A.01.Purchase_Description_v2.docx

Weapons Shop Ultrasonic Parts Washer Purchase Purpose Purchasing an ultrasonic parts washer Discussion The 115 Weapons shop is looking to replace the current solvent tank parts washer. The current parts washer requires manual cleaning by hand and uses a harsh solvent that requires multiple layers of PPE and gives off a noxious odor. An ultrasonic parts washer cleans the parts without manual assistance, and only uses a water soluble cleaner and high frequency pressure sound waves to agitate the liquid, which in turn cleans and removes grease and carbon from gun parts. This action is able to penetrate blind holes, cracks and recesses which are almost impossible to reach when cleaning a part by hand. The Ultrasonic cleaner would eliminate the handling and storage of the solvent, and would also eliminate the disposal of the hazardous waste when the solvent needs to be replaced. The current parts washer in the weapons shop hold at least 70 gallons of solvent at a cost of $17.74 per 5 gallon bucket. Since there is no manual cleaning an ultrasonic parts washer reduces the exposure to chemicals and vapors and greatly reduces man hours during the gun cleaning process.

Key features of an Ultrasonic parts washer

· Parts washer interior dimensions should provide at least 40”L x 29”W x 29”D of usable space

· Washer should have 24” of soluble cleaner inside of tank

· Washer should produce at least 4,000 sustained watts

· Sustained ultrasonic watt density per gallon

· Minimum of 33

· Not to exceed 40 (per Air Force Technical Order)

· Variable sweep frequency capability

· Stainless steel lid

· Electric or pneumatic lift for parts (250 lb minimum lift)

· Parts are not allowed to contact the sides or bottom of the processing vessel

· Thermostatically controlled heater

· Digital temperature display readout

· Large spigot for draining

· Unit will be free-standing

· 220v wall power

· Unit will include all parts and solutions necessary for use (enough solution for two tankful)

· Adjustable temperature settings are required, which will allow the temperature of washing and rinsing solution to be set at 160 degrees F and below. The intended use does not allow the temperature to exceed 160 degrees F. A machine capable of producing higher temperatures is acceptable, providing that it is adjustable.

· Adjustable time settings are required, providing at a minimum adjustability up to 30 minutes.

Conclusion Purchasing an Ultrasonic parts washer greatly reduces cost on man hours and allows personnel in the Weapons shop to work more safely and effectively thereby, reducing long term health cost.