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Aircraft Deicing

In frost, the aircraft, runway and pavement must be kept free of snow and ice before the start. Aircraft deicing reduces the aircraft weight and prevents unfavorable aerodynamics, which is reflected in a price reduction and ensures high standards of quality and safety. At special deicing areas of the airfield, the ADL (aircraft deicing liquid) is sprayed on the aircraft. ADL is a mixture of propylene glycol or ethylene glycol with water and is used at temperatures up to below -25°C. 

For a better surface adhesion on the aircraft, the  deicing liquid is additionally mixed with thickeners. Thereby, the deicing liquid works as a protection against refreezing. Depending on the type of aircraft and the weather conditions, different types and  concentrations of ADL are used.

LiquiSonic® sonic velocity measurement in aircraft deicing liquid

Application

The deicing liquid is made from a mixture of water and ethylene glycol or propylene glycol in a ratio of 50 - 80 wt% glycol. The desired concentration of the mixture is controlled on site. The measuring system LiquiSonic®provides a precise inline concentration measurement of the deicing liquid, whereby the target concentration can be exactly adjusted. 

During the deicing process, the deicing liquid is mixed with surface water and snow. The diluted ADL is directed in underground channels and stored in  collection tanks. The concentration of the collection tank is inline monitored. Depending on the residual concentration, a deicing liquid recycling (>1%) or  discharge into the waste water system is initiated. 

By use of LiquiSonic® inline concentration analyzers, the residual concentration of the deicing liquid is  determined and further processing steps (distillation or waste water treatment) can be controlled.

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Installation

The LiquiSonic® sensor is installed in the transport pipelines (e.g. DN 50), collecting lines or reservoirs. Particularly in the reservoirs, sensors with a length up to 4 m can be installed. 

By using the LiquiSonic® controller 30, up to four sensors can be connected, allowing the simultaneous monitoring of several deicing zones. The maximum distance between controller and sensors of 1000 m can be extended, if necessary.

Typical measuring range:
concentration range: 0 to 50 wt%
temperature range: -15 to 30 °C 

Typical de-icing liquids are: 

  • propylene glycol
  • safewing MP I Eco, MP II Flight, MP III Eco and MP IV launch
  • Kilfrost Typ I, II and IV
  • Safeway and runway

Customer value

LiquiSonic® analyzers provide precise inline ADL concentration control with real-time monitoring. LiquiSonic®reduces expensive total organic carbon (TOC) lab measurements.