Skip to content
somavrac-signature-en

Category: Somavrac C.C.

Specialized salts for sidewalks, driveways, parking lots and stairs

Déglaçants pour entrées, trottoirs, escaliers et stationnements

We have set our expertise to developing a range of high-performance de-icers that help keep stairs, driveways, parking lots and sidewalks safe to use.

Here are our flagship products that meet your needs:

 

Mistral

Mistral High Performance de-icer was specially designed for our harsh winters. It activates instantly on contact with icy surfaces, making it more effective than the average de-icer. Its combination of ingredients effectively prevents falls and injuries at very cold temperatures.

In addition, Mistral:

  • Is effective down to -30 °C.
  • Resists refreezing, which reduces the risk of concrete damage.

 

Xtra85

Xtra85 acts as a de-icer by releasing heat upon contact with ice to accelerate the melting process, even at temperatures as low as -32 °C. The product can be used as a solution, applied directly to steps, driveways and parking lots, or added to de-icing salt or abrasives to enhance their effectiveness.

 

Peladow

Peladow is a powerful de-icer in pellet form. Its special shape and ability to generate heat allow it to penetrate and break ice quickly. Peladow is the most efficient ice melter.

In addition, Peladow:

  • Is effective down to -32 °C.
  • Generates heat that increases and prolongs product effectiveness.
  • Needs smaller volumes and melts ice twice as fast as standard salt.

Specialized road salts

Route en hiver - sel déglaçant

As de-icing experts, we guide our customers to the right solution for Quebec winter conditions. Here are our flagship products that meet your needs:

 

Xtragrip

Mixed with abrasive piles, Xtragrip keeps piles malleable in harsh winter conditions. Abrasives treated with Xtragrip liquid also stick to icy surfaces, preventing dispersion towards ditches.

In addition, Xtragrip

  • Is effective at very low temperatures – down to -35 °C.
  • Reduces abrasive loss by 20% thanks to its adherence.
  • Reduces damage to gravel roads in the spring and helps compact roads.

 

Bleu-fuzion

Bleu-Fuzion is a liquid calcium chloride-based de-icer that treats and coats each grain of salt for more efficient, faster ice melting.

In addition, Bleu-Fuzion

  • Performs well down to -25 °C.
  • Significantly reduces salt loss from rebound (20% less dispersion in ditches).
  • Is ideal for harsh or variable weather conditions: cold, accumulations of snow, ice, storms, etc.

 

PM-65

PM-65 is a de-icing mixture that was specially developed for northern regions, to be highly effective on gravel roads and in extreme cold temperatures. Used alone or mixed with your winter abrasive, PM-65 is the ideal de-icer for gravel roads. This fast-acting product melts ice faster than regular de-icing salt. Effective down to -30 °C, PM65 industrial de-icer is composed of a mixture of calcium chloride and sodium chloride.

 

These products were all designed to ensure the safety of heavy vehicles on forestry, mining and construction roads.

Electronic Spreader Control

Spreading calcium chloride as a dust suppressant may avoid stirring up dust, but it does raise questions, particularly about volume. Here are a few.

How much should I spread? What is the ideal amount?

To ensure optimal product effectiveness all summer long, Somavrac C.C. recommends the following (on roads four meters wide):

  • 1 to 2 metric tons of calcium chloride flakes (Xtra85™) per kilometer
  • 2,500 to 3,500 liters of liquid product (LIQUIDOW™) per kilometer

What accounts for the variation?

  • Type of road (municipal, forest, private access, unpaved road, etc.)
  • Use (daily traffic)
  • Natural environment (amount of sunlight)
  • Addition of gravel

For example, generally speaking, application rates increase on unpaved roads with heavy traffic.[1] They should be greater when the relative humidity is lower, so during hot, dry summers.

Given the factors that lower the hygroscopic potential of the product, such as traffic and humidity, Somavrac C.C. representatives can determine the ideal amount of product to spread on your road [no matter its specifics]. Since weather can be unpredictable, a second application may be appropriate. It is crucial to spread the second application evenly, to avoid uneven concentrations of product.

How can I make sure the product is evenly applied ?

