The Municipal Department (MA) 48 is responsible for a total of 2,800 km of road network, including cycle paths, in the Vienna city area. This also includes very demanding sections, such as the bridges over the arms of the Danube. During a full operation, approx. 300 vehicles from small to large are in use. Among them are Stratos Combi Soliq spreaders mounted on 3-axle trucks with dual-liquid function. "About 10 years ago, we started switching from dual-chamber spreaders to liquid spreaders. Our aim is to keep the use of gritting materials as low as possible while achieving optimum results to keep roads and cycle paths safe, even in the harshest winter months," says engineer Dr. Peter Nutz.
Dry salt and brine - the mix makes the difference
Practical experience has shown that increasing the brine content from 30% to 50%, simultaneously reducing the dry salt content from 70% to 50% and, in particular, pure liquid spreading have positive effects on the spreading pattern. In addition, the thawing effect occurs much faster and the lay times of the spreading material are extended. "Therefore, we prefer the use of FS 100 whenever possible, which leads to a saving of dry salt," says engineer Dr. Peter Nutz.
In addition to flexibility in spreading use, changeover times are also an important factor for MA48 when procuring new spreading equipment. "We have to be able to react quickly to changing weather conditions. The Adriatic low in our area often brings a lot of snow quickly at once. These weather changes are difficult to predict. If we suddenly have to change 50 machines at that time, the winter service would collapse. Therefore, all new combination spreaders should be capable of spreading FS 50 and have a spray bar," explains engineer Dr. Peter Nutz.
Push of a button instead of change of equipment
Stratos Combi Soliq units equipped with a dual-liquid function feature separate tanks and adapted control software. This means that two deicing agents can be carried. The driver can conveniently change the deicing agent at the push of a button in the cab. On one route, therefore, road sections can be gritted with FS 50 and sensitive areas can be sprayed with an alternative deicing material. "By combining different methods and spreading agents, we are more economical. We save on changing equipment and can switch between deicing agents at any time, which is more efficient and economical overall," says engineer Dr. Peter Nutz.
We would like to thank engineer Dr. Peter Nutz and MA48 for the insight into practice.
Would you like to learn more about the Dual Liquid function on spreaders? Then get in touch with your local Aebi Schmidt sales consultants.