03-04-2025

Optimal de-icing begins with reliable storage solutions

When temperatures drop below freezing, every minute counts. Road managers who cannot deploy within 30 minutes risk unsafe roads and accidents. Effective de-icing therefore begins not on the road, but at your storage facilities, where spreading salt and brine must be ready for use at all times—regardless of circumstances.

The challenges of salt storage

Spreading salt and brine are natural enemies of conventional metal storage systems. In practice, we regularly see silos showing severe corrosion damage after just 5-7 years, despite being designed for a lifespan of 15+ years. Even stainless steel cannot withstand the aggressive effects of salt solutions on connection pieces and moving parts. Additionally, condensation in the silo can lead to bridging of the salt, preventing proper flow. This creates operational problems precisely when you need the material most.

The solution lies in corrosion-resistant storage systems specifically designed for the challenging properties of de-icing materials.

Advantages of composites for salt storage

Composite (GRP) offers significant advantages for storing spreading salt and brine:

• Absolute corrosion resistance: Unlike metal or concrete, salt does not attack the molecular structure of composite—even after decades of intensive use
• Seamless construction: The smooth, seamless inner wall ensures optimal product discharge
• Superior insulation: The natural insulating properties reduce condensation and prevent bridging
• Long lifespan: Minimal maintenance and exceptional durability mean lower total ownership costs

Wet salt technology: more efficient and environmentally friendly

The transition to wet salt technology is a game-changer in modern de-icing. By pre-mixing dry salt with brine, the thawing reaction is activated up to 15 minutes faster. Moreover, the spreading amount can be reduced by 20-30% with equal effectiveness, resulting in less environmental impact and lower costs.

This advanced method requires both salt silos and brine tanks, often in combination with salt dissolving systems. The complete system ensures an efficient, environmentally responsible approach to de-icing.

Customized solutions for every situation

Your specific situation requires an appropriate solution:

• For municipalities: Compact systems that fit within existing municipal yards, with quick access for spreading vehicles
• For provincial services: High-capacity systems that can handle peak moments when the entire road network needs treatment simultaneously
• For private enterprises: Cost-efficient, scalable solutions that guarantee safety without excess capacity

A complete system can consist of:

• Fixed silos with capacities from 20 to 250 m³
• Mobile silos for locations where a permanent installation is not possible
• Brine tanks in vertical or horizontal designs (20 to 300 m³)
• Salt dissolving systems for making brine
• Associated platforms, drainage systems, and filling installations

Periodic Inspection

Prevention is always more advantageous than repair. An expert check costs only a fraction of what a failure during a winter peak can cost you—not only in repair costs but especially in operational delays when safety is at stake. With a periodic expert check, you can ensure your system always remains functioning reliably. This inspection includes:

✅ Thorough inspection of all components

✅ Measurement of wall thickness and material strength

✅ Evaluation of ventilation provisions

✅ Inventory of any wear or damage

✅ Professional advice on maintenance and optimization

By including an expert check in your maintenance plan, you ensure operational safety and maximize the lifespan of your investment.

Choosing the right partner

You can recognize the right partner for your de-icing solutions by:

1. Proven results – Ask for reference projects that have been operational for at least 10 years
2. Turnkey thinking – A partner who not only delivers but thinks along about the entire process of de-icing
3. Quality certification – Look for ISO certifications specific to composite processing
4. Service orientation – Good support during the winter season is not a luxury but a necessity
5. Innovation capacity – A partner who invests in R&D for increasingly sustainable solutions

Composite silos and tanks remain the gold standard for salt and brine storage, with their unique combination of durability, functionality, and low maintenance costs. With the right systems, you're not only investing in safe roads but also in a long-term solution that continues to function reliably year after year, even under the most challenging winter conditions.

Are you ready for the next winter period? Let one of our specialists analyze your current situation without obligation. In a brief conversation, we'll map out your specific challenges and advise on possible optimizations—often achievable before the first frost. Contact us today for a free consultation.