Your liquid dust suppressant supplier should use an electronic spreader control. It’s a device that controls the amount of product spread on the road based on a set application rate and the actual speed of the vehicle. It makes for accurate, constant application of material over the entire course.[2] To do so, the device should be calibrated at least once a year or after any repairs or changes are made to the electronic system.

As the device cannot be used when spreading liquid dust suppressant, ask the customer service or delivery manager of your supplier about using electronic spreader control. As the control tool is also used by drivers during spreading, it is easily visible in the truck cab. The driver can therefore easily demonstrate that the service will be properly provided.

Spreading the right amount of product is critical – as is even application. So remember the words “calibrated electronic spreader control”.

Registered trademark of Somavrac C.C./Trademark of Occidental Chemical Corporation.

[1]  ENVIRONMENT CANADA, Best Practices For The Use And Storage Of Chloride-Based Dust Suppressant, February 2007, p. 3. [traduction libre]

[2] TRANSPORT QUÉBEC, Étalonnage des régulateurs d’épandage électroniques, [Online, French only], https://www.transports.gouv.qc.ca/fr/gestion-environnementale-sels-voirie/Documents/GSV/references-utiles/ProcedureVerificationEtalonnageRegulateurs.pdf, (page retrieved April 4, 2017) [traduction libre]

Accuracy of Liquid Calcium Chloride Concentrations

Hygroscopic effect

Liquid calcium chloride is often used as a dust suppressant on gravel roads in summertime. How does the product trap dust? Calcium chloride is hygroscopic, i.e. it attracts and retains water. In practical terms, it draws moisture from the ambient air down to road gravel level. That way, the road stays humid and dust-free all summer long. Having the right concentration is important, because water absorption capacity increases along with product concentration. High concentrations mean better performance: that’s why it is crucial that your calcium chloride supplier applies best practices when it comes to density analysis.

Check the concentration

Higher concentrations mean you can cover a larger surface in a single trip! – Eric Arsenault

With that in mind, how can you make sure that the concentration shown on the delivery slip or waybill is correct? Here’s how the Somavrac C.C. team makes sure the concentration of liquid de-icing agents and dust suppressants is accurate:

  • Measure the ratio of the liquid’s density to the specific gravity of water using an electronic hydrometer.
  • Calibrate the measuring tool annually.
  • Conduct two density tests: when receiving the product and before loading the product.

Somavrac C.C. recommends that you always ask for a certificate of analysis from your supplier when requesting a quote or receiving product. It is a written confirmation from your supplier that also certifies product concentration. Somavrac C.C. cares about road safety, so you can rest assured that you will receive high quality product that meets customer needs in terms of concentration, effectiveness, and performance.

About Somavrac C.C.

Somavrac C.C. specializes in the distribution of calcium chloride across Quebec. Well known by municipalities for its dust suppressants and de-icers, Somavrac C.C. strives to be a professional supplier with diligent environmental care.

 

Learn more about our dust suppressant products today.

Six steps to successful stabilization

Épandage chlorure de calcium

Here is how to prepare your gravel road before the tank arrives to apply dust suppressant.

Benefits of stabilization

  • 30% increase in road lifespan
  • Durability and safety
  • Minimal maintenance
  • Profitability

 

1. CHECK ROAD DRAINAGE

Thoroughly cleaning ditches and repairing faulty culverts during the summer are essential to ensure runoff drains quickly and efficiently, instead of pooling on the road.

When it comes to applying dust suppressant, here are two good reasons not to neglect these steps: first, water that pools on the road will dilute the calcium chloride, significantly affecting its effectiveness. Second, product can be lost through runoff and splashing from cars. Rainwater on the road also promotes the formation of potholes and washboarding. In short, without this essential preparation work, it is best not to consider adding more gravel, because the road would then deteriorate very quickly.

Route sans abat-poussière

2. SCARIFY THE SURFACE

Use a grader to scarify the entire surface of the road. This step will help the new aggregate mix with the old and ensure better homogeneity of the granular material. It will also prevent the layers of gravel (old and new) from stratifying.

In addition, the best results are obtained when there is adequate penetration of the liquid dust suppressant. Penetration should be in the order of 10 to 20 millimeters [3/8 to 3/4 inch]. Good penetration minimizes loss of dust suppressant through surface runoff. It gives cohesion and ensures resistance to leaching and aging. If the product has penetrated well into the soil, its hygroscopic effect will be longer lasting.

