Formic acid is a high-quality intermediate used in a broad range of applications. In animal nutrition, for example, it is used as a feed preservative. Potassium formate, a salt of formic acid, is an environmentally acceptable and highly efficient de-icing agent used on roads and airport runways. Both formic acid and potassium formate are also used in the oilfield industry as part of the drilling and completion process, as well as in shale gas exploration. Moreover, formic acid is a powerful descaling agent and disinfectant.