TO 1-1-700 - Robins Air Force Base

TO 1-1-700
Table 8-6. Recommended Cleaning Processes for Electronic Equipment - Continued
Generators X X(1) X X(1) X X
Batteries
Type of
Equipment
Circuit Breaker Panels X X X X X
Gyroscopes X(1) X(1) X
Plugs and Connectors X X X
High-density Connectors X X
Edge Connectors X X X
Coaxial Connectors X X
Printed Circuit Boards X X
Note: (1) External Use Only
Aqueous
Ultrasonics
Solvent
Ultrasonics
Water Base
Spray Booth
Abrasive
Tool
Mini-
Abrasive
Hand
Clean
X
8.6.2 Materials and Equipment.
8.6.2.1 Materials. Table 8-3 contains a list of approved
materials for cleaning electronic equipment. Only materials,
equipment, and techniques approved by the appropriate engineering
authority shall be used on communications electronics
equipment. Cleaning can be accomplished using the following
methods:
8.6.2.1.1 Solvent cleaning - solvents are effective at removing
grease and oil. They can be applied by wiping, brushing,
soaking, or spraying.
8.6.2.1.2 Detergent/aqueous cleaning - detergent and water
mixtures are used to remove dust, dirt, salt, grease, and oil.
They can be applied by wiping, brushing, soaking, and spraying.
Due to local environmental restrictions, aqueous cleaning
may be preferred over solvent cleaning.
8.6.2.1.3 Distilled water - distilled water is used to dilute
isopropyl alcohol or detergents. It is also used for rinsing after
other cleaning materials have been used. Distilled water may
be applied by wiping, brushing, soaking, rinsing, or spraying.
8.6.2.2 Equipment. Table 8-4 contains a list of approved
equipment for cleaning electronics equipment. Only materials,
equipment, and techniques approved by the appropriate engineering
authority shall be used on communications electronics
equipment. The following paragraphs describe various types
of cleaning equipment and restrictions and guidelines for their
use. They are intended to provide information and guidance,
not specific operating instructions. Always refer to equipmentspecific
operating manuals for operation instructions.
8.6.2.3 Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaner. The aqueous ultrasonic
cleaner is used for the removal of dust, dirt, corrosion
productions, and salt spray deposits. This is achieved by ultrasonic
scrubbing action in a water/detergent solution. The following
guidelines shall be observed while operating the
aqueous ultrasonic cleaner:
a. Miniature and micro miniature PCBs are susceptible to
damage caused by ultrasonic frequency and power level.
Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner with these types of
components without approval from appropriate authority.
b. The aqueous ultrasonic cleaner shall be operated at a
temperature less than 130 °F (54 °C) and a frequency of
20 kHz.
c. Equipment may be “presoaked” in the detergent solution
prior to cleaning in the aqueous ultrasonic cleaner.
MIL-D-16791, DETERGENT, NON-IONIC 22
d. The aqueous ultrasonic cleaner shall be used with MIL-
D-16791 detergent in a concentration of 1 ounce detergent
to 1 gallon of water.
e. Paper capacitors and paper-bound components disintegrate
in MIL-D-16791 detergent and shall not be used in
the aqueous ultrasonic cleaner.
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