What Is Magnesium Chloride: Commercial Uses

Let’s dive into magnesium chloride, a versatile compound with a wide range of applications. Magnesium chloride, derived from natural sources, has garnered attention for its diverse properties and benefits, including its reliability and environmental friendliness. Let's examine this compound's unique properties and commercial uses, and what makes it so efficient. 

What Is Magnesium Chloride? 

Magnesium chloride is a naturally occurring compound found and produced worldwide with the chemical formula MgCl₂. In nature, it occurs in liquid form and is always coupled with other minerals, like potassium chloride, sodium chloride, and calcium chloride. These accompanying natural brines usually provide the feedstock (raw materials) for the processes that produce magnesium chloride as a by-product when the other minerals are removed and processed. 

How Does Magnesium Chloride Work?

Magnesium chloride is a hygroscopic salt that absorbs moisture from the air to lower the freezing point of water and reduce ice production. It is commercially available in various forms, such as magnesium chloride flakes, pellets, and even in liquid form.

Benefits of Magnesium Chloride

Explore the advantages of using magnesium chloride and its unique properties:

• Pet-friendly: While magnesium chloride contains safer ingredients than its counterparts, it is relatively gentle on animal paws, seldom causing harm. However, ingestion may lead to an upset stomach, so caution is still advised;
• Environmentally friendly: Magnesium chloride stands out as one of the safest and most environmentally friendly de-icing products. It is less corrosive to metals and has minimal impact on surrounding plants and landscaping;
• Effective at freezing temperature: Magnesium chloride demonstrates impressive effectiveness in extremely cold conditions, capable of working in temperatures as low as -20°F. Its lower freezing point allows it to tackle icy situations effectively, though the specific performance can vary with different products.

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What Are Magnesium Chloride’s Uses? 

In commercial settings, magnesium chloride is primarily used for de-icing and anti-icing, as well as for dust control. For instance, The Department of Transportation (DOT) uses liquid magnesium chloride to pre-wet salt it applies to roads during snowstorms. It is also utilized on pavements, parking lots, man-made pathways, and common commercial outdoor areas to maintain safe surfaces.

Given that magnesium chloride is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture, it is used as a de-icing agent, dust suppressant, and for plant nutrition. Magnesium chloride is widely considered to be safer for the environment than products made from sodium or calcium chloride, but even so, it should always be used as directed.  

Anti-Icing with Magnesium Chloride 

Anti-icing is one of the most common commercial magnesium chloride uses. Magnesium chloride usually comes as an odorless liquid that is sprayed directly onto pavements, roads, parking lots, and other surfaces before a winter storm.

The liquid brine mixture ensures that the snow and ice don’t have a chance to form a bond with the pavement or road.

Pre-Wetting with Magnesium Chloride

Pre-wetting salt is the process of spraying or coating salt with a liquid de-icing agent (like magnesium chloride liquid). This enhances the efficiency of the salt, decreases bounce and scattered material during spreading, and reduces the total amount of de-icer materials needed to obtain safer outdoor surfaces.

Pre-wetting increases road safety, saves money on products and labor, and minimizes environmental impact. However, it does require equipment, including pumps, controllers, sprayers, and trucks, to ensure maximum effect. Even though it requires a little more spending, the investment pays for itself, as it performs faster and requires fewer applications over time.

Dust Control with Magnesium Chloride

Magnesium chloride is also used as a dust suppressant on gravel and dirt roads, construction sites, sports tracks, fields, and other aggregate surfaces. Due to its hygroscopic nature, magnesium chloride sucks moisture from the air and makes the road's surface damp when it settles. This action binds dust particles together in a hard film on the surface. Magnesium chloride dust control stabilizes road and aggregate surfaces — lengthening the time between applications. 

Unlock the Power of Magnesium Chloride Products

Explore a range of innovative solutions harnessing the power of magnesium chloride:

Dead Sea MAG

Dead Sea Mag, harvested directly from the Dead Sea, is a natural and efficient winter maintenance solution. Comprising spherical magnesium pellets, this product ensures even dispersion through hoppers. Operating effectively down to -13°F, its unique pellet shape penetrates snow and ice, creating a melting layer beneath, facilitating easier removal. Notably, magnesium chloride is safe for concrete, people, pets, and the environment, boasting three times less toxicity than conventional table salt. Choose Dead Sea Mag for a reliable, eco-friendly approach to ice management.

Jiffy Melt®

Jiffy Melt® is a top-tier ice melt solution designed for swift and efficient ice management. Combining sodium chloride and magnesium chloride in its composition, Jiffy Melt® stands out for its ability to activate quickly, even in frigid conditions, thanks to the magnesium chloride infusion. Effective down to -10°F, it is available in 20 lb and 40 lb bags, making it a preferred choice among professionals for its cost-effective performance, particularly in commercial settings. Choose Jiffy Melt® to tackle icy challenges with ease and reliability.

Lightning Premium Ice Melter

Lightning Premium Ice Melter is a potent solution for fast and efficient snow and ice removal. Combining sodium chloride pre-treated with magnesium chloride and coated with a corrosion inhibitor, it's designed for quick results. Effective in temperatures as low as -20°F, its aqua color ensures visibility, allowing users to apply up to 50% less due to its remarkable power. This is an environmentally friendly and pet-safe option, making it a convenient choice even in the coldest conditions. Choose Lightning Premium Ice Melter for effective, eco-conscious ice management.

Ninja De-Icer Your Reliable Magnesium Chloride Supplier 

Whether you're interested in its role in de-icing or exploring other versatile uses, understanding the properties and benefits of magnesium chloride is important. If you're considering incorporating magnesium chloride into your winter maintenance or other projects, Ninja De-Icer, a trusted supplier across the country, is your go-to source. Contact us today to get a quote and access high-quality magnesium chloride for sale!