PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Icing up on the ground in the tropics
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Old 17th Apr 2019, 21:39
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Skyjob
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
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Yes, the phenomenon is called Non-Environmental Icing (NEI) or Cold Soaked Fuel Frost (CSFF).
NEI/CSFF forms as a result of cold soaked fuel in contact with the upper surface of the wings cooling the surface towards the fuel temperature. The surrounding air then cools to below its dew-point, freezes, and adheres to the wings. This causes a layer of ice/frost to form. This is similar to how condensation occurs on a glass with ice cubes.

Keep in mind that warm air can also hold more moisture (relatively speaking), so warm humid destinations are at risk. NEI/CSFF has been experienced at temperatures up to +20C.

Remember the aircraft skin has been been flying at an OAT of ~ -60C and the fuel inside the wing been as low as ~ -40C. Both will warm up a little during descent, and adding warm fuel will raise the average temperature in the tanks. The more 'warm' fuel you add, the faster the temperature rises, landing with more fuel in wings aggravates the problem as a result.
But it cannot be emphasised enough the risks that can be encountered when ice formation occurs. Especially if moisture (rain) were to fall on such a cold surface, forming clear ice.

There is no comparable to the BA 777 in LHR however, as this was caused by an unfortunate combination of events and design, which caused fuel filters to get blocked by ice.
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