ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the application of Entropie Systems' enhanced particle removal process to the cleaning of inertial guidance instrument parts. In this process, the part to be cleaned is contacted, under conditions of shear, with a solution of a high molecular weight fluorocarbon surfactant in an inert perfluorinated liquid. It is then rinsed with a volatile perfluorinated liquid which is easily dried. The chapter demonstrates that adsorbed fluorocarbon surfactant can be removed from metal washers and from instrument parts by simple extraction with a surfactant-free fluorinated liquid. It is important to note that the fluorocarbon surfactant/FC-77 solution results in enhanced removal of not only small particles, but also of particles greater than 10 micrometers in size which are of major concern to inertial guidance manufacturers. The enhanced cleaning of the electropolished stainless steel beaker is an important finding.
