Case Studies:
Ecolink is Hard at Work in the Aerospace Industry

Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul
Removal of adhesives, decals and corrosion inhibiting compounds with VG-151

Problem - Today, mechanics throughout the aerospace industry have to make significant adjustments in their work practices to accommodate EPA requirements for solvents. Aggressive products with quick evaporation such as 1,1,1 trichloroethane, MEK or methylene chloride made the cleaning portion of the OEM mechanics job relatively easy. Unfortunately, many environmentally preferred replacement solvents exhibit low vapor pressure, i.e. slow evaporation and less aggressive cleaning.

Solution - VG-151, a unique solvent/degreaser from Ecolink, sprays like a liquid but turns into a gel when coming in contact with the area to be cleaned . This unique feature allows it to be used on vertical and horizontal surfaces and allows for significantly increased dwell time. Further, the use of VG-151 means that mechanics don't create a dangerous workplace because the material doesn't end up on the floor area. VG-151 is water-soluble, particularly important in a wash rack application, because it can be easily removed with pressurized water. In an interior hangar environment, VG-151 can be simply removed with a phenolic scraper.

Additional Product Benefits - In addition to target soils such as adhesives, decals and corrosion inhibitors, VG-151 has been found to be highly effective on virtually any stubborn organic soil. Cost savings are realized due to its gelatinous properties. Mechanics use much less material because it doesn't spill off the part or area being cleaned.

Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul
Cleaning of electro-mechanical and hydraulic apparatus

Problem - Until the mid 1990s, the air transport industry traditionally relied on 1,1,1 trichloroethane for electro-mechanical and hydraulic repairs and overhauls due to its unique properties. 1. It has no flashpoint, 2. It can be safely used on operating electrical equipment, and 3. It was possible for mechanics to "liquid sand blast" the parts they were cleaning and be left with a clean, dry area. The EPA production ban and phase out of these ozone-depleting chemicals left mechanics with a serious void.

Solution - Ecolink developed POSITRON, an ultra high purity dielectric solvent that is safe to use on all electro-mechanical and hydraulic apparatus. Originally tested by engineers at Westinghouse and the Department of Defense, it is now in use by several major air carriers and other MRO facilities for non-aqueous cleaning and degreasing. Recognizing the need for user education with this new type of solvent, Ecolink provides on-site training for this and any of our products to qualified customers.

Hand Wipe Cleaning Applications
Replacement of 1,1,1 trichloroethane in solid rocket motor manufacturing

Problem - The manufacturer of solid rocket motors for the Titan, Delta, Trident and Pegasus missiles used large quantities of 1,1,1 trichloroethane for hand wipe cleaning at various stages of manufacture. A wide range of applications and substrates specified this ozone depleting solvent via manufacturers’ specifications and technical orders.

The manufacturer needed to locate, test and select a group of alternative products. Final approval would be required from a wide range of organizations, including US Air Force, US Navy, Thiokol, McDonnell Douglas Space Systems, Orbital Sciences and Lockheed Martin.

Specific applications included: Case Winding, Case Machining, Hydroproof Testing, Case Preparation, Liner Application, Cork Application, Mandrel Assembly and Preparation, Mix/Case Propellant Bowl Cleaning, Rocket Motor Assembly and Tool Cleanup.

Solution - QED Solvent was selected as the solvent of choice for the majority of the 1,1,1 trichloroethane applications. This conclusion was based on more than two years of research and an expenditure of almost $8 million. The program also developed procedural changes to help in the transition.

To date, QED is successfully being used in this major missile program and has also been incorporated by other aerospace companies for similar applications.

Flight Line Operations
Replacement of 1,1,1 trichloroethane

Problem - Aircraft maintenance and flight line repair poses unique problems for airlines. Flight schedules demand rapid turnarounds, mechanics must often respond to immediate problems under adverse conditions, including inclement weather, outdoor repairs and hot surfaces. Maintenance includes checking for leaks (fuel, oil, hydraulic) in the engine, landing gear, hydraulic systems and other electro-mechanical systems. 1,1,1 trichloroethane was an ideal solvent due to its rapid evaporation and no flashpoint. With electrical equipment often energized, safety from flashpoint ignition is critical.

Solution - TRIAGEN metal cleaner and degreaser is rated at a high vapor pressure with no flash point — very similar characteristics to 1,1,1 trichloroethane. These similarities result in highly favorable acceptance by aircraft mechanics and technicians. Most importantly, TRIAGEN typically offers a seamless transition to new solvent procedures.

Adhesive Removal
Optical lens manufacturing for the aerospace industry

Problem - This manufacturer has used MEK for a number of years to remove a tar like adhesive from optical glass. This adhesive is applied to optical glass during lens manufacture. MEK is no longer NESHAPS compliant and the customer needed to find an effective alternative.

Solution - Ecolink recommended VORTEX, a distilled and purified d-limonene citrus terpene solvent which is effective on a wide range of organic soils. Ecolink also specified two parts washers for cleaning and agitation in the VORTEX solvent. After 15 minutes the soil is completely removed from the glass. The lenses are given a final rinse in isopropanol which removes any unevaporated VORTEX and leaves a clean, dry surface.

VORTEX can be used as a true solvent or as water rinseable cleaner by adding a small amount of surfactant.

Paint Gun Cleanup
Replacement of methylene chloride in aerospace coating applications

Problem - The Aerospace Industry has traditionally relied on methylene chloride or lacquer thinner to remove uncured coatings from paint guns and other coating application equipment. Methylene chloride is listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP). Its use is closely monitored and discouraged.

Solution - Ecolink provided SAFE STRIP, an n-methyle pyrilidone based solvent with a very high flashpoint (198F) and a low vapor pressure. None of its components are listed as HAPs, plus it exhibits excellent loading capabilities. Further, it is water rinseable, for easy use and clean-up.