The United States, a signatory to the 1987 Montreal Protocol (4), is committed to reducing/eliminating the release of stratospheric ozone layer depleting substances (OLDS) to the atmosphere. The phase out deadline for such substances, e.g., trichlorotrifluoroethane (CFC-113) and 1,1,1,-trichlorethane (TRIC) is 31 Dec 1995. Peacekeeper reliability is vital and performance can be diminished by dirt/grease on strategic inertial guidance system components. TRIC & CFC-113 are used extensively by USAF, USN & USA to clean vital components. Thus, there is a need, throughout the DOD, for a multi-functional cleaning system that will enable the cost effective use of new (very expensive) CFC replacement solvents and also permit the use of stockpiled OLDS in an environmental acceptable manner. UREA's innovative adaptation of the USAF multi-functional cleaning machine focuses on the integration of basic functions into a viable system, i.e., (1) enclosed (air tight) solvent cleaning process, (2) cleaning medium recycle/recondition loop, (3) component handling, and (4) monitor & control. Inlet/outlet "Air-Lock Chambers" and material handling will assure that the system's internal atmosphere will be maintained and guarantee zero gas/vapor out-flow. UREA also proposes to integrate SBIR sponsored emerging technology developments, as required. Selected demonstrations will be conducted during Phase I to confirm concept feasibility, particularly the cleaning chamber's internal atmosphere and ultrasonic transducer enhancements.
