T.O. 33B-1-12-242.3.5.3 Steamcleaning.CAUTIONT.O. 1-1-691 and NAVAIR 01-1A-509, TM 55-1500-334-23 prohibits the use ofraw steam for cleaning aircraft and missile surfaces.Steam cleaning is a form of alkaline or detergent cleaning. Diluted solutions of alkaline cleaners, detergent cleaners, ormixtures of both are injected into a live steam spray. The steam/cleaner mixture is under pressure and the jet isdirected at the surface to be cleaned by a spray wand. Steam cleaning provides both chemical and strong mechanicalaction at elevated temperatures. Mobile steam generators permit application on parts and structures that cannot bebrought into the cleaning shop.2.3.5.4 DetergentCleaning.Detergent cleaners are water base chemicals called surfactants, which surround and attach themselves to particles ofsurface soil. The particles of soil and detergent are then washed away by solution agitation, pressure spray, or handwiping. The action is identical to hydrophilic removers in the penetrant process described in paragraph 2.5.5.4.2.Detergent cleaners may be alkaline, acidic or neutral but must be noncorrosive to the material being inspected. Thecleaning properties of detergent solutions facilitate complete removal of light soils from the part surface, preparing itfor penetrant inspection.2.3.5.5 Emulsioncleaning.Emulsion cleaners consist of an organic solvent and a detergent in water based solution. The organic solvent may be apetroleum base liquid. The soils are removed through a combination solvent-detergent action. The cleaner is lightlyalkaline and is usually sprayed on the part. Emulsion cleaning can leave a light oil film on the part surface that is theresidue of the solvent. Emulsion cleaned parts must be hot water rinsed or wiped with a solvent to remove the oilyresidue prior to penetrant inspection.2.3.5.6 SolventCleaning.This type of process removes soils by dissolving them. Solvents can be used on oils, greases, waxes, sealants, paintsand general organic matter. The resulting solution may leave a thin film or residue of an oily nature. This oily filmmust be removed with another solvent, vapor degreasing, alkaline or detergent cleaning prior to penetrant inspection.Solvent cleaning may be accomplished by tank immersion, but is more often applied by spraying or hand wiping whenalkaline, detergent or vapor degreasing is impractical.2.3.5.7 VaporDegreasing.NOTEMethyl chloroform, the most commonly used solvent in vapor degreasers, is nolonger available to government facilities because of its detrimental effect on theozone layer. Other solvents that can be used are generally too toxic or expensive tobe practical substitutes. Consequently, utilization of vapor degreasing is generallyno longer available to government facilities.2.3.5.8 Ultrasoniccleaning.This method adds ultrasonic agitation to solvent or detergent cleaning. The agitation is the result of cavitation of theliquid when subjected to the high and low pressure (partial vacuum) of the ultrasonic waves. The formation andcollapse of the cavities in the liquid provides a scrubbing action to the surface of the part. The agitation increasesaction of the cleaning solution and decreases cleaning time. It is particularly effective in removing contaminantstrapped in discontinuities. However, its effectiveness is dependent upon the cleaning medium. It should be used withwater and detergent on inorganic soils, such a rust, dirt, salts and corrosion products. It should be used with anaromatic or halogenated solvent if the soil to be removed is organic, such as oil or grease; see paragraph 2.2.3.4.
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