Alternative Cleaner Materials Compatibility Evaluation Program

Abstract : Many federal, state and local laws and regulations limit the use, storage and disposal of hydrocarbon-based cleaning solutions. Unfortunately, the Army and other defense agencies rely on these solvents to maintain unique, mission-critical systems and materiel. The uncontrolled replacement of these solvents with environmentally friendly products has the potential to reduce the readiness of Army's legacy systems. Thus, testing has become a critical component in the process to gain approval to use alternative cleaners in DoD maintenance and repair activities. The preponderance of test methods established in this protocol are in accordance with recognized national and international test methods endorsed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Military unique test specifications and standards are identified where necessary to meet mission%oriented criteria. The intent of this protocol was to determine which materials and what tests were needed to develop data to determine the material compatibility of alternative cleaners. Final approval of the form, content of this document and resultant required data rest with the commodity commands who have the ultimate approval authority for determining criteria and approving the use of alternative cleaners on material items under their purview.