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| Overview: | The Oxygen Component Ultrasonic Cleaning System
(OCUCS) is a type of equipment that combines the use of ultrasonic cleaning
technology with a non-hazardous, environmentally preferred cleaning fluid. The
pollution prevention opportunity presented by this equipment is the use of
this system to replace the use of existing systems that use CF C-113 or Freon
as the cleaning medium.
The OCUCS uses NOC fluid, which is an aqueous, inorganic alkaline solution manufactured for the U.S. Navy under MIL-DTL-24800. The NOC Aqueous Oxygen Cleaning Process is detailed in MIL-ST-1330D. The environmental advantage of this material is that it is a non-foaming, non-flammable material and contains no environmentally regulated materials, has no ozone depleting potential, has no greenhouse warming potential, and is not a volatile organic compound. More information on the NOC fluid is available from the P2 Handbook, Data Sheet 3-V/B-4. The ultrasonic cleaning process enhances immersion cleaning by improving the cleaning efficiency of the liquid cleaner. The OCUCS is scalable for cleaning large components (aviation support equipment) or small components (life support units) and can be bench mounted or used as a console unit. It can also be used as a mobile unit for access to small parts. The system consists of transducers, a generator, two tanks, and a liquid medium. The transducers convert the energy supplied by the generator to sonic energy vibrations. These vibrations are transmitted through the tank and produce cavitation bubbles in the liquid medium in the tank. The formation and collapse of these bubbles create a scrubbing action that is very effective at removing contaminants. The OCUCS consists of one tank for cleaning (NOS) and one for rinsing (demineralized water). The system has been developed for the cleaning and rinsing
of naval aircraft support equipment (SE) oxygen components, naval aircraft
oxygen cleaned components, and naval aviator oxygen cleaned breathing
components. The system is meant to use only the NOC and demineralized water
for the removal of thin soil films and particulate matter; it is not meant for
removing large quantities of soil or contamination. The unit has been used at
both Navy/Marine shipboard and land-based intermediate maintenance activities
(IMA) and training centers. Further detailed descriptions and technical
specifications are available from the P2 Equipment Handbook, Competitive
Initiative section. |
| Compliance Benefit: |
Use of the OCUCS decreases the amount of ODSs
used at a facility which will help the facility meet the requirements under Title
40 CFR 82, Subpart D and Executive Order 12843 requiring federal
agencies to maximize the use of safe alternatives to Class I and Class II
Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), to the maximum extent practicable. In
addition, a decrease in solvent use may decrease the need for a facility to
obtain an air permit (Title 40 CFR 70 and 71). Replacement of CFC-113
with NOC eliminates a regulated chemical under SARA Title III, EPCRA
reporting.
The compliance benefits listed here are only meant to be used as a general guideline and are not meant to be strictly interpreted. Actual compliance benefits will vary depending on the factors involved, e.g. the amount of workload involved. |
| Materials Compatibility: |
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| Safety and Health: |
NOC is safe for use in life-support systems
including multiple atmosphere diving systems. Personnel involved with the
OCUCS should receive formal training and be familiar with the applicable
safety precautions and procedures for cleaning and testing oxygen systems or
components.
Ultrasonics typically operate in the 25 kHz to 40 kHz range; hearing protection may be required. As always, consult your local industrial health specialist, your local health and safety personnel, and the appropriate MSDS prior to implementing this technology. |
| Benefits: |
The following benefits are possible with this system:
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| Disadvantages: |
The potential disadvantages of this of this system are:
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| Economic Analysis: | The units reviewed in the Competitive Initiative
projects by the NAVY were for a small size (1.9 gallon tank capacity) and a
large unit with dimensions of 38"long X 24" wide X 32" high.
During these projects, the economics analysis was not conducted as the project’s
focus was to review systems capable of using the NOC material in order to
replace the Freon containing process. The capital costs for the units reviewed
were $1,800 for the small unit and $5,800 for the large unit.
Other economic analysis that has been conducted was for the use of NOC system vs. a CFC-113 System. The economic analysis of those systems is outline in detail in the Navy Oxygen Cleaner (NOC) data sheet found at Section 3-V/B-4. In general, the economic information reviewed provided for a Payback Period of under one year. |
| Approving Authority: | Approval is controlled locally and should be implemented only after engineering approval has been granted. Major claimant approval is not required. |
| NSN/MSDS: |
| Product | NSN | Unit Size | Cost | MSDS* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIL-DPL-24800 OCC/NOC |
6850-01-389-3859 | 5-gal | $76.56 | Click me |
| MIL-DTL-24800 OCC/NOC |
6850-01-389-3859 | 55-gallon drum | $499.03 | |
| Ultrasonic Cleaner | 4940-00-253-3905 | Each/ | $4,248.75 | Click me |
| Points of Contact: |
Navy: Mr. Paul Klein Naval Air Warfare Center, Lakehurst Lakehurst, NJ 08733-5091 Phone: (732) 323-2963 Fax: (732) 323-4810 Email: kleinp@navair.navy.mil |
| Vendors: | This is not meant to be a complete
list, as there may be other manufacturers of this type of equipment.
CAE Blackstone (CAE Ultrasonics) |
| Sources: | Mr. Tom Rua, NAWC Lakehurst, April 2001 Ultrasonic Cleaning as a Solvent Alternative, P2 Handbook, Section 8-I-10, Feb 00 Navy oxygen Cleaner, P2 Handbook, Section 3-V/B-4, March 00. |