Aircraft de-/anti-icer
This invention relates to an aircraft de-/anti-icer for use at low temperatures. In particular, the present invention provides the use of a composition comprising 1,3-propylene glycol, one or more surfactants, one or more corrosion inhibitors, one or more pH regulators and water for removing frozen water from the surfaces of aircraft and/or for preventing the formation of frozen water thereon at a temperature below −32° C.
1. A method for removing frozen water and/or for preventing the formation of frozen water on surfaces of an aircraft, said method comprising the steps of:
applying to the surfaces of an aircraft a composition comprising 1,3-propylene glycol, one or more surfactants, one or more corrosion inhibitors, one or more pH regulators, and water, wherein said composition is applied to the surfaces of an aircraft at a temperature below −32° C. for removing frozen water and/or preventing the formation of frozen water on the surfaces of the aircraft, and wherein said composition is a type I de-/anti-icer.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the temperature is below −35° C.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the temperature is −42° C. or above.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises:
50-97% wt % of 1,3-propylene glycol;
0.01-1.0 wt % of the one or more surfactants;
0.01-1.0 wt% of the one or more corrosion inhibitors;
one or more pH regulators in quantities such that the pH of the composition is 6.5-11;
and water.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises a mixture of 1,2-propylene glycol and 1,3-propylene glycol.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises a mixture of ethylene glycol and/or diethylene glycol with 1,3-propylene glycol.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is a Newtonian fluid.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein a temperature of the composition is about 65° C. to 80° C. when applied to the surface of the aircraft.