In frost conditions, aircraft and runways at airports are freed from ice and snow shortly before take-off. This reduces the aircraft's weight and avoids unfavorable aerodynamics, which is reflected in cost reduction and assurance of safety standards. Deicing usually takes place at special locations on 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 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® Sound velocity measurement in deicing fluid
Application
The deicing fluid consists of a mixture of water with ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, with the mixing ratio usually between 50% and 80% glycol. The desired concentration of the mixture is adjusted 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. Concentration measurement takes place here. Depending on the residual concentration, ADL is recycled (e.g., from over 1%) or discharged into the wastewater system. With the help of the LiquiSonic® sensors the residual concentration of the deicing agent can be precisely determined, and further processing can be decided.
Installation
LiquiSonic® sensors can be easily installed in transport lines or collection lines as well as directly in the collection tanks. In particular, sensor lengths of up to 4 meters can be realized for the collection tank. The LiquiSonic® Controller 30 can be connected to up to 4 sensors. This makes it possible to monitor several de-icing locations simultaneously. The maximum distance between the controller and the sensor is 1000 m and can be extended if necessary.
Typical measurement 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 measurement technology LiquiSonic® the exact concentration of ADL can be monitored. LiquiSonic® enables a reduction of costly TOC (total organic carbon) laboratory measurements.
The continuous monitoring of the ADL concentration in wastewater (degree of contamination) ensures compliance with water protection regulations at all times. At the same time, costs are reduced by targeted introduction into the recycling plant.
