PPRuNe Forums - Airfield surface anti & de-icing

It is that time of year again in Northern Europe when airfield operators have to turn their attention to this topic.

The question is which chemicals, both liquid and solid are the most effective.

As far as I can tell, most airports are bombarded by the key suppliers in the hope that we will use their particular products and choice is based on their particular selling techniques or the airports own historical satisfaction. Unless of course you have a chain of airports where you can stock various products to be tested under similar climactic conditions, one ends up with a sole product - you pays your money and takes your chance!

There seems to be no source, that I am aware of that is able to supply like data comparing the different products.

Is this data available anywhere or would an organisation such as Qinetiq have carried out testing and be prepared to share the results?

My preference is for a chemical, whether it be acetate or formate based, that can offer a longer holdover in conditions likely to be experienced in U.K. conditions. There is a choice of 3 or 4 that are deemed environmentally acceptable.