Air Canada is currently testing de-icing strips on its Airbus 320 aircraft.
The novel approach to removing ice could end traditional ways airlines have been removing ice from aircraft.
GROUND DE-ICING
De-icing is the process of removing surface frost, ice or frozen contaminants on aircraft surfaces before an aircraft takes off.
A common method used to achieve this is by spraying glycol or other fluids over the aircraft while it is on the ground.
This prevents even a small amount of surface frost or ice on aircraft surfaces from severely impacting flight performance.
Frozen contaminants on surfaces can also break off in flight, damaging engines or control surfaces.
DE-ICING FLUIDS
All airports in climates conducive to ground icing will have some kind of ground de-icing systems in place.
De-icing fluids are typically based on propylene glycol or ethylene glycol, which freeze at a lower temperature than water.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
However, using these chemical-based fluids has detrimental impacts on the environment. Glycol-based de-icing fluids are toxic.
Environmental concerns when using such fluids include increased salinity of groundwater if de-icing fluids are discharged into the soil, and toxicity to humans and other mammals.
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AIR CANADA TRIALS DE-ICING STRIPS
The new innovative tape generates heat through the agitation of electrons.
This agitation of electrons leads to the heating of the aircraft wings, which causes ice or snow that is present to melt.
Consequently, all interfacial snow or ice is removed prior to take-off.
IMPROVING AIR CANADA WINTER OPERATIONS
Air Canada expects that this cutting-edge de-icing technology will save time and be more sustainable.
This technology allows airlines to move away from traditional chemical-based de-icing solutions.
If effective and approved for use, the solution could enhance operational efficiency, marking a significant improvement in winter operations.
