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
Mar 04, 2013
Accession Number
ADA600423

Entities

People

  • James Davila
  • Mary Wyderski

Organizations

  • Air Force Materiel Command

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Air Platforms
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Biochemical Oxygen Demand
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Science
  • Materials Testing
  • Measurement
  • Mechanics
  • Military Aircraft
  • Polymer Matrix Composites
  • Tensile Strength
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Facilities
  • Test Methods

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Agricultural Chemistry/Soil Science