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Icy roads can be sprayed to keep them clear
Natural liquid concentrate derived from agricultural processes
A recent trial by Transport Scotland has demonstrated a new way to tackle dangerous conditions on the national road network by using ECO-THAW, a natural liquid concentrate derived from agricultural processes. It has been used on roads to reduce the impact of snow and ice in severe weather conditions, with positive results.
The liquid was trialed on roads in Aberdeenshire earlier in January and is said to be successfully used in countries that manage severe weather conditions every year. This is one of the first times the product has been used in Scotland, and initial results show how it can provide effective treatment of UK roads down to temperatures of minus 20 degrees.
The product is environmentally friendly, non-toxic to vegetation and has been approved by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA). It is designed to be used directly to road surfaces or can be added to salt for traditional application.
Conventional mixtures of salt are ineffective at treating iced roads when temperatures plunge below -8C, and this winter many parts of the UK have already experienced lows of -20C. When added directly to salt, the cost of deploying ECO-THAW is claimed to be minimal compared to the expense of gridlock on the roads and the resulting effects on the economy.
The trial of the product as a direct liquid in Aberdeenshire is part of a new Scottish Government winter transport plan. Together with their operating company BEAR Scotland, Aberdeenshire Council and the product manufactire manufacturer, Innovative Global Products Limited, the national transport agency apparently was delighted with the results of the trials.
Transport Minister Keith Brown, says: “Last December was the coldest for 100 years and although we’re currently experiencing more normal winter weather, we must prepare and improve our winter resilience. By carrying out innovative trials such as this, we can take the necessary steps to deal efficiently with future severe winter weather events.”
The versatility of the product allows it to be spread using many different forms of applicator, to match existing methods and locations – be it trunk roads, local roads, cycleway, footways or car parks. Similarly it can be used to compliment more traditional and existing freezing point depressants (or de-icers) in falling temperatures without any additional cost or capital investment.
More information: www.innovativeglobal.net
One Response to “Icy roads can be sprayed to keep them clear”
ecoadmin says:
There has been no mention of costs compared with road salt! But if this technique is a positive alternative it could be one answer to icy road and, no doubt, much easier to store?