Scarification de la route

3. PLACE NEW GRAVEL

Add new gravel to the entire surface of the road – ideally, a thickness of at least 20 cm of new gravel should be added. When laying the gravel, use the grader to create two small hems at the edge of either side of the road so that about half (10 cm) of the new gravel is kept in the center of the road. The purpose of this step is to ensure that all the new gravel is treated with calcium chloride.

4. APPLY CALCIUM CHLORIDE

Spread the calcium chloride on the new gravel between the hems. Two thirds of the total volume should be applied at this stage.

About stabilization using flake calcium chloride
When flake calcium chloride is used for stabilization, mixing the product directly into the gravel during crushing is recommended to ensure that the mixture is homogeneous. After laying the gravel and grading the road, sprinkling a bit of calcium chloride flakes on the surface and spraying it down to melt the flakes is highly recommended. Afterwards, continue with the two steps described below, Level and grade the road and Compact the road.

Épandage chlorure de calcium

5. LEVEL AND GRADE THE ROAD

Level the entire road surface, taking care to remove the hems and evenly distribute the gravel across the road surface. Leveling should be done in such a way as to form a crown in the shape of a speed bump (or type A) from the center of the road to the edges. The cross slope from the center of the road to the shoulder should be at least 4%. As soon as the road profile is obtained, spread the rest of the liquid (the remaining third) over the entire road surface.

6. COMPACT THE ROAD

Once the liquid has penetrated the gravel, compact the surface using a roller compactor (pneumatic or steel roller). Be sure to reach optimum gravel density to avoid the formation of ruts from vehicle traffic.

As you can see, gravel roads need maintenance to extend their lifespan. The same goes for our customer base: we hope to keep you as long-term customers, and your complete satisfaction is our primary concern.

Mistral – the new line of innovative ice melters from Somavrac C.C.

Déglaçant, de-icing, ice melter, Somavrac C.C

With winter upon us, Somavrac C.C. is proud to announce the launch of its new line of ice melters: Mistral. Available in two innovative formulas, these ice melters are ideal for roads, sidewalks, stairs, and parking areas, no matter what your business.

Drawing its name from a cold high wind, Mistral was specially designed to handle harsh Canadian winters. In seeking to provide a product that meets the needs of its customers, Somavrac C.C. developed two innovative products: Mistral High Performance and Mistral Eco Efficient.

Mistral High Performance

This high performance product was designed to activate in just a few seconds. It’s the go-to ice melter after a snowstorm or an ice storm! Effective down to -30 °C, Mistral High Performance has a long-lasting effect, to reduce application frequency.

Learn more about the product.

Mistral Eco Efficient

This eco efficient product contains a natural additive that helps it stay active longer, even at very low temperatures. Effective down to -25 °C, it strikes the perfect balance between low environmental impact and efficiency.

Learn more about the product.

100% Made in Quebec

Mistral ice melters are developed and manufactured in Quebec. From the concept for the product line to the mixing and bagging of the product, everything is done in Trois-Rivières in the Mauricie region. Somavrac C.C. is incredibly proud to offer these products to its customers. If you want to contact a sales representative, click here.

PELADOW™ keeps you safe in winter

Peladow, déglaçant, de-icing, ice melter, Somavrac C.C

How can you keep your facilities safe in winter? Somavrac C.C., a seasoned distributor of high-performance dust suppressants and de-icing agents, has the answer: its flagship high-performance de-icing agent, PELADOW. Read more 

Did you know that “unintentional falls are the most common form of injury across the country: every day last year, falls resulted in almost 1,800 reported emergency department visits and 417 hospital admissions”?[1] Such falls can cause all types of physical impairment and can be fatal to vulnerable individuals.

CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE    

According to the association of Quebec chiropractors (ACQ), one of the best ways to prevent such falls is to ensure the safety of your exterior staircases and/or house entrance[2]. Although salt is often recommended for de-icing stairs and walkways, Somavrac C.C. recommends the use of PELADOW high-performance de-icing agent to deal with our harsh Canadian winters.

Upon contact with ice, PELADOW pellets release heat (through an exothermic reaction), which accelerates the melting process and helps the product last longer. The rounded shape of PELADOW pellets also helps penetrate the ice and break its bond with the pavement more rapidly.

Salt, on the other hand, absorbs heat (endothermic reaction). In other words, ice hampers salt’s effectiveness, as the salt attempts to absorb ambient heat. As a result, ice quickly freezes once again in the absence of heat, and the melting process is not as long-lasting.

  • No other de-icing agent offers as many advantages as PELADOW – see for yourself!
  • Melts ice more rapidly – up to three times faster than competing products.
  • Releases heat upon contact with snow or ice.
  • Is not chemically harmful to mature, high-quality concrete.
  • Leaves no powdery residue on carpets, clothing, and other fabrics.
  • Is not harmful to vegetation when used according to recommendations.
  • Requires smaller application volumes than other melters.

PELADOW pellets are ideal for stairs, sloped roads or walkways, sidewalks, roads, parking lots, and other similar surfaces.

To learn more about the products we offer, visit https://www.yumpu.com/fr/document/view/57584590/fichier-somavrac-complet               

Trademark of Occidental Chemical Corporation.


[1] https://www.chiropratique.com/fr/chiropratique/bien-etre/67-les-chutes-hivernales.html?PCID=3

[2]https://globalnews.ca/news/4315219/falls-most-common-injury-canada/

Seven reasons to do business with Somavrac C.C.

Déglaçants, abats-poussière, Somavrac C.C, de-icing, ice melter, dust suppressants

Somavrac C.C. is the leader in calcium chloride distribution in Québec. Known by municipalities for its dust suppressants and de-icing agents, Somavrac C.C. is a dependable, professional, and environmentally diligent supplier.

1.On our way:

Building on a continuous improvement approach, the sales representatives of Somavrac C.C. spend time on the roads of Quebec to fully understand the needs and realities of their customers. What do they have to offer? Advice, test formulas and active listening.

2. Courtesy + Effective Communication = Somavrac C.C.’s customer service :

Somavrac C.C.’s customer service department is dedicated to calcium chloride. Focused on offering a professional and diligent service, the values ​​that built the company, the team combines courtesy with effective communication to meet high quality standards for their customers. The department efficiency returns its calls and the respect customer requests.

3. High-end transport and spreading service :

Somavrac C.C. guarantees that the transport and spreading service is carried out by courteous and punctual drivers who ensure a uniform distribution of the product while ensuring deliveries are always on time.

4. Everywhere in Quebec :

Satellite tanks located in several strategic places and tanker tanks make it possible for Somavrac C.C. to serve the entire province without a hitch. Added to this is a large inventory capacity through the tank farm.

5. Be serviced with peace of mind :

The turnkey services offered, which are tailored to the needs and realities of customers, allows customers to avoid equipment maintenance, staff availability and training and various technical considerations.

6. Our commitment: safety :

Somavrac C.C. is concerned with the safety of the road user’s network and thus develops products ensuring this. Examples of actions taken in this light: – Ensuring accuracy of the products concentrations; – Focusing on a uniform distribution of the product; – Satisfaction surveys; – Adapted and tailor-made mixes offering safe roads, through summer and winter; – Offering test formulas.

7. Subsidiary of Groupe Somavrac :

From the receipt of the vessel or wagons, to the storage to tanker transportation, Somavrac C.C ensures that its product is in good hands; those of the subsidiaries of Groupe Somavrac. Integrated process management and just-in-time method offers customers a quality product, optimizes inventory levels at competitive costs and in the shortest time possible.

Make a difference with Bleu Fuzion

Bleu fuzion, déglaçant, Somavrac C.C, de-icing

The application of road salt causes “negative repercussions – to different degrees – on aquifers, soil, flora, aquatic and terrestrial fauna and, of course, on infrastructure. “[1]

Reducing the amount of salt deposited on streets and sidewalks is, therefore, essential. Led by the Quebec Strategy for the Environmental Management of Road Salts, Somavrac C.C. develops products that provide “best management practices for road salts while ensuring road safety and maintaining the flow of people.”[2] The characteristics of Bleu-Fuzion have a directly related to the safety aspect. Added to this: efficiency, adherence and economical. This product composed of:calcium chloride, sugar and blue dye coats each grain of salt. This has the effect of improving their properties at four different levels:

Exothermic reaction 

Bleu-Fuzion significantly increases the exothermic reaction (heat release) of salt. Bleu-Fuzion allows salt to maintain its effectiveness, down to -25 ° C, whilst without Bleu Fuzion, salt is not effective at temperatures below -15 ° C.

