Development of Aqueous-based Cleaning Procedures for Decontaminating Metal Components intended for Service in Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres

SUMMARY

Experimental results are presented which allow evaluation of a number of aqueous based cleaning agents for decontaminating metal components intended for use in oxygen enriched atmospheres. The development of a process sequence for removing contamination from difficult areas of metal components such as those containing blind holes, crevices or internal passageways is reported. From the results of the study it is considered essential with aqueous-based cleaning solutions to ensure that fresh streams of solution are repeatedly introduced into the cavities. Ultrasonic cleaning action alone is unable to decontaminate blind holes and recesses within a practicable time scale. An effective way of achieving the cleanliness required for oxygen service components, is to use ultrasonification to enhance general surface cleaning together with a short duration high velocity spray to decontaminate blind holes or cavities.