Original Date: 05/23/1994
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Keyport, together with Exxon, developed a cleaner to use in the post-range/down-range preservative flush process for two of Keyport's torpedo systems. This material has eliminated the use of mineral spirits (TT-T-29, Type II or III) and the associated problems with mineral spirits' low flash point (typically less than 110oF) and high volatile organic compound concentrations. In addition to resolving the problems, Keyport wanted to minimize hazardous waste and reduce or eliminate benzene compounds to improve safety and health considerations. These goals were achieved with the development of the ACTREL 1171L Navy Cleaner. Development efforts were begun in December 1991, with Exxon production scale-up efforts occurring between March and August of 1993.

Since its full implementation into the preservative flushing process in December 1993, ACTREL has demonstrated improved cleaning efficiency, increasing parts throughput in the cleaning process without leaving harmful residues behind. Hazardous waste has also been reduced in two ways - cleaning solvent life has been extended from nine cleaning cycles to 20 cleaning cycles, and the used hazardous material can be resold for recycling through a distillation process. Benzene and benzene derivatives, which are by-products of the production of mineral spirits, have also been reduced as a result of ACTREL implementation. Keyport has worked extensively with the Government Services Administration to obtain the necessary approval to make this standardized product available worldwide through the Government Services Administration procurement system.

Keyport has learned that a solvent total life cycle management approach is a key component to success (along with extensive field and laboratory testing to assure a minimum number of changes are required to existing facilities, process equipment, and procedures), and that if an alternative solvent mixture does not currently exist to perform a specific task, a new solvent can be designed. Private sector solvent manufacturers provide the necessary commitment and support required for a successful alternate solvent development program which has resulted in combined savings and cost avoidance of $2000 to $9000 per month for Keyport.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.