TO 1-1-700 - Robins Air Force Base
TO 1-1-700 - Robins Air Force Base
TO 1-1-700 - Robins Air Force Base
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<strong>TO</strong> 1-1-<strong>700</strong><br />
There are three ways to identify the conformal coating. The<br />
easiest and most immediate method is through the relevant<br />
system specific technical data. The second method is through<br />
chemical laboratory analysis of the coating. The final method<br />
is a series of tests as described in Section VI of <strong>TO</strong> 00-25-234.<br />
8.3.4 Remove the Conformal Coating. Once the coating<br />
has been identified it must be removed. It is essential that the<br />
coating be identified correctly. If the wrong removal method is<br />
attempted on a coating, it can cause serious damage to the<br />
component under repair. Methods for removing each type of<br />
conformal coating are described in Section VI of <strong>TO</strong> 00-25-<br />
234. Make sure that the coating is removed completely. There<br />
should be absolutely no residue of the coating remaining.<br />
8.3.5 Repair Damage. Once any corrosion and conformal<br />
coating have been removed, the component or assembly may<br />
be repaired. Any circuit component that has suffered corrosion<br />
damage must be removed and replaced. Any circuit card that<br />
has suffered corrosion damaged must be repaired if possible. If<br />
it is not possible to repair the circuit card such that all functionality<br />
is restored, it must be replaced. Detailed instructions<br />
for the testing and repair of electronics are given in Section V<br />
of <strong>TO</strong> 00-25-234.<br />
8.3.6 Reapply Conformal Coating. Once all damage as<br />
been repaired, the conformal coating must be reapplied to the<br />
component. Before the conformal coating is reapplied, the<br />
component should be cleaned of any residue from solder flux<br />
or other assembly and repair processes, then rinsed thoroughly<br />
in deionized water. Approved methods for applying the coatings<br />
are given in Section VI of <strong>TO</strong> 00-25-234.<br />
8.4 ELECTRONIC-SPECIFIC PRINCIPLES AND<br />
DESCRIPTIONS.<br />
This paragraph is intended to provide information about basic<br />
corrosion theory as it applies in an electronics context. Knowledge<br />
of the science of corrosion prevention and control is<br />
essential when repairing corrosion on electronic components.<br />
8.4.1 Materials and Their Electronic Applications. In<br />
order to prevent and recognize corrosion on electronics, it is<br />
necessary to know some of the unique applications that materials<br />
have in the context of electronics. Table 8-2 gives some<br />
of the common uses of various materials in electronics and<br />
electronic components.<br />
8.4.2 Corrosive Conditions. Specific conditions that contribute<br />
to corrosion are listed in the following paragraphs.<br />
8.4.2.1 Moisture. Moisture is the single most common contributing<br />
factor to a corrosive environment. Moisture can gain<br />
access either in liquid or vapor form. Any areas where air can<br />
access the electronics are potential sources of moisture intrusion.<br />
In addition to the corrosive effects of the moisture, it can<br />
contain corrosive contaminants such as chlorides, sulfates, and<br />
nitrates.<br />
8.4.2.1.1 Moisture whose presence is the result of condensation<br />
often evaporates as local temperatures rise. However, this<br />
moisture leaves behind residues of contaminants and salts.<br />
This residue is especially damaging when it is deposited in<br />
close-fitting areas such as faying surfaces. This can happen<br />
when the condensed moisture is drawn into close-fitting joints<br />
through capillary action.<br />
8.4.2.1.2 In addition to corrosion, moisture contributes to<br />
changes in dimensional stability, dielectric strength, ignition<br />
voltages, and insulation resistances.<br />
8.4.2.2 Salt. Salts form strong electrolytes when dissolved,<br />
which can cause rapid corrosion of metallic materials. The<br />
primary source of salt is through water vapor in coastal and<br />
shipboard environments.<br />
8.4.2.3 Other Fluids. Fuels, hydraulic fluids, lubricants,<br />
and coolants can also contribute to corrosion. Even if the fluids<br />
are not corrosive to metals, they can cause damage to<br />
sealant materials, which can lead to moisture intrusion in the<br />
future.<br />
8.4.2.4 Temperature. Normal operation of communications<br />
electronics equipment frequently produces elevated temperatures.<br />
The rate of corrosion, out gassing, and decomposition<br />
increases as temperature increases. In addition, elevated temperatures<br />
can necessitate increased cooling air circulation,<br />
which increases the chances of condensation.<br />
8.4.2.5 Pollution. Carbon, nitrates, ozone, sulfur dioxide,<br />
and sulfates are some of the pollutants that can be present in<br />
the local environments. If these pollutants accumulate, they<br />
can combine with moisture to form extremely corrosive solutions.<br />
8.4.2.6 Sand and Dust. Sand and dust can also facilitate<br />
the creation of corrosive conditions. <strong>Air</strong>borne sand and dust<br />
enter equipment and settle on all surfaces. Once settled, they<br />
can trap and hold moisture, creating the conditions for corrosion<br />
to begin. In addition, sand is highly abrasive, which can<br />
cause damage if it settles on moving or vibrating parts.<br />
8.4.2.7 Biological Factors (Microorganism, Insect, Animal).<br />
Trapped moisture can create the ideal conditions for the<br />
growth of molds, bacteria, and fungi. These organisms tend to<br />
trap and hold additional moisture. In addition, some of these<br />
organisms' secretions are acidic, and thus strong electrolytes.<br />
These organisms can feed on nonmetallic materials commonly<br />
present in communications electronics. Even “fungus-resistant”<br />
synthetic materials can be vulnerable if they are treated<br />
8-2