Chapter 2. CLEANING, DRYING, AND PRESERVATIVES

TM 38-260

CHAPTER 2

CLEANING, DRYING, AND PRESERVATIVES

Section I. CLEANING MATERIALS AND PROCESSES

2-1.

Decontamination of Equipment

Whenever IPE is contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), explosives, acids, or other

corrosive material and/or toxic substances, it must be decontaminated prior to being prepared for storage or shipment.

Detailed decontamination procedures for IPE may be obtained by contacting the Defense General

Supply Center, ATTN: DGSC-SSM, 8000 Jefferson Davis Highway, Richmond, VA 23297-5501.

2-2.

Cleaning

Importance of cleaning. The successful preservation of IPE or OPE depends upon the use of approved

processes.

(1)

A preservative film will not protect an item if the surfaces are dirty or covered with corrosion producing

particles. Inadequate cleaning makes all succeeding operations ineffective.

(2)

When surfaces are covered with foreign material which is not part of the item, they are contaminated.

Every item is subjected to many kinds of contamination from the time it is manufactured until it is removed from service.

Examples of contaminants are drawing, milling, or cooling compounds, metal shavings, chips, abrasives, and shop dirt.

Basic cleaning requirement. Basic cleaning requirements apply to all items of IPE and OPE. Cleaning

should be performed in accordance with this manual. Processing operations shall be accomplished within rain-proof

facilities which will substantially prevent infiltration of wind blown dust. Equipment brought into processing facilities shall

be allowed to reach ambient temperature before processing.

CAUTION

IN ORDER TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO IPE, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO BLOCK OR BRACE

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PORTIONS OF THE ITEM PRIOR TO MOVEMENT INTO TILE

PROCESSING AREA.

(1)

The processing area shall be heated and/or cooled, as required, and shall contain adequate processing

equipment.

2-1