Speed of the melting process 

For temperatures slightly below 0, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes for the salts melting process to begin.[3] If we add to this: cold weather and the dispersion of salt grains in the ditches caused by traffic, the melting process will take further time. Salt does not win the prize for fast melting. The Bleu-Fuzion melting process is instant or faster.

Adherence and safety

Unfortunately, vehicles, pedestrians and heavy vehicles disperse the salt outside the roads surface. In addition to losing salt, the surface loses in safety! Bleu-Fuzion reduces salt losses caused by traffic by 20%. This happens since the salt is wet; it sticks to the road (like a tongue on ice). The blue color of Bleu-Fuzion then allows you to visualize clearly the quantity of product you have spread and observe that the adhesion is a distinctive characteristic of the product.

Economical 

“There is a Canadian study that shows that for every dollar of salt we put on our roads, we end up with a $ 5 bill of degradation of our underground infrastructure.” Bleu-Fuzion allows you to reduce your salt intake significantly, because it melts ice faster, even at lower temperatures. In addition, Somavrac C.C. offers a prewetting of salt and abrasives on-site service: saving time and money.

IN SHORT!

“Once the salt is wet (with calcium chloride), salt acts faster. It is also stickier and tends to stay on the road longer, even when vehicles are driving on it. ” [4]>

Be like Blue-Fuzion and make the difference when it comes to snow removal, by getting the product now!


[1] Direction de l’environnement et de la recherche, Guide de gestion des zones vulnérables aux sels de voirie, [En ligne],https://www.transports.gouv.qc.ca/fr/gestion-environnementale-sels-voirie/Documents/GSV/references-utiles/publications_MTQ/Guide_gestion_zones_vulnerables-2Mai_HQ.pdf, (page consultée le 27 juin 2017)

[2] QUEBEC, Gestion environnementale des sels de voirie, [En ligne], https://www.transports.gouv.qc.ca/fr/gestion-environnementale-sels-voirie/Pages/default.aspx, (page consultée 27 juin 2017)

[3] Inspiration : CHRISTIAN Ève, Pour en finir avec la neige et la glace, [En ligne], http://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/772305/neige-glace-hiver-blogue-eve-christian-science, (page consultée le 27 juin 2017)

[4] CORMIER, François, Un nouveau sel de déglaçage expérimenté dans les rues de Montréal, [En ligne], http://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/767144/rues-trottoirs-hiver-abrasifs-antigel-bleu-vert, (page consultée le 27 juin 2017)

The benefits of a second application of dust suppressant

Abat-poussière, dust

Did you know that calcium chloride absorbs moisture from the air? It is thanks to this absorption, also called hygroscopic effect, that the dust remains trapped on the ground.

That being said, the effectiveness of a dust suppressant depends on the humidity present in the air, which is why a second application may be necessary during a dry, hot summer.

As mentioned in standard 6322-22 on the “Application of dust suppressants on granular material bearing surfaces”, Transport Québec recommends “to make a second application […]”. This recommendation supports the principle that a second application has a cumulative effect:

  • The first application (in sufficient concentration) captures more moisture.
  • The second application reactivates the first one.
  • The second application extends the yield (in late fall).
  • With a second application, the residual is more highly concentrated when leveling in the following spring.
  • The residual is reactivated by the first application of the following season!

Standard 6322-22 also states that the application rate of the second spreading is usually half what is used for the initial application.

Example of quantity required during a second spreading:

1st application: 3,600 liters/km for liquid or two tons/km for flakes*.

2nd application: 1,800 liters/km for liquid or one ton/km for flakes*.

* Recommended quantity for a four-meter-wide road, based on the recommended application rate of 0.9 to 1.2 liters per m2.

It is interesting to note that only a small amount is required to significantly prolong the effectiveness of the product.

Calcium chloride in nine questions

Well aware that informed customers will benefit from the effectiveness of the product, we made a list of frequently asked questions to help with your calcium chloride purchase. 

