Biodegradable De-icing Fluid Composition for Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing de-icing and anti-icing fluids for aircraft surfaces often contain triazole derivatives, ethoxylated alkyl phenol derivatives, nitrites, nitrates, and phosphates, which are environmentally harmful, and their components are not adequately selected, affecting holdover time and anti-corrosive activity, leading to instability and turbidity issues.
Innovation Solution
A three-component base composition of 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, and glycerol, along with carefully selected corrosion inhibitors, surfactants, pH buffers, anti-foaming agents, and thickeners, particularly using metasilicates and polyacrylic acid derivatives, to create Type I and Type II de-icing fluids that are biodegradable and provide effective corrosion protection without triazole derivatives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If triazole derivatives, ethoxylated alkyl phenol derivatives, nitrites, nitrates, and phosphates are used in de-icing fluids, then corrosion protection and de-icing effectiveness are improved, but environmental harm increases and stability issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes harmful substances (triazole derivatives, ethoxylated alkyl phenol derivatives, nitrites, nitrates, and phosphates) from the de-icing fluid composition while maintaining corrosion protection through alternative biodegradable components, directly resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and environmental harm
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by substituting traditional corrosion inhibitors with biodegradable alternatives, achieving both corrosion protection and environmental compatibility through modified chemical parameters
2Reliability
If traditional de-icing fluid components are used, then de-icing effectiveness is achieved, but holdover time and anti-corrosive activity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite formulation combining multiple biodegradable components (glycols, carboxylic acids, alcohols) that work synergistically to provide both immediate de-icing effectiveness and extended holdover time with sustained anti-corrosive activity
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid composition is designed to preemptively protect surfaces by forming a protective layer that prevents re-icing and corrosion over extended periods, addressing the insufficient holdover time through preliminary protective action
3Device complexity
If de-icing fluid components are not adequately selected, then formulation simplicity is maintained, but stability and turbidity issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes concentration parameters of each component within specific ranges to achieve formulation stability and prevent turbidity while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall composition approach
4Productivity
If Type I de-icing agents are used with high de-icing effectiveness, then ice removal capability is improved, but protection duration against re-icing decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid contains components that preemptively establish long-lasting protection against re-icing, allowing Type I agents to achieve both immediate de-icing effectiveness and extended protection duration through preliminary protective film formation
Solution Approach 2:
The composite formulation combines fast-acting de-icing components with long-duration protective agents, enabling simultaneous achievement of high de-icing effectiveness and extended protection against re-icing
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The fluids achieve high de-icing efficiency, long-lasting protection against re-icing, and excellent corrosion resistance for various metal alloys, meeting AMS standards with improved stability and reduced chemical oxygen demand, while being environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
fluids for the removal of or protection against icing are used to remove frost and ice before take-off and to prevent frost and icing during take-off
Implementation Method 2
comprising a combination of two surfactants, namely one non-ionic surfactant from the fatty alcohol group and a mixture of C 12 /C 14 fatty alcohols alkoxylated using a low-molecule alkyl oxide
Implementation Method 3
one corrosion inibitor: benzotriazole
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a Type I and Type II agent for removing and preventing icing, intended for use in the aviation industry to protect aircraft surfaces against icing, as well as in other industries such as the railway industry for de-icing or protection against icing of various large-size metal structures. The agent for removing and preventing icing, according to the invention, comprises a base composition consisting of 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol and glycerol, preferably from renewable sources, and additives such as non-ionic surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, a pH buffer, an anti-foam agent, a pH regulator, dyes, and water to make up to 100% w/w, and, optionally, a thickener.