Training Centre Module 17 - PROPELLER

Category – Aerospace Sub Module 17.5 – Propeller Ice Protection

MODULE 17
Sub Module 17.5

PROPELLER ICE PROTECTION

ISO 9001:2008 Certified For Training Purpose Only

17.5 CAA Approval No: HQCAA/2231/44/AW Dated: 11th Sept, 09 Rev. 00
Nov 2009
 Training Centre Module 17 - PROPELLER
Category – Aerospace Sub Module 17.5 – Propeller Ice Protection

Contents

ICE PROTECTION -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

FLUID (LIQUID) ICE PROTECTION SYSTEMS ---------------------------------- 1
ELECTRICAL ICE PROTECTION SYSTEMS --------------------------------------- 3
SYSTEM OPERATION --------------------------------------------------------------- 3

ISO 9001:2008 Certified For Training Purpose Only

17.5 - i CAA Approval No: HQCAA/2231/44/AW Dated: 11th Sept, 09 Rev. 00
Nov 2009
 Training Centre Module 17 - PROPELLER
Category – Aerospace Sub Module 17.5 – Propeller Ice Protection

Page Intentionally Left Blank

ISO 9001:2008 Certified For Training Purpose Only

17.5 - ii CAA Approval No: HQCAA/2231/44/AW Dated: 11th Sept, 09 Rev. 00
Nov 2009
 Training Centre Module 17 - PROPELLER
Category – Aerospace Sub Module 17.5 – Propeller Ice Protection

ICE PROTECTION varied by the use of a rheostat. The output fluid from the pump
goes through pipelines which terminate at the rear of the
Propellers and spinners are exposed to an environment that propeller hub. Figure 17.92
under certain climatic conditions can lead to ice on the surface
rapidly impairing their efficiency, leading to a loss of thrust and Attached to the propeller hub is a ‘U’ shaped channel called a
an increase in weight. Another problem with ice formation on a slinger ring and from points around the slinger ring delivery
propeller is that if unevenly distributed, it can lead to an nozzles are arranged to apply the fluid along the leading edge
imbalance that will cause excessive vibration. Ice build up on a root section of each blade. Centrifugal force will then disperse
propeller can also lead to ‘ice throw’, where chunks of ice are the fluid along the blades’ leading edge and the airflow over the
thrown off the propeller at high speed due to centrifugal force. blades will allow a film of fluid to be deposited on the face and
These lumps of ice can cause considerable damage. camber sides of the blades.

Ice protection systems fall into two major categories depending The airflow around the blade root however is fairly disturbed
upon the purpose for which the ice protection system is used. and does not always disperse the fluid where it is most required,
They are: that is, where ice build up is greatest. Propellers with this type of
- Anti-Icing ice protection system usually have boots or feed shoes installed
- De-icing along their leading edges.

FLUID (LIQUID) ICE PROTECTION SYSTEMS An overshoe consists of a strip of rubber or plastic material set
into the leading edge of the blade, from the delivery nozzle at
Liquid ice protection systems can be used as either anti-ice or the root end along the blades length. The shoe extends
de-ice systems. The system is designed to project a film or fluid approximately 2/3 of the length of the blade, and has several
over the surface of the blade which when mixed with water will open parallel channels in which the fluid can flow under the
reduce its freezing point. If ice is already present the fluid will influence of centrifugal force. The overflow of the channels
penetrate below the ice layer and reduce its surface tension along the length of the overshoe will evenly disperse the fluid
sufficiently to enable it to be thrown off by centrifugal force. A over the blade.
typical fluid ice protection system is shown in Figure 17.91.

The fluid is stored in a tank and passes via a filter to an electric

supply pump. The pump is controlled by a switch on the
instrument panel. In some installations the speed of the pump
and thus the quantity of fluid supplied to the propeller can be

ISO 9001:2008 Certified For Training Purpose Only

17.5 - 1 CAA Approval No: HQCAA/2231/44/AW Dated: 11th Sept, 09 Rev. 00
Nov 2009
 Training Centre Module 17 - PROPELLER
Category – Aerospace Sub Module 17.5 – Propeller Ice Protection

Figure # 17.92
Figure # 17.91

ISO 9001:2008 Certified For Training Purpose Only

17.5 - 2 CAA Approval No: HQCAA/2231/44/AW Dated: 11th Sept, 09 Rev. 00
Nov 2009
 Training Centre Module 17 - PROPELLER
Category – Aerospace Sub Module 17.5 – Propeller Ice Protection

ELECTRICAL ICE PROTECTION SYSTEMS SYSTEM OPERATION

Electrical ice protection systems are used on most turbo-props During each cycle rapid heating and cooling takes place. A thin
(Figure 17.93). Resistance wire heater elements are embedded layer of ice is allowed to form on the leading edges of the
in rubber and cemented from the root to approximately 2/3 of propeller blades. This thin layer of ice acts as an insulator so
the blades length along the leading edge. that when the current is switched on by the cyclic timer the
temperature rises more rapidly than it would on an unprotected
This type of ice protection system works on the cyclic principle. surface.
The current is fed to the propeller blades and spinner by an
automatic time switch. The ice layer next to the heating element melts and the thin
layer of ice is easily dispersed by centrifugal and aerodynamic
forces.

Electrical power is carried to the propeller blades and spinner by

a brush box (Figure 17.94). This will contain several carbon
brushes, which is spring loading to contact slip rings in the rear
plate of the propeller’s hub. The current is then carried to the
blades by cables to the blade roots (Figure 17.95).

Figure # 17.93

ISO 9001:2008 Certified For Training Purpose Only

17.5 - 3 CAA Approval No: HQCAA/2231/44/AW Dated: 11th Sept, 09 Rev. 00
Nov 2009
 Training Centre Module 17 - PROPELLER
Category – Aerospace Sub Module 17.5 – Propeller Ice Protection

Figure # 17.95
Figure # 17.94

ISO 9001:2008 Certified For Training Purpose Only

17.5 - 4 CAA Approval No: HQCAA/2231/44/AW Dated: 11th Sept, 09 Rev. 00
Nov 2009