Icing and Freezing Rain Testing
Icing and Freezing Rain Testing Capabilities at Keystone Compliance
Icing and Freezing Rain testing is performed within any of our environmental chambers. With a drive-in chamber of 12’ wide x 10’ deep x 9’ tall, we are capable of performing icing and freezing rain tests on large test articles. Specially designed atomizing nozzles and pre-chilled water are used for the rapid formation of ice up to the prescribed thickness. With years of icing and freezing rain test experience, Keystone personnel have the knowledge to reach the desired ice thickness quickly and reduce test time and cost.
Icing and Freezing Rain Test Lab Equipment at Keystone Compliance
Keystone Compliance performs icing and freezing rain tests within any of our environmental chambers. Specially designed atomizing nozzles and water pre-chillers are used to create the formation of ice quickly and uniformly.
Icing and Freezing Rain Testing Overview
Icing and freezing rain testing, per MIL-STD 810 Method 521, is conducted to evaluate the effects of icing produced by a freezing rain, mist or sea spray on the operational capability of equipment. This method also provides tests for evaluating the effectiveness of de-icing equipment and techniques, including expedients.
A buildup of ice occurs in three principal ways:
- From rain falling on an item whose temperature is below freezing
- From freezing rain falling on an item at or near freezing
- From sea spray which coats equipment when temperatures are below freezing
MIL-STD 810 identifies two conditions commonly encountered:
- Clear glaze ice, which occurs when rain or drizzle freezes on objects
- Rime ice, which occurs when fog droplets or drizzle fall on surfaces below freezing
Ice formation can create problems such as:
- Binds moving parts together
- Adds weight to equipment
- Increases footing hazard
- Interferes with clearances between moving parts
- Induces structural failures
- Reduces airflow efficiency
- Impedes visibility through windows and optical devices
- Affects transmission of electromagnetic radiation
- Leads to increased probability of damage to equipment from the employment of mechanical, manual or chemical ice removal measures
Expert Icing & Freezing Rain Regulatory Lab Testing
Icing and Freezing Rain Specifications
- IEEE C37.30.1 Clause 8.5: Ice Loading Test
- MIL-STD 810F Method 521 Icing and Freezing Rain
- MIL-STD-810 Method 524.1 Freeze/Thaw
- NEMA 250 Icing Testing
- RTCA/DO 160 Section 24.0 Icing
Icing and freezing rain testing is just one of the climatics testing services we offer and our lab is fully equipped with the necessary equipment. Keystone has the experience and knowledge to help you will your testing needs. Icing and Freezing Rain testing is very important for your product or package to ensure proper function. Trust Keystone and contact us today to begin the process.