Genetic Enhancement of an Anti-Freeze Protein for use as a Substitute for Ethylene Glycol for Aircraft Anti-icing
Abstract
Traditional anti-icing agents are either propylene or ethylene glycol. Glycols are effective in lowering the freezing point of water mixtures by the phenomenon of freezing point depression based solely on the molal concentration. The key environmental concerns with respect to use of ice control fluids are BOD loading and toxicity (human/mammalian and aquatic) resulting in extensive costs associated with the collection and cleanup associated with their use. For example, at Griffith AFB, NY, the use of glycols as a deicing fluid for aircraft has resulted in ground water cleanup programs costing over $8.2M. Additionally, an Air Force policy has been issued banning future purchase of ethylene glycol. Glycol based anti-icing agents are effective in lowering the freezing point of water mixtures by the phenomenon of freezing point depression. The magnitude of the freezing point depression of a given material is dependent on the amount of the material (solute), present in the solution (water) but not on its nature, and therefore freezing point depression is called a "colligative property", denoting "depending on the collection".
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA611472
Entities
People
- John L. Henry