Construction And Installation Of Deicer Boots

Construction And Installation Of Deicer Boots

There are several configurations of deicer boots, but all accomplish their work in the same way. They allow the ice to form and then break it off as the tubes inflate. Figure 6.6 shows some of the more commonly used configurations.

Some boots use span-wise tubes that inflate alternately, and some inflate simultaneously. Other configurations of boots have chord-wise tubes that may inflate either alternately or simultaneously. The config­uration of the tubes is determined by flight test and, naturally, only the specific boot that is ap­proved for the aircraft should be used.

When rubber deicer boots were first developed, adhesives had not been developed to the state they are today, and these boots were installed on the leading edge of the surfaces with machine screws driven into Rivnuts installed in the skin. This type of installation can be identified by a narrow metal fairing strip that covers the screw heads at the edges of the boots. Almost all of the newer boot installations fasten the boot to the surface with adhesives so that there is no need for Rivnuts and screws. When removing or installing a deicer boot, be sure that you follow the instructions in the aircraft service manual or the deicer boot

manufacturer's information in detail and do not make any substitutions in the method or material. Deicer boots may be removed by softening the adhesive with the recommended solvent and care­fully applying tension to peel the edges of the boot back from the surface. Keep the separation area wet with solvent and the boot may be carefully pulled away.

Installation begins by preparing the leading edge of the surface. Remove all of the paint and primer. Clean both the surface and the back side of the boot thoroughly. Apply the adhesive to the back side of the boot and to the leading edge. Secure the hoses to the boot and position the boot in place and press it tightly to the surface with a roller. The actual process is considerably more complicated than this, and since it must be done in strict accordance with the manufacturer's recommenda­tions, no attempt will be made here to elaborate on the details.