What is AUTOBrine®? Here we will answer this question and other questions about the AUTOBrine® System, manufactured , sold and installed by The Cope Company Salt. If you have any other questions, visit AUTOBrine.com or email us.
- How long has the company been installing AUTOBrine® Systems?
- Since 1989, over 200 systems have been installed and over 98% are still in operation today.
- What volume of salt use warrants a system?
- Annual usage above 24 tons provides the best justification to install a system. However, some customers with less volume have installed the system for safety and environmental reasons. If you are interested in what size system you would need, click here.
- Do you need a permit to install an AUTOBrine® System?
- No municipality has ever required a permit. If a permit was required, the Cope Company Salt would handle the submissions.
- How long does it take to install a system?
- Typically it takes 3-7 business days to install a system. It could take longer if there are multiple systems to connect or a long distance of piping required.
- Does an AUTOBrine® System change the operation of the water softeners?
- A water softener has a day tank where salt is combined with water before it is drawn into the water softener. The AUTOBrine®
System connects with your existing day tank, not the water softener, so there is no impact on your water softener. - Is the scale on your truck registered with the state?
- The scale is a patented scale that is registered with DOT and is calibrated by a third party every six months.
- How often does the AUTOBrine®tank need to be cleaned?
- The Cope Company Salt will take care of cleaning the tank when needed. The frequency is based on salt usage. Based on a typical use of salt, the tank will need to be cleaned every 2-3 years.
- Has an AUTOBrine® tank ever leaked?
- We have never had a tank leak. We have had a pipe break due to an unrelated sinkhole that developed. Brine is a non-hazardous material, so recovery of material is not needed or required.
- How does the price for loose salt/brine compare to the price of bagged salt?
- Price will depend on your volume and location. Some customers achieve a cost savings in salt, and all customers achieve a cost savings in labor and waste as well as improved safety and environmental impact.
- What is brine?
- Brine is water saturated with a salt, usually sodium chloride. It can be used in the water-softening process or pre-wetting process to prevent ice and snow from adhering to a sidewalk or roadway.
- Is brine considered a hazardous material?
- Sodium is found naturally in the earth and oceans, and is not considered a hazardous material.
- Will brine freeze in my outside tank?
- Brine in thin layers will start to freeze at 15° F, but due to the volume of brine in the tank and the movement created from drawing into the day tank, much colder temperatures for a long period of time would be required. Since 2007, when we started installing the above-ground liquid system, we have not had any system freeze. If this a concern, heat wraps can be installed.