Case Studies

For the accessibility benefit of our customers who can’t see the picture of the letter, the excerpt from Jason B. Turpin reads as follows:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
George C. Marshall Space Flight Center
Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812

May 26, 2016

Dear Larry Saint and the TMC Team:

On behalf of the Advanced Manufacturing Demonstration Engine (AMDE) Team, we appreciate you and your team on the efforts and sincerity in successfully providing precision cleaning services for all of our engine components and facility hardware.

The picture presented shows the latest testing of our AMDE that MSFC has been developing for the past 3 years. The engine is built using additive manufacturing technique and is the first of its kind. The engine uses liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen and produces 35,000 lbf of thrust. Nearly all of the hardware shown in this picture was processed and cleaned by your team at TMC. The success of this test series is a testament to the care and expertise that your team provides in every piece that you clean.

We sincerely appreciate your role in the success and hope you will keep up the good work in the future.

Thank you for giving this team your best.

Sincerely,

Jason B. Turpin
Branch Chief
Liquid Engine Systems Branch

Oil Contamination

TMC / Redstone Arsenal Case Study

Project:  Liquid Oxygen Pipeline  – Test Stand on Redstone Arsenal

End Customer type:  aerospace customer

Background Information: The customer suspected there may be some sort of liquid, presumably water in a 6” Liquid Oxygen (LOX) Pipeline.  The pipeline had previously been cleaned and presumably certified by another company.   The customer asked TMC to inspect the pipeline prior to a test where the pipeline would have been pressurized with Liquid Oxygen.   In doing the inspection TMC found oil in the line that was not removed. If Liquid Oxygen would have been introduced in the line it may have created a lethal combination resulting in a catastrophic explosion.

After the inspection TMC was engaged to clean and certify the pipeline.

Conclusion:  The purpose of Precision Chemical Cleaning is to certify systems to meet specified cleanliness standards.  These standards are in place to ensure safety of both equipment and personnel.  TMC prides on its quality standards and strives to meet these specifications each and every time.

Clogged Transfer Line Filter Housing

TMC / Redstone Arsenal Case Study

Project: Transfer line – Rocket Motor Test Stand on Redstone Arsenal

End Customer type:  aerospace customer

Background Information:  The customer suspected there may be some sort of contamination in a 6” for Liquid Oxygen (LOX), Gaseous Nitrogen (GN2) and Liquid Nitrogen (LNG) Transfer Line.  The transfer line had previously been cleaned and presumably certified by another company.  When the customer put the line into service, the computer controller shutdown the system.  The customer asked TMC to inspect the transfer line.  Upon inspection, several pounds of citric acid powder were discovered in the line causing the inline filter to restrict flow triggering a computer shutdown. After the inspection TMC was engaged to clean and certify the transfer line.

Conclusion:  The purpose of Precision Chemical Cleaning is to certify systems to meet specified cleanliness standards.  These standards are in place to ensure the design or performance of equipment.  TMC prides on its quality standards and strives to meet these specifications each and every time.