Somavrac C.C. specializes in the sale and distribution of calcium chloride, an effective dust suppressant and de-icer. Calcium chloride is available in liquid (35% concentration) or solid (85% concentration flakes) form. In winter, calcium chloride can be mixed with abrasives or road salt to improve handling and performance. A corrosion inhibitor can be added to its liquid form to significantly reduce corrosion on equipment, cars, etc.

1. Where does the calcium chloride sold by Somavrac C.C. come from?

Calcium chloride is made from natural brine (salt water), which has been buried in the soil for millions of years. This natural brine is then purified in order to extract only the calcium chloride molecules from the water solution. It is then ready for commercial distribution. Thus, by evaporating calcium chloride brine, calcium chloride is produced in 85% concentrated flakes or 90% concentrated pellets.

2. Why is it better to wet the road before spreading calcium chloride flakes?

Wetting the road helps the product melt and quickens its activation. It also improves the penetration of calcium chloride into the gravel and reduces product loss from vehicle traffic.

3. When should the road be wet?

Before spreading the product and/or during a dry period to reactivate it.

4. Is calcium chloride more effective in liquid or solid form?

Both products offer the same results given equivalent application rates. Depending on the equipment available and your budget, either form can meet your needs.

5. What level of calcium chloride does Environment Canada recommend for successful dust control?

– Flakes: 2 metric tons/km
– Liquid: 3,600 liters/km

6. On what width?

4 meters or full width.

7. Why should we change our application rate?

– Type of road (municipal, forest, private access, etc.)
– Its usage (daily traffic)
– Natural environment (hours of sunshine)
– Addition of gravel

8. Is it important to apply the minimum rate per kilometer?

Yes – it increases performance and yields a better residual rate.

9. What influences the performance of a dust suppressant?

– Road preparation before treatment
– Traffic density
– Weather
– Application rate of dust suppressor

In terms of traffic impact, one float trailer is equivalent to 13,000 cars. This highlights the importance of the minimum application rate of calcium chloride per kilometer, even on roads where traffic is not very dense.

We hope this article helps with your next purchase of a dust suppressant, de-icer, tire ballast, or other product.

How calcium chloride helps to optimize mining activities

Worker in lignite mine

More or better? That’s what you should be asking if you want to increase production volumes in an environmentally friendly way and with stricter health and safety standards.

It turns out that using calcium chloride can optimize and even increase the quality of drilling, crushing and transport activities while maintaining high HSE (health, safety and environment) standards. Here are six ways calcium chloride can improve mining operations.

1. Easier drilling activities in winter

Soil can become extremely difficult to drill in winter, given the freezing and/or geographic location of certain mines (permafrost). Calcium chloride works by releasing heat in contact with snow or ice, which helps to “soften” the soil and thus facilitate drilling or crushing operations

2. Reduction of dust emissions during crushing activities

Crushing and stacking activities can generate a significant amount of dust, which can be harmful to the environment and to the health and safety of employees assigned to these tasks. To limit or even prevent damage, Somavrac C.C. recommends the use of a high-performance calcium chloride dust suppressant.

3. Seasonal treatments for gravel roads

Somavrac C.C suggests using a liquid dust suppressant in the summertime, as this type of product traps dust on gravel roads, thereby increasing visibility on roads with high heavy-vehicle traffic.
In winter, Somavrac C.C advises mining companies to use calcium chloride de-icers for gravel roads. Unlike salt de-icers, calcium chloride doesn’t create potholes on gravel roads.

4. Reduced ore carryback during rail transport

Ore tends to stick to wagons and trucks during transportation, creating deposits. This results in long-term efficiency losses, since these deposits return to the operating sites. To counter this, Somavrac C.C. offers a liquid industrial non-stick formula. The product creates a liquid barrier between the wagon and the ore, which allows the ore to slide out during unloading.

5. De-icing treatment during rail transport in winter

When the temperature drops below zero, ore tends to freeze, which makes unloading difficult. Somavrac C.C. recommends spraying liquid de-icers on the ore prior to loading to help keep ore malleable in extreme cold conditions.

6. Waste water treatments

Calcium chloride is frequently used to control the pH of water, which can be necessary to reduce the toxicity of water used in various mining operations.