Compatibility With Electrical Components
E36 is an ionized solution and is more conductive than water. Users are advised to take precautions to prevent solutions containing E36 from entering subsurface conduits and electrical components. E36 is compatible with most materials, but exceptions occur such as with galvanized metals. Do not use E36 with galvanized materials.
Equipment Considerations
When selecting equipment to transport, store, and apply potassium acetate runway deicers, the following guidelines should be considered:
Pumps:
- Stainless steel is preferred, but not required.
- Avoid brass and cast aluminum, and cast iron.
- Centrifugal and positive displacement pumps are preferred.
- Avoid large bore, low head (pressure) centrifugal pumps.
Pipes:
- Stainless and carbon steel, PVC, polyethylene, and rubber are okay.
- Avoid galvanized metal piping and fittings.
- Pipe joints should be joined by welding or with compression fittings.
- Avoid threaded joints or use high quality pipe thread sealants.
Seals:
- Butyl rubber, ethylene propylene rubber (EPM, EPDM), isoprene, natural rubber preferred.
- Nitrile (Buna N), hypalon, neoprene rubber generally acceptable.
- Avoid butadiene, flourocarbon rubber, fluorosilicon, polyacrylate, polyurethane, SBR rubber (Buna S), silicon rubber.
Tanks:
- Shipping and storage in stainless steel, fiberglass, or polyethylene containers is preferred.
- Carbon and alloy steel tanks and containers may be used if clean and rust free.
- Tanks must be strong enough to hold 10.68 pounds per gallon of E36, which is 28% heavier than water.
Dispensing Equipment
- External surfaces of equipment used to dispense E36 should be routinely rinsed with warm water to prevent a build-up of the fluid and other contaminants associated with winter airport operations. A thorough washing with warm soapy water is recommended as equipment is removed from service after the deicing season.
- Diluted E36 biodegrades naturally when exposed to air and other contaminants. This process quickens in warmer temperatures. Frequent rinsings will prevent any build-up that could result in formations of unsightly biological growth and superficial staining/corrosion.
- Undiluted E36 kept in closed containers with minimal exposure to air does not degrade and may be stored indefinitely.
