ......... > 3000

Highway 401/416 Interchange - Ottawa, Ontario

Product Specifications

* Composition -- 50% minimum potassium acetate plus corrosion inhibitors, by weight
* Appearance -- Clear, colorless, mobile liquid, free from matter in suspension
* Density -- 1.28 gm/cm3 (10.7 lb/gal) @ 20°C (68°F)
* Viscosity -- 10 cp maximum @ 20°C (68°F) and 20 cp maximum @ 0°C (32°F)
* Flash Point -- Nonflammable
* Freezing Point -- -60°C (-76°F)
* Miscibility With Water -- Complete
* Storage -- No special storage required (do not use galvanized materials)
* Typical pH -- 11.0 ±0.5
* Specific Gravity -- 1.25 - 1.30 at 20°C
* Packaging --55 gallon drum; 265 gallon totes, bulk
Minimum orders: 4 drums, 1 tote, 4400 gallons bulk

Application Rates

Anti-icing

CF7 is most effective when applied uniformly to pavement surface before freezing precipitation. Prompt mechanical removal of snow and ice is necessaryto reduce fluid dilution. Additional applications may be necessary if snow and ice begin to bond to the surface.

* Apply.....0.5 gallons/1000 f&#8721; (25 g/m&#8721;)


Deicing

CF7 is an effective deicer when applied in an even film or in bands on 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) centers. The deicer penetrates to the pavement surface and breaks the bond of ice and snow prior to mechanical removal. Banding reduces dilution from melting and allows the fluid to penetrate. The amount of deicer needed varies with temperature and thickness of snow or ice, but should be in the following ranges.

* Apply on thin ice.....1.0 gallon/1000 f&#8721; (50 g/m&#8721;)
* Apply on 1" (2.5 cm) ice.....3.0 gallons/1000 f&#8721; (150 g/m&#8721;)

Prewetting

CF7 will speed the effect of solid deicers and abrasives. CF7 is applied at the spreader outlet, typically for prewetting rates of 5% to 15% by weight of solid material.

* Apply.....1.25 gallons per 100 lbs of deicer or sand (130 g/kg of deicer or sand)


Storage and Transport

The formulation of CF7 contains an inhibitor package designed to protect several metal alloys from accelerated corrosion and deterioration (e.g., cracking). The inhibitor package consists of fully dissolved compounds which, when exposed to metal alloys such as plain carbon or low alloy steels, will form a barrier on the alloy surface to prevent accelerated corrosion.

To maintain the full effectiveness of the inhibitor package Cryotech recommends shipping and storage of CF7 in non-metal containers such as polyethylene. In cases where this is not possible, shipment and storage can be accomplished with carbon, low alloy, or stainless steel containers. Storage and shipment containers should be strong enough to hold 10.68 lbs. per gallon of CF7, which is 28% heavier than water.

Shipping and storage in carbon or low alloy steel containers does not represent a major concern. However, the customer must be aware that this may result in depletion of the inhibitor concentration. The amount of depletion will depend on material composition, surface condition, and surface area.

When shipment or storage in carbon or low alloy containers is necessary, the container must be clean and free of rust and surface deposits. Rust and surface deposits (or scale) may become dislodged or dissolved and result in fluid degradation and discoloration. Additionally, tanks or containers which have been used for other materials must be drained and, at a minimum, rinsed, to remove the material before introducing CF7.

Note: Residue of chloride based deicer (especially CaCl2 and MgCl2) must be removed prior to filling. Avoid galvanized materials in piping and storage systems. Potassium acetate is known to have a relatively slow reaction with zinc-coated materials. This is not an issue for roadway appurtenances where exposure time is limited.


Sampling Procedure

Reference the suggested sampling procedure prior to sending a sample to Cryotech's Quality Assurance Lab.


Maintenance Dispensing Equipment


* External surfaces of equipment used to dispense CF7 should be routinely rinsed with warm water or a high-pressure wash to prevent buildup of the fluid and other contaminants associated with winter maintenance operations. A thorough high-pressure washing with warm soapy water is recommended as equipment is removed from service after the deicing season.
* Diluted CF7 biodegrades naturally when exposed to air and other contaminants. This process quickens in warmer temperatures. Frequent rinsings will prevent any buildup that could result in formations of unsightly biological growth and superficial staining and pitting of some material.
* Undiluted CF7 kept in closed containers with minimal exposure to air does not degrade and may be stored indefinitely.


Standard Shipments


CF7 is shipped to customers in the following units:

* Rail Tank Cars.....18,000 gallons (68,000 liters)
* Tank Trucks.....4,400 gallons (16,600 liters)
* Isotanks.....4,000 gallons (15,000 liters)
* Totes.....265 gallons (1,000 liters)
* Drums.....55 gallons (200 liters)

Yosemite Park

Environmental Impact

Tests with CF7 show it readily biodegrades at low temperatures and has a relatively low oxygen demand (BOD) when compared to glycol-based deicers. Toxicity tests rate CF7 "relatively harmless" to aquatic life, the most favorable classification used by the environmental community. And the fluid does not contain nitrogen. Therefore, CF7 is considered much safer for the environment than either glycol or urea.

As suggested by federal agencies, the following general summary of environmental and hazard information is provided. More detail is available in the MSDS. Complete test report documentation is available upon request.



Hazard Information

* Hazardous Waste & Shipping
The RCRA regulations define hazardous waste in two ways: a listed hazardous waste or a characteristic hazardous waste. CF7 is not a listed hazardous waste. A waste may be considered hazardous if it exhibits any one of four characteristics - Corrosivity, toxicity, ignitability, or reactivity. A waste is corrosive under RCRA if it has a pH less than or equal to 2.0 or greater than or equal to 12.5. CF7 is not RCRA corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive; therefore, it is not a characteristic hazardous waste.
* No Hazardous Components
CF7 contains no hazardous components as described by SARA Title III, Section 302. Nor is CF7 designated as a hazardous chemical by the U.S. Department of Transportation. CF7 does not contain nitrates.
* Spill Handling Procedures
CF7 is not expected to present environmental problems. If product should spill, it should be absorbed and the resulting waste disposed of in a sanitary landfill unless state or local regulations prohibit such disposal.
* Container and Product Disposal
Based on information available to Cryotech Deicing Technology, CF7 is neither listed as a hazardous waste, nor does it exhibit any of the characteristics that would cause it to be classified or disposed of as a RCRA hazardous waste. Empty containers and product unsuitable for normal deicing operations may be disposed of in a sanitary landfill unless state or local regulations prohibit such disposal.

Pre-Wetting