Demonstrate a Low Biochemical Oxygen Demand Aircraft Deicing Fluid

Abstract

Aircraft deicing fluids are required to remove frozen precipitation from aircraft prior to flight, ensuring mission capability in winter conditions. The primary component in conventional fluids is propylene glycol (PG), which can exhibit a high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) when it degrades. The aim of this demonstration was to investigate whether one reduced PG aircraft deicing fluid, EcoFlo (and later EcoFlo II), was effective at deicing aircraft while having no negative effects on flight performance, operational safety and aircraft materials. Evaluation included laboratory testing for compatibility with military aircraft materials, wind tunnel testing for fluid residue concerns (blurring windows/optical ports and leaving slippery surfaces), and an aircraft demonstration for effective and safe removal of frozen precipitation. The demonstration indicated that residue issues are still an obstruction to implementation and further reformulation and improvement must be considered.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2013
Accession Number
AD1029937

Entities

People

  • James Davila
  • Mary Wyderski

Organizations

  • Air Force Materiel Command

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Biochemical Oxygen Demand
  • Chemistry
  • Composite Materials
  • Glass Transition Temperature
  • Materials
  • Materials Testing
  • Military Aircraft
  • National Guard
  • Polymer Matrix Composites
  • Propylene Glycol
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Methods
  • Transition Temperature
  • Wind Tunnel Tests
  • Wind Tunnels

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry