The aviation sector is one of the most demanding industries in terms of safety and maintenanceThe need for demanding policies and the highest levels of regulations and standards can be clearly seen in the obligation of certified products used to clean aircraft.
A clear example can be seen in the use of certain materials in external components such as wings or the fuselage of an airplane, among others. In these areas, it is necessary to avoid chemical agents that comply with the regulations established at national and international level by official entities such as EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) and FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) of the USA.
These agencies or bodies in charge of regulating the regulations in their different regions are responsible for establishing which products can be used and what characteristics and requirements they must meet.
Below, we will tell you what regulations these agencies impose on the aeronautical sector and what products can be used to clean aircraft and their most exposed areas such as the exterior, wings, etc.
The importance of cleaning airplanes with official chemical agents
Aviation authorities set precise guidelines on qué Chemicals are allowed and under what conditions. Typically, the Federal Aviation Administration's regulations in the United States are similar or very similar to those of the European Aviation Safety Agency in Europe.
Although they do not always coincide, especially in certain products and compounds, the objective of these organizations is the same: ensure flight safety and maintain aircraft quality in an industry.
For this reason, special care is taken when handling chemicals. Certain products can damage some very delicate components on the exterior of aircraft.
El The fuselage and exterior of these devices are made of metal alloys which must be protected to avoid damage from external agents such as rain, corrosion or excess heat and sunlight, among others.
Aeronautical engineers, aware of the importance of preserving and avoiding damage to these materials, have established standards that cleaning manufacturers must comply with.
In this sense, it is essential that Chemical agents used in aircraft cleaning meet the highest standards of safety and effectiveness.
SAccording to the International Air Transport Association or IATA, the selection of chemicals to mitigate pathogens must be safe for use on the aircraft.
Federal Aviation Advisory Circular 43-205 provides testing criteria for qualifying general cleaning agents for application to aviation products to ensure that they do not degrade airworthiness.
The Federal Aviation Agency requires that products used in aircraft maintenance ensure acceptability in aviation articles, and that technical data sheets issued by the manufacturer for the specific product be consulted.
Keys to selecting chemical agents in aircraft cleaning products
Next, we will explore the main chemical agents permitted for aircraft cleaning and their applications.
Degreasers and outdoor surface cleaners
Degreasers and surface cleaners are essential for removing dirt, oil and grease build-up from exterior aircraft surfaces such as the fuselage and wings.
These chemicals are formulated to be highly effective without damaging the aircraft's paint or materials. To do so, they must meet these requirements:
- Free of VOC compoundss: These materials are hydrocarbons that are either gaseous at normal room temperature or highly volatile at room temperature. They are emitted from a variety of sources, including industrial chemicals, solvents, fuels, paints, cleaning products, personal care products, and combustion processes.
- Non-caustic: That is, the products cannot be abrasive and cannot burn or damage the surfaces they treat. A product or substance labeled as “non-caustic” will never damage the organic tissues or surfaces it comes into contact with.
- You should use surfactants nonionic and cationic: These compounds reduce surface tension between surfaces which increases cleaning.
- Environmentally friendly: In addition, they must comply with strict regulations to protect the environment and the health of operators. maintenance.
Rust removers and anti-corrosion agents
Corrosion is one of the main enemies of aviation, as it can weaken structures and affect flight safety.
Constant exposure to extreme weather conditions can cause the buildup of oxide and stains on the metal surfaces of an aircraft.
To address this problem, rust removers and products with anti-corrosion agents which restore the original appearance of the affected parts. These chemicals must be safe and effective, preventing any damage to the integrity of the aircraft structures.
Anticorrosive agents are applied to areas prone to corrosion, such as exterior and interior metal parts. These products help prevent corrosion and maintain the integrity of the aircraft.
In addition, they also apply to internal circuitry and closed like ventilation circuits, air and water, among others.
Engine cleaners and metal stains
Maintaining an aircraft's engines is essential for optimal operation and safety. To clean and maintain engines, specific cleaners are used that are designed to remove oil, soot and other residues without damaging the high-precision internal components.
These products are subject to strict regulations due to the critical importance of the engines for flight. The selection of these must be prepared and formulated to meet the following requirements:
- Possess moisturizing properties: Quickly cutting through tough dirt, oil and hydrocarbons is a necessary process to prevent corrosion and staining in engines and to do so it must have humectant properties. Humectants are substances that moisten and soften the leather by absorbing or retaining water, forming a protective barrier that prevents water evaporation. Some humectant substances include glycerin or certain surfactants.
- Suitable for dry or wet cleaning.
- That works with foam generators.
- That is able to remove insect splatter and heavy deposits of oil and dirt during aircraft washing or cleaning.
- Concentrated and designed for the different parts of the aircraft: fuselage, wings, belly and landing gear.
In addition, it must be a product whose composition is safe and environmentally friendly.
Disinfectants and interior cleaners
With increased awareness of hygiene in air transport, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, cleaning and disinfection of passenger cabins has become even more important.
For this reason, specific disinfectants and cleaners are used to eliminate bacteria, viruses and germs without damaging cabin materials. These products must be approved by health and aviation authorities such as EASA and the FAA, among others.
Environment
Furthermore, the aeronautics industry is also committed to environmental sustainability. In this regard, it seeks to use chemical agents that are environmentally friendly and that comply with hazardous waste management regulations.
In short, from Comecialpeach and as manufacturers of aviation chemicals We emphasize the importance of proper cleaning and maintenance of airplanes and aircraft. Therefore, it is essential to use appropriate materials to mitigate the risk of damage to aircraft caused by inappropriate chemical agents.
For more information on the best products for cleaning airplanes and their different areas, please do not hesitate to send us an email or contact us at this link.
Furthermore, in our catalog, you can find more information about our custom products such as aviation degreasers.