Ice and Freezing Rain Endurance Test

Icing and Freezing Rain testing is performed in any of our environmental chambers. With a walk-in chamber 12' wide x 10' deep x 9' high, 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 rapid ice formation up to the prescribed thickness. With years of icing and freezing rain testing experience, Keystone staff have the know-how to quickly achieve the desired ice thickness and reduce testing time and cost.

EUROLAB Icing and Freezing Rain Test Laboratory Equipment
Icing and freezing rain tests are performed in any of our laboratory's environmental chambers. Specially designed atomizing nozzles and water precoolers are used to quickly and evenly build up ice.

Overview of Icing and Freezing Rain Testing
To evaluate the effects of icing produced by freezing rain, fog, or sea spray on the operating capability of equipment, the icing and freezing rain test is performed in accordance with MIL-STD 810 Method 521. This method also provides tests to evaluate the effectiveness of defrosting equipment and techniques.

Ice buildup occurs in three main ways:

• Rain falling on an object whose temperature is below freezing
• Freezing rain falling on an item at or near freezing point
• From the sea spray that covers the equipment when temperatures drop below freezing

MIL-STD 810 identifies two commonly encountered situations:

Transparent glaze ice formed when rain or drizzle freezes on objects
Snow ice formed by fog droplets or drizzle falling on surfaces below freezing

Ice formation can create problems such as:

• Connects moving parts
• Adds weight to equipment
• Increases product life risk
• Interferes with gaps between moving parts
• Causes structural failures
• Reduces airflow efficiency
• Blocks visibility through windows and optical devices
• Affects electromagnetic radiation transmission
• Causes increased likelihood of equipment damage due to the use of mechanical, manual, or chemical defrosting measures

Icing and Freezing Rain Features

• 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 Test
• RTCA/DO 160 Section 24.0 Icing

Icing and freezing rain testing is just one of the climate testing services we offer, and our lab is well equipped.