Fluoride Ion Cleaning (FIC)

The FIC process is used for removing deeply embedded oxides from superalloy surfaces. It helps prepare turbine engine components for subsequent welding, brazing, or coating while also maintaining the structural integrity and performance of components, which is critical in high-performance applications. During brazing and welding operations, oxide layers and contaminants can stand in the way of optimal bonding, leading to quality control issues.

The fluoride ion cleaning process utilizes high temperatures greater than 950° C to make fluorine react with oxides formed on component surfaces, converting the oxides to fluorides for subsequent removal.

In the aerospace industry, the oxides that need to be cleaned are byproducts of turbine blades and components operating at extremely high temperatures.

If these thick oxide layers are not cleaned, the lifespan and performance of components become reduced. Cleaning is also required to prep the surface for repairs through processes such as brazing, welding, or coating.

A robust maintenance culture is essential for preventing breakdowns in surfaces and components. In aerospace, where margins are slim, errors can be catastrophic.

The FIC process is carried out in a controlled vacuum primarily for two reasons:

1. Fluoride ions are highly reactive and can lead to all kinds of hazards if released into the atmosphere. The vacuumed FIC is crucial for maintaining a safe working environment and for controlling the reaction conditions.
2. Shutting out contaminants is another reason for controlled cleaning. It makes no sense to deliberately or inadvertently let in contamination when actively removing oxides.

Aerospace, though, being the major user of fluoride ion cleaning is not the only industry where the FIC process finds application. Using hydrogen fluoride for ion cleaning is also required in power generation facilities to prep for repairs on gas turbines and boilers. Like aerospace, these power-generating components also experience high temperatures, leading to the formation of oxides.

To ensure that these sectors can continue to bring essential services like electricity to the people, fluoride cleaning must be done consistently.

Here at Byron Products, our fluoride ion cleaning has proven to be a reliable cleaning solution for engine systems and machine components in diverse industries. For years, we’ve been privileged to work with businesses of different capacities in the following sectors:

• Aerospace
• Power generation
• Automotive
• Military and Defense
• Medical
• And more…

We work with these businesses not only as partners in fluoride ion cleaning. Beyond FIC, Byron Products provides other services such as heat treating, honeycomb brazing, induction and torch brazing, precision laser welding, and even complex assembly operations.

We hold several certifications and approvals in addition to being an approved FAA repair station (License #YB5R630Y). We’ve been providing cost-effective solutions and high-quality processes for close to four decades. So, you can fully trust us to get any project done.

If you have any questions about our fluoride ion cleaning service, do not hesitate to contact us. We’ll be glad to answer your questions.