Development of Non-Aqueous Low-VOC Cleaner as Alternative to MIL-PRF-680/P-D-680 Cleaners

Solvent emissions are regulated regionally and locally, with the Air Pollution Control Districts in California implementing the most stringent requirements.  The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) in California has recently imposed restrictions limiting the use of solvents with volatile organic compound (VOC) content to no greater than 25 grams per liter for immersion cleaning processes unless the solvent is used in an airtight cleaning system.  To meet the new environmental regulations, the Materials Engineering Division at NAVAIR, Patuxent River developed MIL-PRF-32295A specification entitled “Cleaner, Non-Aqueous, Low-VOC, HAP-Free.”  This specification covers non-aqueous solvents that are free of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and contain a low amount (no more than 25 grams per liter) of VOCs for cleaning aircraft components and ground support equipment.  Currently, three products have met the qualification testing requirements of MIL-PRF-32295 Type I.  One candidate (Navsolve) has been developed by NAVAIR for testing to Type II requirements, and efforts are underway to identify others.  Navsolve has met the initial testing requirements of MIL-PRF-32295A Type II with the exception of the one-year storage stability test, which is in progress. 

 During the next few months, a field test for Navsolve will be conducted side by side with the currently in-use MIL-PRF-680 cleaning solvent on different weapon systems at several testing sites.  At each testing site, Navsolve cleaner will be used in cleaning three different soils (oil, hydraulic fluid, heavy grease) on different parts/equipments.  The field test evaluation will be based on the type of platform, cleaning effectiveness, compatibility with metals and non-metals, type of soil, drying time, residue, odor, duration of the test, and squadron recommendations.  All testing results will be photographed and comments from personnel will be documented.