To promote the environmental stewardship of the aviation industry in the Canadian Prairies: The development of a mobile treatment system for aircraft de-icing fluid waste

The Canadian aviation industry is anxious to recovery from the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. More air traveling requires more extensive application of aircraft de-icing fluid (ADF) to ensure aviation safety in freezing seasons. The major ingredients of ADF include anti-freeze agent (ethylene or propylene glycol), corrosive inhibitors, surfactants, pH buffers, polymers, and dyes. These chemicals are environmentally harmful. For example, glycols are detrimental to aquatic life. According to literature, 80% of the applied ADF flows off the aircraft immediately to the airport pavement, becoming aircraft de-icing fluid waste (ADFW). Without proper treatment, ADFW can adversely impact the local environment. Hence, airports are required by regulations to properly handle their ADFW. The partner (an airport) is seeking an adequate treatment to deal with its ADFW on-site. In this project, we are planning to develop a mobile system that integrates membrane-aerated biofilms and membrane bioreactor (MAB-MBR) for the treatment of ADFW. Preliminary experiments will be conducted to evaluate the feasibility of the technology and inform subsequent improvement of the system configuration and operating conditions. The partner will use the resultant knowledge to make evidence-based decision on its long-term ADFW management plan.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jinkai Xue

Student:

Partner:

Regina Airport Authority Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Transportation and warehousing

University:

University of Regina

Program: