In case of frost, aircraft and runways are cleared of ice and snow shortly before takeoff at airports. This reduces the aircraft weight and avoids unfavorable aerodynamics, which results in cost reduction and ensures safety standards. Deicing usually takes place at special areas of the airfield, where the 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 on the aircraft, the 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 being 50% to 80% glycol. The desired concentration of the mixture is achieved on site. The Measuring system LiquiSonic®enables an inline concentration measurement of the de-icing fluid, allowing the target concentration to be set precisely.
During the de-icing process, the ADL mixes with surface water and snow, is collected in underground channels, and directed into collection tanks. Here, the concentration measurement takes place. Depending on the residual concentration, the 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 de-icing agent can be precisely determined, and further processing can be decided.
Installation
LiquiSonic® sensors can be easily installed in transport or collection pipes as well as directly in the collection basins. In particular, sensor lengths of up to 4 m 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 spots 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 elaborate TOC (total organic carbon) laboratory measurements.
The continuous monitoring of the 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.
