In frost conditions, aircraft and runways are cleared of ice and snow at airports shortly before takeoff. This reduces the aircraft's weight and avoids unfavorable aerodynamics, resulting in cost savings and ensuring safety standards. Deicing usually takes place at special areas of the airfield where ADL (Aircraft Deicing Liquid) is sprayed onto the aircraft. ADL is a mixture of propylene glycol or ethylene glycol with water and is used at temperatures down to below -25 °C.
For better surface adhesion to the aircraft, ADL is additionally mixed with thickeners. This provides the deicing fluid with protection against refreezing. Depending on the aircraft type and weather situation, different ADL types and concentrations are used.
LiquiSonic® Sonic velocity measurement in deicing fluids
Application
The deicing fluid consists of a mixture of water with ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, with the mixing ratio usually being 50% to 80% glycol. The desired concentration of the mixture is achieved on-site. The LiquiSonic measurement system®enables inline concentration measurement of the deicing fluid, allowing the target concentration to be set precisely.
During the deicing process, ADL mixes with surface water and snow, is collected in underground channels, and directed into collection tanks. Here, concentration measurement takes place. Depending on the residual concentration, ADL is either recycled (e.g., from over 1%) or discharged into the wastewater system. With the help of LiquiSonic® sensors the residual concentration of the deicing agent can be determined precisely, allowing for further processing decisions.
Installation
LiquiSonic® sensors can be easily installed in transport lines or collection lines as well as directly in the collection basins. In particular, sensor lengths of up to 4 meters can be realized for the collection basin. The LiquiSonic® Controller 30 can be connected to up to 4 sensors. This makes it possible to monitor several de-icing areas simultaneously. The maximum distance between the controller and the sensor is 1000 m and can be extended if necessary.
Typical measuring range:
Concentration range: 0 to 50 m%
Temperature range: -15 to 30 °C
Typical de-icing agents:
- Propylene glycol
- Safewing MP I Eco, MP II Flight, MP III Eco and MP IV Launch
- Kilfrost Type I, II and IV
- Safeway and runway (runway de-icing)
Customer benefits
With the inline measuring technology LiquiSonic® the exact concentration of ADL can be monitored. LiquiSonic® enables a reduction of complex TOC (total organic carbon) laboratory measurements.
The continuous monitoring of ADL concentration in wastewater (pollution level) ensures compliance with water protection regulations at all times. At the same time, costs are reduced by targeted introduction into the recycling plant.
