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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.
This equipment provides a pollution prevention opportunity by replacing systems that use CFC-113 or Freon
as the cleaning medium.
The OCUCS uses Navy Oxygen Cleaner (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, no ozone depleting potential, no greenhouse warming potential, and does not have volatile organic constituents. 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. The OCUCS system consists of transducers, a generator, two tanks, and a liquid medium. The transducers convert the energy supplied by the generator into sonic energy vibrations. These vibrations are transmitted through the cleaning 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 for removing contaminants. One tank is used for cleaning with NOC and the other is used for rinsing with demineralized water. This 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. This system is designed
for the removal of thin soil films and particulate matter using only NOC and demineralized water. It is not designed for
the removal of 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 Ozone Depleting Substances (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
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 general guidelines 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: | The material used in the OCUCS (NOC) has been tested and is compatible with the majority of metals, plastics, and elastomers used in the construction of oxygen life-support systems. See MIL-STD-1330D, Appendix A, for a complete list of material compatibility. However, because NOC lifts paint, it should not be used on painted surfaces. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 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.
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: | Two units were evaluated by the Navy in Competitive Initiative
projects, a small unit (1.9 gallon tank capacity) and a
large unit with dimensions of 38" long X 24" wide X 32" high.
During these evaluations, an economic analysis was not conducted because the focus was an evaluation
of system performance using NOC material to
replace Freon. The capital costs for the units reviewed
were $1,800 for the small unit and $5,800 for the large unit.
An economic analysis was conducted comparing the NOC system and a CFC-113 system. This economic analysis is outline in detail in the Navy Oxygen Cleaner (NOC) data sheet found at Section 3-V/B-4. In general, the economic information provided for a Payback Period of under one year. |
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| NSN/MSDS: |
*There are multiple MSDSs for most NSNs. The MSDS (if shown above) is only meant to serve as an example. To return from the MSDS, click the Back arrow on the Tool Bar. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Approving Authority: | Appropriate authority for making process
changes should always be sought prior to procuring or implementing any of the technologies
identified herein. |
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| Points of Contact: | For more information |
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| Vendors: | This is not meant to be a complete
list, as there may be other manufacturers of this type of equipment.
Blackstone~NEY Ultrasonics, Inc. Model (small): HT-1206-NOC Blackstone~NEY Ultrasonics, Inc. Email: info@blackstone-ney.com | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Related Links: |
Do You Clean Oxygen System
Components? -- Navy Environmental Quality Initiative (EQI) Ultrasonic Cleaning with Aqueous Based Detergents -- United States Army Environmental Center (USAEC) Oxygen Component Ultrasonic Cleaning System (Large) Oxygen Component Ultrasonic Cleaning System (Small) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 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. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Supplemental: |
Picture of Oxygen Component Ultrasonic Cleaning System (Small)
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