Design and Operation of the Aerosource Ice Probe

The Aerosource Ice detector is a simple, yet sensitive device, designed to withstand a
1450-foot pound impact test. It is able to quickly sense an icing condition and to provide
a signal to an external circuit. The detector consists of a cast aluminum probe and
housing, which includes an integral probe heater, snap-action switch, a diaphragm, a
thermostat, and an electrical connector.

The probe, which is cast integrally with the base, is slanted 20° aft to facilitate the
shedding of ice during its deicing cycle. It is airfoil shaped to reduce drag and duct
turbulence to a minimum, and is solid, except for two isolated air passages and a
heating element to deice the probe, in order to provide maximum strength and heat
transfer. High strength is necessary to guarantee the probe will not break and enter the
turbine during severe hailstorms.

Two sets of holes in the leading edge of the probe connect with two isolated air
passages, which lead to either side of the diaphragm. These holes are located toward
the tip end of the probe in order to minimize wall effects. A single large hole connects
with the camber above the diaphragm. Seven small holes in the leading edge of the
probe and a single small bleed hole in the probe tip connect with the camber on the
lower or switch side of the diaphragm. Except during icing conditions, both the large
holes and the seven small holes are exposed to the same dynamic pressure. The
pressure is essentially balanced under these conditions and the diaphragm will not
move to close the switch irrespective of air velocity. Every detector housing is
calibrated in a wind tunnel and differential pressure under open hole conditions is
controlled by a technique developed by Aerosource.

During an icing condition, the seven small holes normally ice over first, and the residual
pressure is bled from the switch side of the diaphragm through the small hole in the
probe tip, which is located in a negative pressure area of the probe. If the large hole
were to ice over on the upper side of the diaphragm, and when the seven small holes
did ice over, air would be bled from the switch side of the diaphragm as before. During
an icing condition, a differential pressure is applied across the diaphragm, which
actuates the snap-action switch. The closing of this switch initiates the signal or control
function and the probe deicing operation. The probe heater remains energized until ice
is removed from the small holes, where upon normal pressure is restored and the
switch opens.