Demonstration of Liquid CO2 as an Alternative for Metal Parts Cleaning

摘要

The paper discusses the demonstration of a non-solvent liquid carbon dioxide(LCO2) alternative for metal parts cleaning. The demonstration was conducted at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, in August 1995 to show the feasibility and capability of the LCO2 process. Actual aircraft parts, including scrap parts and non-flight tools, were cleaned during the demonstration. A great variety of part were selected for cleaning, including bearings, fuel system tubing, filters, bolts and other mechanical and structural aircraft parts. The demonstration incorporated hot oil process oil and ultrasonics to enhance and maximize the efficiency of the process. The LCO2 process was shown to be equivalent to 1,1,1-trichloroethane cleaning for the parts evaluated during the project.