Modern aircraft are equipped to operate in a wide variety of conditions, including extreme weather and temperature. For each of these parameters, the plane is fitted with particular assets that help support its function in spite of such stressors. Cold conditions, particularly those which create a snowy or icy environment, are handled using a deicing protocol. In this blog, we will discuss the risks associated with operating in a freezing setting, and how deicing mitigates those risks.
Several types of ice can deposit on the structure of an aircraft, including rime, clear, and mixed variations, all of which present similar issues regarding safety and performance. Primarily, structural ice accumulation leads to a reduction in aerodynamic capacity and increased weight. Both of these factors contribute to increased drag and diminished. If ice persists at the leading edge of a wing, it will lower the angle of attack at which a stall can occur, requiring the plane to speed up to maintain even flight. Another less appreciated characteristic of icing is its impact on visibility. The windscreen is particularly vulnerable to the effects of frost, and even a minute amount of ice can make it difficult for the pilot to distinguish between critical landmarks.
Before deicing protocol can be initiated, the maintenance and flight crew must carefully inspect the entirety of the vessel to identify which areas require treatment. This inspection should include every flight surface, including the wings, elevators, and rudders, in addition to the fuselage. The engine inlets and fan blades should also be thoroughly assessed, as frost accumulation on these elements could lead to devastating failure. Finally, all pitot and static ports should be examined, as any blockage would provide the flight deck with incorrect information.
Once the aircraft has been looked over, personnel will decide upon a deicing or anti-icing protocol. Unlike deicing which facilitates the removal of contamination already deposited on the plane, anti-icing is a preventative measure that involves treating surfaces so that ice does not deposit as readily. Both of these strategies require the aircraft to be sprayed with a particular mixture of chemicals which differ based on the application. For example, type-1 deicing fluid consists of low-viscosity propylene glycol (PG) which is an organic compound that acts as a freezing point depressant. In addition to the water solvent, manufacturers typically include other compounds in a proprietary mixture.
Type-4 anti-icing fluids comprise a polymeric thickening agent that prevents the buildup of snow and ice when applied to aircraft surfaces. Although more viscous than their deicing counterparts, type-4 fluids are designed to break down through the application of shear stress at higher speeds. While very efficacious in treating larger aircraft, type-4 fluid cannot be used on smaller vessels that cannot reach the speed necessary to facilitate removal. This long-lasting agent is often mixed with additives, such as benzotriazole, alkylphenol, and dyes. Benzotriazole provides anti-corrosive effects, while alkylphenol is used to reduce surface tension. Meanwhile, organic dyes are implemented to increase the fluid's visibility, making it easier to identify and clean residuals.
Integrated Supply Chain is a leading distributor of deicing and anti-icing components for the civil and defense aviation industries. Offering rapid lead times and competitive pricing on all of our products, customers are encouraged to browse our expansive inventory to find the exact item their operations call for. As an AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B accredited enterprise, we are steadfast in our commitment to providing customers with the highest-quality components possible. To achieve this, we regularly subject our inventory to deliberate testing and uphold a strict No-China Sourcing policy. If you would like to get started on the purchasing process today, simply complete an Instant RFQ form as found on our website, and one of our expert account managers will respond with a personalized quotation within 15 minutes or less.
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