NASA Goddard’s scientists have developed a novel, volatile organic compound (VOC)-free system for cleaning tubing and piping that significantly reduces cost and carbon consumption. The innovative technology enables the use of deionized water in place of costlier isopropyl alcohol (IPA), and does not create any waste for which costly disposal is usually required. It uses nitrogen bubbles in water, which act as a scrubbing agent to clean equipment. The cleaning system quickly and precisely removes all foreign matter from tubing and piping.

The Precision Green Cleaning invention was developed to clean flight tubing. Its cleaning effectiveness is equal to or better than IPA processes. The portable, eco-friendly technology has the potential to be useful to industries where IPA is commonly used to clean tubing and piping, or potentially where other water-cleaning applications are used. Such industries may include aerospace, pharmaceutical, bioprocessing, and food and beverage. Precision Green Cleaning may also be used to clean microelectronics equipment, parts, and surfaces.

NASA is actively seeking licensees to commercialize this technology. Please contact the Strategic Partnerships Office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to initiate licensing discussions. Follow this link for more information: http://technology.nasa.gov/patent/TB2016/GSC-TOPS-20 .