TKS Fluid Tank on IV / IVP / IVPT

Tom Sullivan · Fri Nov 08, 2024 7:23 pm

I am not sure which sub-forum topic this would be most appropriate, so I will post here and provide a link back to here under the IV/IVP/IVPT sub forum as well. I recently had a request for information and pictures on my TKS fluid tank reservoir for my deice system from Jeff Edison. I spent some time compiling and texting 30+ pictures with descriptions hoping that may be enough data for him to decide if this path is an option. Within a couple weeks I have received two other requests for the same info, so I am making a thread, with the pictures and details for anyone inquiring, about this option for TKS fluid storage on a IV. I have completed this method of fluid storage on two IVPT's and found the capacity (4.5 - 5 gallons), the weight and balance (very close to center CG, but a bit forward which helps most IV's), the filling method, and the ability to drain the system during non-icing seasons make this installation fairly handy. The down side, it's much easier to install while building, although not impossible for a conversion on flying airplanes.

The original Lancair Builders Manual designed a raised floor under the rudder pedals which was essentially wasted space in the cabin. On both IVPT's I installed storage tanks on, they had already fabricated the raised floor per the manual. I removed that system and installed pre-preg for side and top panels, using the existing floor and exterior fuselage sides as and bottom of the tanks. I created a smaller area behind the lower quadrant support as the suction bay of the tank system. That area also served well to install a forward external drain (in the nose wheel well). The top close out for that area also became the the mounting area for both TKS pumps. I was told the TKS pumps like it better being lower than the pumps, but that wasn't practical. Having the pumps just inches from the fluid in this design has worked just fine, but initial operation and bleeding requires fluid in the filler tube to be higher to create the initial gravity feed of fluid until air is purged. A note here; those pumps will burn up in seconds if run dry. Ensure (in any installation) you push fluid into the pump BEFORE running the system. TKS doesn't rebuild them cheaply!

Initial Cleaning of floor area for tank installation

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Area between hydraulic valve support and firewall for pump main draw sump

: TKS 2.jpg (487.17 KiB) Viewed 281 times

Cutting our filler door for TKS Fluid fill point

: TKS 3.jpg (343.64 KiB) Viewed 281 times

Installing pre-preg and ramped area for foot rest/TKS Fluid storage tank. Note pre-preg support and fluid pathways for center tank area where pump will be located.