Upgrade Your Salt Treatments: Build an Electric Calcium Chloride Spray Unit
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Transitioning to Liquid Salt
- Advantages of Liquid Calcium Chloride
- Gas vs Electric Models
- Building a 12 Volt Electric Calcium Chloride Spray Unit
- Spray Bar Design and Assembly
- Pump and Fittings
- Mounting the Unit
- Operation and Components
- Pump and Spray Handle
- Spray Bar and Tank Connection
- Transport and Storage
- Comparing Rock Salt and Liquid Calcium Chloride
- Cost Stability
- Effectiveness
- Pretreatment Capabilities
- Conclusion
- Resources
🚜 Building a 12 Volt Electric Calcium Chloride Spray Unit
Are you looking to upgrade your salt usage and increase the efficiency of your salt treatments? In this article, we will guide you step by step on how to build your own 12 volt electric calcium chloride spray unit. By transitioning to liquid salt, you can enjoy a more stable price and a product that is not as heavy as rock salt. We will explore the advantages of liquid calcium chloride, compare gas and electric models, and provide detailed instructions on building your own spray unit.
1. Transitioning to Liquid Salt
As salt usage in the industry continues to evolve, many professionals are shifting towards liquid salt for their pretreatment and post-treatment needs. Unlike rock salt, liquid calcium chloride offers price stability and a lighter alternative. With access to millions of gallons of liquid calcium chloride, it only made sense for us to explore building our own spray units.
2. Advantages of Liquid Calcium Chloride
Liquid calcium chloride provides several advantages over traditional rock salt. Firstly, it offers greater price stability as it is not heavily reliant on market fluctuations. This stability is crucial for salt-dependent industries. Additionally, liquid calcium chloride can be more effective in colder temperatures and requires far less quantity compared to rock salt. With the ability to pre-treat and post-treat efficiently, it has become a popular choice for many professionals in the field.
3. Gas vs Electric Models
When building your own spray unit, you have the option of choosing between gas and electric models. While both have their benefits, the electric model offers a quieter operation, making it suitable for condos and similar environments. Gas units, on the other hand, provide higher liquid output, making them an excellent choice for larger areas. We will focus on building a 12 volt electric calcium chloride spray unit in this article but keep in mind that a gas model can also be explored in the future.
4. Building a 12 Volt Electric Calcium Chloride Spray Unit
Spray Bar Design and Assembly
To begin building your spray unit, you will need a well-designed spray bar. We recommend using a piece of 2x2 tubing and a piece of 2x2 angle iron, which can be easily welded together. Ensuring that the metal portion of the spray bar extends the full length of the boom is essential for stability. Avoid using PVC pipes for the boom to prevent potential damage in cold temperatures. Threaded fittings can be used at the ends of the spray bar to allow for easy flushing of the system in case of debris.
Pump and Fittings
Choosing the right pump and fittings is crucial for the performance of your spray unit. The pump should handle both the intake from the tank and the output to the spray bar effectively. We recommend using a 2-inch cam lock fitting for the tank connection, along with a filter with a clear bowl to monitor potential debris. A teed section can be used to direct the flow to both the spray wand and the spray bar. Using a quarter-turn valve, you can easily shut off the spray bar and focus solely on the spray wand if needed.
Mounting the Unit
To ensure stability and a professional look, we suggest mounting the pump and other hardware on a board or steel plate. This allows for easy installation and detachment as needed. U-bolts can be used to secure the unit in place, providing a reliable and secure platform for your spray unit.
5. Operation and Components
Now that your spray unit is assembled, let's discuss its operation and various components. The 12-volt pump powers the entire system, delivering the liquid calcium chloride to either the spray bar or the spray wand. The spray handle offers control and precision, allowing you to treat specific areas such as sidewalks. A quarter-turn valve at the bottom of the tank enables easy shut-off during transport, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
6. Comparing Rock Salt and Liquid Calcium Chloride
To further understand the benefits of using liquid calcium chloride, let's compare it to traditional rock salt in terms of cost stability, effectiveness, and pretreatment capabilities.
Cost Stability
Rock salt prices can experience significant fluctuations due to market conditions and availability. In contrast, liquid calcium chloride offers more stable pricing, allowing businesses to have better control over their expenses.
Effectiveness
Liquid calcium chloride has proven to be more effective in colder temperatures compared to rock salt. It requires less quantity while achieving better results, making it an efficient choice for snow and ice control.
Pretreatment Capabilities
One of the significant advantages of liquid calcium chloride is its ability to pretreat surfaces before a snow event. This proactive approach helps prevent ice and snow from bonding to the surface, making removal easier and reducing the need for excessive salt usage.
7. Conclusion
Building your own 12 volt electric calcium chloride spray unit can greatly enhance your snow and ice control efforts. By transitioning to liquid salt, you can enjoy a more stable pricing structure and effective treatment for various surfaces. Whether you choose an electric or gas model, the benefits of switching to liquid calcium chloride are undeniable. Upgrade your salt treatments today and experience the advantages firsthand.
8. Resources
For more information, tools, and materials needed to build your own 12 volt electric calcium chloride spray unit, please refer to the following resources:
- Pump and fittings: [Amazon Affiliate Link 1]
- Spray bar materials: [Amazon Affiliate Link 2]
- Mounting hardware: [Amazon Affiliate Link 3]
- Wire harness: [Amazon Affiliate Link 4]
Highlights:
- Building a 12 volt electric calcium chloride spray unit
- Transitioning to liquid salt for snow and ice control
- Advantages of liquid calcium chloride over rock salt
- Comparing gas and electric models for spray units
- Detailed instructions on spray unit assembly and components
- The operation and functionality of the 12 volt electric spray unit
- Cost stability, effectiveness, and pretreatment capabilities of liquid calcium chloride versus rock salt
FAQs
Q: Can I use the spray unit for pretreatment and post-treatment?
A: Yes, the 12 volt electric calcium chloride spray unit is designed to handle both pretreatment and post-treatment tasks effectively.
Q: How much liquid calcium chloride does the pump output?
A: The pump's output will vary depending on the specific model and setup. It is recommended to choose a pump that can deliver at least 20-23 gallons per minute for optimal performance.
Q: Can I use the spray unit for residential areas?
A: Absolutely! The 12 volt electric spray unit is suitable for various settings, including residential areas, thanks to its quiet operation and precise control.
Q: How do I clean the system if debris gets in?
A: The spray bar is designed with threaded fittings for easy removal and quick flushing of the system. Simply unscrew the fittings and rinse out any debris that may have accumulated.
Q: Are there any safety precautions to consider while operating the spray unit?
A: It is essential to follow all safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer to ensure the safe operation of the spray unit. This may include using protective gear, such as goggles or gloves, and avoiding direct contact with the liquid calcium chloride.
Q: Where can I find the materials and tools needed to build the spray unit?
A: A list of resources, including Amazon affiliate links, is provided at the end of this article for easy access to the necessary materials and tools.
