De-Icer (Green Type IV) fluid in action... With all the talk recently on Big Jet TV about De-Icer application and types, I thought I’d share this clip with you.
This is my departure out of LHR on the way to Madrid back in January.
The aircraft was deiced at the gate (sorry, I missed the application procedure 😕)
As you’ll see, as we pick-up speed, the fluid is relatively quick to disperse, simply (and obviously) due to acceleration.
This (Green) Type IV is to control any build-up of ice whilst the aircraft is at gate and during taxi from gate to runway, which can sometimes be a lengthy taxi.
The type is typically dyed green to aid in the application of a consistent layer across the surfaces and, like I say, will remain adhered until the aircraft reaches a certain velocity - usually around 100 knots, when it will start to break-down.
The scientists are very clever, with some of the more ‘extreme’ applications, there is a certain amount of the fluid that ‘sticks’ to the surface, maintaining it’s effectiveness for longer, stopping the formation of Ice (anti icing) and maintaining full movement of the flaps and other moving surfaces, particularly in extreme cold weather conditions.
There are a number of ‘types’ of De-Ice fluid. Depending on the severity of the conditions, some types are thicker than other, depending on conditions and coloured Orange, Red, Yellow, Green etc. Sometimes, in real extreme conditions, a secondary coating will be applied if the aircraft has been delayed. Like the type they’ve been using in Canada, which is an extremely high-vis green type
All the main wing surfaces will be covered, particularly wings and empennage. This ensures that all moving parts can move freely and that there is no build-up of ice, which can, and will effect airflow over the wing and subsequently reduce aerodynamic lift.
From Wiki....
The main component of deicing fluid is a freezing point depressant (FPD), usually propylene glycol or ethylene glycol. Other ingredients vary depending on the manufacturer, but the exact composition of a particular brand of fluid is generally held as confidential proprietary information.
Interesting stuff 👍🏻
Jerry
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