Deicing Management System

DTW Aircraft Deicing Fluid (ADF) Management System

DTW operates the largest ADF management system in the world, having recycled more propylene glycol – PG (the primary component of ADF) than any airport in the world eight of the past ten deicing seasons. The DTW drainage system is constructed to completely separate aircraft deicing runoff from general airport stormwater runoff. All aircraft deicing at DTW is conducted either on one of the four remote deicing pads where runoff is recycled or at gate areas that drain to one of two sanitary sewage treatment plants. Recycled PG is used in the production of plastics and paints.