Winter service in Saarland: Save salt with new technology!

Winter service in Saarland: Save salt with new technology!

With the start of the cold season, preparations for winter service come into focus. Those responsible in Cologne are also called upon to ensure safety on the streets. Loud SR.de Modern gritting vehicles are now able to use just three teaspoons of salt per square meter in moderate weather conditions. An innovative approach that not only increases efficiency, but also protects the environment.

This is where liquid scattering with the so-called “FS 100”, a highly concentrated salt solution, comes into play. This method enables a saving of up to 70 percent salt, which has both ecological and economic effects. Thanks to these technical advances, gritting vehicles can also travel faster, which optimizes the entire winter service.

Efficient resource planning

Around 5,500 tons of salt are currently stored in warehouses for the Saarland highways. In addition, there are 750 tons of brine, which are available at any time. In order to maximize operational readiness, six charging points have been set up for the 29 winter service trucks in Saarland. These trucks are constantly filled with brine and are therefore optimally prepared for winter service, which can be used around the clock if necessary.

But it's not just the amount of litter that's important. The need is determined through weather forecasts and black ice detection systems on the motorways. The vehicles can work for up to two hours at a time, after which they must return to base. A complete circuit takes around three hours - which is a huge challenge in the face of heavy snowfall, which can turn previously cleared routes back into wintry chaos.

Environmentally friendly alternatives

But winter service does not only bring logistical challenges. The use of road salt also has its downsides. Calculations show that salt water can affect water quality and have harmful health effects on plants and landscapes. Oehler GmbH highlights the importance of seeking more sustainable alternatives. Effective solutions include the use of biodegradable materials such as sand or granules that do not pollute groundwater.

In addition, there are innovative technologies that can reduce the ecological footprint of winter maintenance. Heated sidewalks and electrically powered snow removal vehicles help reduce the use of conventional road salt and reduce CO₂ emissions. Combining proven methods with new approaches could increase road safety in the long term while protecting the environment.

The challenges for the city of Cologne and its winter service teams are huge. However, modern technology, well-thought-out strategies and a careful eye on the environment ensure that the roads remain safe for everyone during the cold season.

The document on the practical applications of FS 100 can be found at FGSV Publishing can be viewed. With the right information and a solid strategy, there is a good chance that winter service can be implemented not only efficiently, but also in an environmentally friendly manner.