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How the Snowdrop Inspired Aviation Deicing Technology

By Kilfrost

October 27th, 2024

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Jerry Lewis, Chief Technical Officer at Kilfrost and Co-Chair of the SAE International G-12 Aircraft Deicing Fluid Committee, takes us through the evolution of aircraft deicing fluids and how Kilfrost has led the way in aviation safety.

Back in the 1930s, aviation faced serious winter challenges. Ice buildup on aircraft reduced lift and control, posing major safety risks. Joseph Halbert, Kilfrost’s founder, revolutionised aviation safety by developing the first commercial aircraft deicer. His breakthrough was inspired by the snowdrop, a flower that survives freezing temperatures by using antifreeze proteins (AFPs) to prevent ice formation. This discovery laid the groundwork for Kilfrost’s deicing solutions.

At Kilfrost, we’ve continued to build on Halbert’s legacy by developing cutting-edge aviation deicing fluids. Our products, including the industry-leading Kilfrost DF Plus and Kilfrost ABC-S Plus, ensure that aircraft are free from ice buildup during critical operations.

The importance of effective aviation deicers for safe take-off

Ice on an aircraft can reduce lift by up to 50% and increase drag by as much as 200%, which can cause serious problems when trying to take off safely. Early aviation deicers, such as Halbert’s first deicing fluid, used monopropylene glycol (MPG) to melt ice and prevent it from re-forming for a limited time. Kilfrost’s DF Plus is perfect for quick, effective ice removal but offers a shorter protection window compared to the more advanced anti-icing products now available.

Meeting the "clean wing" standard—where aircraft must be completely ice-free before take-off—is critical. To address this, we developed more advanced solutions, our anti-icing fluids.

How our anti-icing fluids keep you flying

Anti-icing fluids, such as Kilfrost ABC-K Plus and Kilfrost ABC-S Plus, provide longer-lasting protection by creating a thick layer of glycol on aircraft surfaces that prevents refreezing. These Type II and Type IV fluids contain advanced polymers like polyacrylates, which allow for extended protection even in freezing rain and snow.

The key to our fluids’ performance is holdover time—the amount of time the aircraft is protected before the fluid loses the effectiveness of refreezing protection. Our Kilfrost Type II and IV fluids offer longer holdover times, ensuring that aircraft stay protected from freezing conditions while taxiing to the runway.

One of the distinctive qualities of Kilfrost’s aviation anti-icers is their shear-thinning technology. Our anti-icing fluids stay thick while the aircraft is stationary, providing maximum protection, but thin out and flow off during take-off due to the speed of the airstream, ensuring the wings are free from either any frozen deposits or fluid residue that could interfere with aerodynamics. This balance between high viscosity at rest and flowability under stress is what makes our products so effective.

Leading the industry with aviation deicing standards

The SAE International G-12 Aircraft Ground Deicing Committee, which Kilfrost’s experts have long contributed to, established global standards for aviation deicers. These include AMS1424 and AMS1428, which specify how deicing and anti-icing fluids should perform under different conditions.

At Kilfrost, we ensure all our fluids meet these global benchmarks for safety and performance. We’re proud that our products are trusted by airlines and airports worldwide to keep aircraft safe during winter operations.

What’s next for Kilfrost’s deicing technology?

At Kilfrost, we’re always innovating.

Our R&D team is focused on refining shear-thinning properties to enhance holdover times while minimising the environmental impact of our products. We’re continually monitoring the most effective recycling methods and developing new ways to manage glycol to reduce the ecological footprint of deicing fluids.

From Joseph Halbert’s pioneering deicing work to today’s advanced Kilfrost aviation anti-icing technology, we remain committed to innovation and safety, ensuring that your aircraft stays protected no matter the weather.

To find out more about our range of aviation deicing and anti-icing fluids visit: https://kilfrost.com/aviation

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