Proportional mix system and method for applying a thixotropic de-icing fluid to an aircraft

摘要

A method and apparatus is disclosed for de-icing aircraft with hot water alone or with a mixture of hot water and a thixotropic de-icing fluid. The apparatus includes a centrifugal de-icing pump which is driven through a clutch only when de-icing fluid is being used thereby minimizing detrimental shear to the thixotropic fluid which shear causes fluid breakdown and reduction of viscosity. Several flow and pressure responsive controls are provided to control the engaging the disengaging of the clutch. The de-icing step may be followed by an anti-icing step if needed.