Technical field guide

Salt Application Rate Basics

Measured application begins with product information, equipment calibration, treatment width and ground speed.

A controller setting is not a measured rate

Material characteristics, gate position, speed and equipment condition all affect output. Calibration relates measured discharge to the area actually treated.

Keep a calibration record

• Equipment, material and date.
• Measured output using the manufacturer’s procedure.
• Speed, effective treatment width and units.
• Controller setting, adjustments and operator.
• Conditions that require another check.

Check the units

Confirm whether the target is per unit of distance or area and whether the controller uses metric or imperial units. Do not transfer settings between machines. Follow product and equipment documentation for actual rates.

Document conditions

Review the forecast, pavement temperature, surface condition, drainage and product label. Record what was applied, where and when. Reassess after traffic, precipitation or temperature changes.

Build a repeatable process

• Define the treatment objective before choosing material
• Use equipment suited to the target surface
• Calibrate output instead of relying on a dial position
• Inspect results and document changing conditions