Dow Introduces UCAR™ DEGree™ Aircraft Deicing Fluid
At the 2001 Society of Aircraft Engineers trade show in Orlando, The Dow Chemical Company will introduce UCAR™ DEGree™ Aircraft Deicing Fluid (ADF), which provides an outstanding range of operational use temperatures and has the lowest effect on dissolved oxygen depletion in waterways.
UCAR DEGree ADF is an inhibited glycol-based fluid designed to effectively facilitate ice, snow and frost removal from exterior surfaces of aircraft. Because even small amounts of roughness caused by ice, snow or frost can disrupt air flow over the aircraft surfaces and impair aircraft maneuverability, an effective deicing process, using products such as UCAR DEGree, is imperative.
UCAR DEGree ADF is designed to flow easily from aircraft surfaces during takeoff and to minimize effects on aerodynamic performance at low temperatures. As long as the freezing point buffer is met, a UCAR DEGree ADF with a 44.7° Brix refraction or less conforms to the high-speed aerodynamic test above -36.5°C (-33.7°F) and to the low-speed aerodynamic acceptance test above -33.5°C (-28.3°F). UCAR DEGree aqueous dilutions with refraction above 44.7° Brix must not be used because the aerodynamic properties have not been determined. See Appendix A for further information about operational use temperatures.
UCAR DEGree ADF contains wetting agents that facilitate the uniform wetting and spreading of aqueous dilutions of the fluid on the surface of the aircraft when used in accordance with appropriate application procedures. Thorough coverage of aircraft surfaces by the deicing fluid is necessary to eliminate all frozen accumulations and prevent the freezing of residual fluid on aircraft surfaces. In addition, an orange dye is added to the fluid to act as a visual aid, assisting the application and detection of the fluid on aircraft surfaces.
"UCAR DEGree ADF offers the industry an effective deicing fluid with significant operational latitude and a very low BOD," states Warren Hoppmeyer, Marketing Manager for Dow Aircraft Deicing Fluids. "Additionally, UCAR DEGree ADF is cost effective when compared to some fluids."
UCAR DEGree ADF is supplied in concentrated form and contains approximately 88% by weight diethylene glycol. The fluid has a true freezing point of approximately -65°C (-85°F). UCAR DEGree ADF Concentrate must be mixed with the proper amount of water to create a UCAR DEGree ADF solution for the desired freezing point. Frequent determinations of the freezing point of UCAR DEGree ADF aqueous solutions are mandatory to ensure that the desired freezing point is maintained. Measuring the liquid's refraction can effectively monitor the freezing point of the solution. The magnitude of the refraction is related to the concentration of diethylene glycol contained in the solution, and consequently, to the deicing fluid freezing point. As the concentration of UCAR DEGree ADF Concentrate is increased from 0 to 70 percent by volume, the freezing point significantly decreases.
UCAR DEGree ADF causes less depletion of dissolved oxygen waterways than other commercially available deicing fluids and it is readily biodegradable in conventional wastewater treatment plants. Low temperatures and increased dilution from stormwater flow during periods of deicer use generally tend to minimize adverse effects on dissolved oxygen levels and aquatic life.
UCAR DEGree ADF conforms to all technical requirements of the Society of Automotive Engineers Aerospace Material Specification (SAE AMS) 1424 for Aircraft Deicing/Anti-icing Fluid SAE Type I. Copies of certificates of conformance issued by independent laboratories are available upon request.
UCAR DEGree ADF is just one of the lines of aircraft deicing fluids now available from The Dow Chemical Company. Dow gained the UCAR ADF product line through the company's recent merger with Union Carbide Corporation.
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