The wax factor

How an aqueous cleaning system is helping to remove wax from plated aerospace components.

Dewaxing components that have been plated is normally a messy job involving removal of the wax in a tank of heated water, followed by further cleaning and degreasing, traditionally in hot trichloroethylene (trike). Industrial washing system supplier, Turbex, in collaboration with one of its customers, aerospace overhaul and repair specialist, AEM, has developed a much cleaner, faster and more ecologically friendly alternative.

In what is believed to be a world first, an aqueous washing machine has been adapted and installed at one of AEM's centres to remove the masking wax and then clean and degrease components thoroughly in a continuous, 30 minute process. The secret to its success lies in the system's ability to keep the wax molten while it is in the cleaning machine.

This is achieved first while the wax droplets are held in suspension in the hot water/detergent mixture, then as they float to the top to form an oily layer, during subsequent separation from the water and finally as the wax moves through a separation unit before dropping into a container, where it solidifies. There is no need for recourse to expensive bio-chemicals to break down and absorb the wax.

Benefits of the new technique, which in December 2009 replaced AEM's former dewax and trike tanks, include not having to shovel wax by hand into sacks and significantly less mess in the working environment. The potential for hazardous trike emissions into the work place and the atmosphere are eliminated, and there is no longer any need to remove masking wax that used to end up in the trike tank.

Other advantages of the Turbex system are a reduction in the electrical energy used, resulting in a saving in running costs, a 50% reduction in floor space occupied by the cleaning plant, and the potential to reclaim the wax and use it again once it has been returned to the supplier to be reconstituted.

AEM is currently working with a wax supplier to investigate the feasibility of re-blending the reclaimed wax back to its original state. Initial trials have proved successful and could result in lower expenditure on the consumable, as well as further cost savings by avoiding sending used wax to landfill.

A further benefit to AEM is the uptime of its cleaning plant. It used to have to limit the use of the trike tank to a couple of times per day to keep below the one-tonne annual limit for open systems stipulated by the Solvent Emissions Directive (SED). By contrast, there are no restrictions on the use of the Turbex water and detergent system. Even the rinse water can be recirculated by use of a closed loop system. In addition, a filter mist unit condenses water from the vented steam back into the aqueous cleaner.

AEM, a member of the Ametek group, is one of the largest independent overhaul and repair facilities in Europe, operating out of three UK sites: Stansted Airport, Luton Airport and Ramsgate, where the Turbex machine is installed.

Its service to airlines, helicopter operators and airframe manufacturers involves repairing and/or refurbishing a wide range of aircraft parts including electrical, hydraulic, engine and undercarriage items. Chrome or nickel electroplating often forms part of the refurbishment. All areas of the component that are not to be plated are masked with wax. The company says it is renowned for rapid turnaround times, especially when responding to AOG (aircraft on ground) requests.

www.turbex.co.uk

Related Articles

Toolholders the key for precision aerospace machining

The ability to machine in challenging aerospace specification metals and composites combining precision and repeatability with the capability to cope with heavy duty cutting such as pocketing is essential in aerospace machining.
8 years ago Products
Most recent Articles

Carter enjoys success at HAI HELI-EXPO event

Acknowledged as the World’s largest vertical aviation conference and trade show, HAI HELI-EXPO 2024 provided precision bearing specialists Carter Manufacturing a perfect opportunity to exhibit its extensive range of aerospace bearing installation, removal and testing tools, along with PMA bearing options.
2 days ago News

Login / Sign up