The aerospace industry has a number of crucial cleaning applications. First, every aerospace platform is a high-performance system, which means that many intricate cleaning problems must be addressed during manufacture of airplanes, missiles, satellites, and support systems. On-board subsystems also need regular cleaning during maintenance and testing. Normal, long-term maintenance programs, such as the "B", "C" and "D" checks on airframes, require dissassembly, test and repair -- which means more cleaning problems.

There are several factors which complicate cleaning in the aerospace industry. Unlike some applications, in the aerospace industry the range of contaminates varies widely. Fuel and hydraulic fluids are common, but fluxes, greases, paints and inorganics also generate cleaning processes.

Another interesting factor is that aerospace is a global industry. It is unacceptable to specify a cleaning solvent which is widely used in one area but unobtainable in another market. Uneven global regulations are a major factor in these discussions. While cost is important, global availability, toxicity, and materials compatibility are the primary drivers in the solvent selection process.

Many solvents have been tested by the aerospace industry in a search for ozone-safe cleaning, but not many meet all of the industry's criteria. In the old days CFCs were the solvents of choice, and some airframe makers still have residual supplies of those solvents. HCFC solvents used to be popular, but most of them are being phased out at the end of 2002. The PFC solvents are serious global

Many aerospace systems demand rigourous cleaning in order to ensure reliable performance. Here, a small quantity of Vertrel^® is used to remove hydaulic fluid from the landing gear of an aircraft. The solvent is safe on the gaskets, hoses, paints and coatings used in the aircraft.

warming issues, and alcohol and hydrocarbon solvents are rarely used because of the flammability, drying time and handling issues. The brominated solvents are generally too aggressive, and they have significant toxicity, handling and environmental problems. The old style chlorinated solvents are not usually considered viable choices due to their toxicity and environmental problems. Which basically leaves Vertrel^®.

Powerful, fast-drying, residue-free Vertrel^® addresses all of the aerospace issues. The Vertrel^® products easily mix into different azeotropes, so the solvency can be tailored to the application. The products provide great cleaning because are very dense, so they lift away inorganic contamination and dissolve organic grease, oils and more. They dry quickly, which makes maintenance procedures easier, and they are nonflammable so safety is enhanced. Vertrel^® cleaners also have a much lower surface tension than water and they evaporate quickly, easily, even from deep inside complex systems. Most importantly, they are made by DuPont which means they are available and supported around the world.

Vertrel^® has been specified by one major airframe maker for the cleaning of landing gear systems. NASA has specified Vertrel^® as the sole solvent to be used on sealed systems on the Space Shuttle. Numerous other applications have been developed under non-disclosure agreemnts.

Ideally, Vertrel^® products should be used in all aerospace repair depots for mechanical and avionics cleaning; for cleaning hydraulic fluids and oil spills, for cleaning oxygen systems and fire-supression systems, and the most complex engine and APU cleaning problems.

Cleaning with Vertrel^® is simple, fast and very cost-effective. When quality counts, aircraft makers and subcontractors select Vertrel^®!

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