The Oxygen Line-Cleaning Unit, developed and patented by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River (NAWCADPAX), was showcased at the annual World's Best Technologies, held in Arlington, Texas, March 26-27, 2008. This portable, inexpensive, and easy-touse apparatus and method for cleaning aircraft oxygen conduits also can be used for marine and medical applications where there is a need to convey oxygen or hydraulic fluids. Additionally, the new process allows the user to meet EPA requirements by eliminating the use of the Class I ozone depleting substance CFC-113 "freon" solvent.
Standards of the Department of Defense, NASA, National Fire Protection Agency, American Society for Testing Materials, and the Society of Automotive Engineers specify that rigorous removal of organic and particulate contamination from oxygen and oxygenenriched handling equipment is absolutely necessary to prevent a fire hazard. There is also a toxicity hazard stemming from toxic residue remaining in life support equipment. The U.S. Navy's oxygen line-cleaning technology keeps conduits free of contamination or foreign substance buildup that results from normal use, malfunction, or poor/improper maintenance. Unlike many conduit cleaners currently available, the Navy's oxygen line-cleaning technology does not use chemicals that contain cleaning agents incompatible with oxygen systems.
The Navy is actively seeking a partner in industry or academia to work with its scientists to prototype an oxygen line-cleaning unit, with the ultimate goal being mass manufacture and distribution within the United States.
Applications from American manufacturers for license to practice the invention are also welcome.
More Info: Paul Fritz, 301-342-5586
