Tool Crib

Simple Green's New Safe Formula

The classic bottle of Simple Green cleaner has often been the subject of questions in the aviation industry, due to potential corrosion problems. Simple Green was well aware of these concerns and has developed a new forumula--Extreme Simple Green--that prevents corrosion and cleans as well as the old green solution. The problem wasn't that Simple Green was especially corrosive, but that if all of the soap wasn't completely rinsed off, then some Simple Green caught in crevices between aluminum joints could eventually create a dielectric and lead to corrosion. The old formula didn't meet formal aircraft cleaning specifications. The new Extreme formula eliminates the corrosion problem and also meets Boeing's cleaning spec, D6-17487 Revision P. Extreme Simple Green includes an anti-corrosion agent, prevents hydrogen embrittlement, and is safe to use for general cleaning and in pressure washers, parts washers, and dip tanks. Extreme Simple Green is also biodegradeable and solvent-free. Simple Green, phone: 562-795-6000, www.simplegreen.com.

Dunlop Develops Anti-Oxidants for Extended Brake Life

Carbon oxidation, an activated process in which the rate of oxidation goes up exponentially with temperature, affects aircraft brakes, which can reach temperatures between 550 and 650 degrees Centigrade during a landing. Dunlop Aerospace Braking Systems has developed an advanced anti-oxidant treatment for protecting the carbon-carbon composites used for the heat packs of aircraft brakes. This treatment is designed to extend the service life of the brakes.

Two treatments were applied to the non-rubbed surfaces of the stators and rotors on a BAe 146/Avro RJ brake. Dunlop said this allowed the brakes to operate for much longer under difficult braking conditions, including the use of de-icing catalysts. Those de-icers are known to promote oxidation. Dunlop said that inspection intervals have been extended and average brake life is longer with the treatment, although varies from case to case.

The treatments achieve their effect in two ways. Below 520 deg C, inhibitors in the treatments slow down the reaction of the carbon with oxygen. At higher temperatures, barrier-forming species within the anti-oxidants react with the surrounding oxygen to from a coating that prevents the ingress of oxygen into the composite. Dunlop Aerospace Braking Systems, +44 2476 666655, www.dunlop-aerospace.co.uk

Navigance Technologies Offers Security Options

Navigance Technologies Group has created a complete security solution for general aviation facilities. The system includes video surveillance, lighting, access controls, and secure wireless network systems. FBOs and other airport tenants may need to consider some form of security system in the near future to address TSA security guidelines.

The Navigance system integrates the major systems of physical security, fencing, access controls, and lighting. The company also uses wireless technologies and web-based communications to create a complete system that can be monitored and controlled from a remote location.

The wireless network feature enables quick installation without the need to dig up ramps or taxiways. The software-based controls are upgradeable with simple software changes and permit remote online diagnostics and maintenance for many problems. Some systems have the option to use fingerprints to clock employees in and out and could track project hours for billing.