Visual Cleaning Performance Indicators for Cleaning Verification

WP-1117

Objective

WP-1117 Project Graphic

The Visual Cleaning Performance Indicators (VCPI) Concept

Cleaning operations are a critical element in the maintenance and repair of Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Energy weapons systems. Cleaning performance verification procedures have been slow and expensive to develop because most available verification methods are not suitable for real-time measurement.

This project seeks to identify, develop, and evaluate an operable inline/online cleaning performance verification method, consisting of a visual cleaning performance indication (VCPI) method that will accurately assess part cleanliness.

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Technical Approach

The Air Force Research Laboratory has provided information describing the contaminants and has assisted with cleaning processes of importance to the Air Force, while Carderock has provided similar information for the Navy. Initially, target contaminants were identified for large surface cleaning operations. Commercially-available, environmentally and health safe dyes that attach to the target contaminants were then selected. Next, exploratory tests on bulk contaminants and surface contaminated coupons were conducted to demonstrate the selective labeling of target contaminants. Feasibility tests of the VCPI concept were conducted utilizing test coupons, major DoD contaminants, and the best VCPI combinations and delivery methods for cleaning operations. The relationship between color visibility and residual contaminant levels for the VCPI-treated contaminated coupons was demonstrated, and the VCPI components and their compatibility with DoD cleaning operations and construction materials were determined.

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Results

Commercially-available VCPI candidates have been identified. These candidates have been down selected against the safety, environmental impact, and VCPI process requirements criteria. The VCPI method has been shown to selectively label a broad range of contaminants without labeling the material surface or imparting detrimental effects on the material with respect to paint adhesion or corrosion rate. Future testing should include parts and eventually large surfaces such as aircraft and ships. For porous coatings, such as paints and rubbers, the VCPI technique indicates that residual hydrophobic contaminants migrate into the coating and are not easily removed by current cleaning protocols. The dye label will appear as a stain in these porous surface cases unless the residual contaminant is removed.

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Benefits

The use of this technology will result in the reduction of hazardous and non-hazardous waste and processing costs by avoiding excessive and inadequate cleaning methods and by enhancing the ease of evaluation and implementation of environmentally-friendly cleaning alternatives.

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Project Documents

Points of Contact

Principal Investigator

Dr. Bruce Monzyk

Battelle Columbus

Phone: 614-424-4175

Fax: 614-424-3321

Program Manager

Weapons Systems and Platforms

SERDP and ESTCP

Project Documents

Document Types

  • Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
  • Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
  • Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
  • Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
  • Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
  • Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
  • Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
  • Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
  • Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.