Manufacture of bonded aircraft structure results in adhesive "squeeze out" which must be removed after bonding. Conventional practice has been to hand sand such structural items with air powered sanders. Results have been less than desirable because of dust escape and excess metal removal, which destroys a part in an advanced stage of fabrication. This is precious scrap.

Remarkable success removing adhesive using starch based blast media prompted an aircraft OEM to integrate three related processes using a Pauli Systems Integrated Adhesive Removal and Wash Facility.

The three processes are:
1) Starch media blast removal of adhesive squeeze out
2)Hot water wash
3)Alodine

The system consists of connected 40-foot long chambers separated by a roll-up door. The first chamber is the adhesive removal area via starch media blast. The second chamber is hot water wash followed by Alodine application.

Some interesting highlights include: Two nozzle starch media blast system with AccuFlow computerized media control; sophisticated media recovery, recycle and dense particle removal system; Pauli Systems' FanBlast wide pattern nozzle which concentrates media along the often narrow path of excess adhesive; brilliant lighting for optimum operator productivity; power ventilation systems to remove dust and odor; roll-up doors on each end and in the center for drive through convenience; dramatic productivity increase and resulting inventory storage reduction requiring less factory floor area; daily factory clean up in hand sanding area eliminated; 680 CFM @ 100psig compressed air system with refrigerated dryer and water sprinkler system.

It should be noted that the Alodine step is temporary because the starch media blast is easily adjusted to not remove Alodine and sealer, the parts will be treated prior to bonding, eliminating the Alodine step.

This system is a turnkey installation by Pauli Systems.