As a pilot, you probably know the dangers of ice buildup. Even small amounts of ice can cause serious mechanical problems, such as obstructed fuel lines and filters. While you can’t control the atmospheric temperature, however, there are ways to protect against ice buildup, such as using an anti-icing fuel additive.
What Is Anti-Icing Fuel Additive?
Anti-icing fuel additive is exactly what it sounds like: a product that’s added to an aircraft’s fuel supply to protect against ice buildup. You can add it directly to an aircraft’s fuel tank. Once added, the anti-icing fuel additive will lower the risk of ice formation.
Why Use Anti-Icing Fuel Additive
Contrary to popular belief, aviation fuel may contain moisture. The term “saturation point,” in fact, is used to describe the maximum amount of moisture aviation fuel can hold.
When left unchecked, moisture mixed with aviation fuel may freeze. This can lead to ice crystals within parts of the aircraft through which fuel travels. The aircraft’s fuel lines, fuel filters and other components may then become obstructed because of these ice crystals. Using an anti-icing fuel additive, though, can prevent problems such as these from occurring.
Anti-icing fuel additive can reduce the risk of engine malfunction. Aircraft engines can fail due to ice. Ice can interfere with an engine’s ability to burn aviation fuel and, thus, generate propulsion. Fortunately, anti-icing fuel additive offers a solution.
How Anti-Icing Fuel Additive Works
There are different types of anti-icing fuel additives, but nearly all of them work by lowering the freezing point of water. Water, of course, normally has a freezing point of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Anti-icing fuel additive will lower its freezing point so that it can withstand cooler temperatures without turning to ice. t
Aviation fuel can also freeze, but aviation fuel has a significantly lower freezing point than water. The freezing point of jet fuel, for instance, is around minus 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Anti-icing fuel additive will lower the freezing point of any moisture mixed with the jet fuel — or any other aviation fuel — so that ice formation and buildup are less likely to occur.
In addition to lowering the freezing point of water, anti-icing fuel additive may disperse the water. It typically contains ingredients known as surfactants and dispersants that cause moisture droplets to break down. This means the water will disperse within the aviation fuel, further minimizing the risk of ice formation and buildup.
