THAKUR INSTITUTE OF AVIATION TECHNOLOGY

Module 17.5: PROPELLER ICE PROTECTION

CAR 66 Level
Objective
Reference A B1 B2
PROPELLER ICE PROTECTION 17.5 1 2 ---
Fluid and Electrical De-icing Equipment.

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17.5 PROPELLER ICE PROTECTION PROPELLER DE-
ICING SYSTEM EFFECTS OF PROPELLER ICING
Ice formation on a propeller blade, in effect, produces a distorted
blade airfoil section which causes a loss in propeller efficiency.
Generally, ice collects un-symmetrically on a propeller blade and
produces propeller unbalance and destructive vibration.
FLUID DEICING SYSTEM
The fluid may be pumped to the slinger ring from the supply tank
by an independent electrically driven pump but air pressure is
sometimes used.
The electric pump may be controlled by a switch and, in some
installations; the pump speed may be varied by means of a
rheostat. Non-return valves are sometimes provided to prevent
loss of fluid when the pump is not operating.
Where air pressure is used to supply fluid, a relief valve is usually
fitted to the air supply line and a control valve provided to
regulate the fluid flow. (Figure 1)

The system provides a film of de-icing fluid to the propeller blade

surfaces during flight which mixes with the water or ice and
reduces the freezing point of the mixture. Where ice has already
formed on the blades, the fluid penetrates under the ice and
loosens it sufficiently for it to be thrown off by centrifugal action.

Fluid is distributed to each propeller blade from a slinger ring

which is mounted on the back of the propeller hub. . The fluid is
pumped into this ring through a delivery pipe from a supply tank.

Some propellers have rubber overshoes fitted to the blades to

assist the distribution of the fluid. On this type of installation fluid
is fed from the slinger ring to a small trough, which is part of the
overshoe, and is then forced by centrifugal action along
longitudinal grooves in the overshoes.

On propellers which are not fitted with overshoes, fluid is fed

from the slinger ring through a pipe to the root of the blade and is
then distributed by centrifugal action.
ELECTRICAL DEICING SYSTEMS
An electrical propeller icing control system consists basically of
an electrical energy source, a resistance heating element (Figure
CATEGORY B1
Figure 1 : Fluid Deicing System
2), system controls, and necessary wiring. The heating elements
are mounted internally or externally on the propeller spinner and
blades. Electrical power from the aircraft system is transferred
to the propeller hub through electrical leads, which terminate in
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sliprings and brushes. Flexible connectors are used to transfer Figure 2 : Electrical Deicing Systems
power from the hub to the blade elements.
Icing control is accomplished by converting electrical energy to
heat energy in the heating element. Balanced ice removal from all
blades must be obtained as nearly as possible if excessive
vibration is to be avoided. To obtain balanced ice removal,
variation of heating current in the is controlled so that similar
heating effects are obtained in opposite blades.
Electrical deicing systems are usually designed for intermittent
application of power to the heating elements to remove ice after
formation but before excessive accumulation. Proper control of
heating intervals aids in preventing runback, since heat is applied
just long enough to melt the ice face in contact with the blade.
If heat supplied to an icing surface is more than that required to
melt just the inner ice face, but insufficient to evaporate all the
water formed, water will run back over the unheated surface and
freeze. Runback of this nature causes ice formation on
uncontrolled icing areas of the blade or surface.
Cycling timers are used to energize the heating element circuits
for periods of 15 to 30 seconds, with a complete cycle time of 2
minutes. A cycling timer is an electric motor driven contactor
which controls power contactors in separate sections of the circuit.
Controls for propeller electrical deicing systems include on-off
switches, ammeters or load meters to indicate current in the
circuits, and protective devices, such as current limiters or circuit
breakers. The ammeters or load meters permit monitoring of
individual circuit currents and reflect operation of the timer.
To prevent element overheating, the propeller de• icing system is
generally used only when the propellers are rotating, and for short
periods of time during ground run-up.

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