Purpose:

Weapons systems in use by Department of Defense (DoD) have several types of oxygen supply systems, all of which eventually develop contamination in the distribution system. These distribution systems require maintenance, periodic cleaning and emergency cleaning. Maintaining a clean environment in oxygen systems is a critical requirement. Contaminant buildup decreases system performance, increases demand on maintenance resources and prematurely removes the aircraft from mission support The purpose of this project is to develop and validate a Prototype Oxygen Line Cleaning System (POLCS). This system is to replace the expensive, time consuming and environmentally unfriendly current process that consists of plumbing disassembly with chemical cleaning of individual components. The POLCS is to perform cleaning of contaminated aircraft systems without disassembly and with environmentally acceptable materials.

Description:

This project involves the development of a cleaning process that will allow the entire oxygen system on DoD aircraft to be cleaned without removal of significant components or disassembly of the aircraft oxygen plumbing. A suitable process to accomplish this goal does not exist at this time. Currently, when an aircraft system is contaminated, the system is broken down into basic components, the components are cleaned (often with FREON or other compounds) and protected, the system is then reassembled with an attempt made to avoid re-contamination of the components or system. These maintenance actions result in excessive costs, use of unacceptable chemicals, aircraft down time and risk of creating leaks or damaging the equipment. There are very specialized problems when cleaning oxygen equipment or lines. All particulates must be removed to improve system reliability, all hydrocarbons must be removed to minimize risk of fire and all cleaning materials must be removed to minimize risk of crew exposure. This program will determine whether these goals can be accomplished and demonstrate that capability. Judicious chemical selection and minimizing chemical waste is also at the core of this program.

Benefits:

Successful completion of this program will result in removing a dependance on FREON and similar compounds to clean oxygen equipment plumbing. Significant savings will be realized in manpower, avoided aircraft downtime and chemical purchase/disposal. Aircraft oxygen systems are anticipated to be more reliable thereby increasing safety for the crew. This process is expected to be valid for all DoD and commercial aircraft. In addition it is expected that the process will be adaptable to other critical equipment and systems providing additional cost and environmental savings. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2005)

Contact:

Ms. Mary Hayes
4375 Chidlaw Road
Room C-109
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-5006
Telephone: (937) 656-3679
Fax: (937) 656-1732
E-mail: mary.hayes2@wpafb.af.mil