Method for Removal of Airfield Paint Markings and Aircraft Tire Rubber Build-up from Installed AM2 Mat Surfaces

Atmospheric Plasma Solutions, Inc. (APS) has developed a proprietary atmospheric plasma coating removal (APCR) technology that requires only compressed air and electricity to operate. The output of the APCR system is a concentrated, low-temperature, air-plasma beam that has been shown to be highly effective at removing organic coatings, paint, and sealants. The objectives of this project are to develop the existing APCR system into a TRL 6/7 system that will 1) protect users from dangerous electrical conditions when the system is exposed to water, and 2) allow the APCR system to operate seamlessly on ship-based power systems, shore power systems or facility power systems without operator adjustments or adverse impacts to the power system or the APCR equipment. 3) characterize the effectiveness of coating removal of the new system 4) produce and analyze data to determine the effect, if any, of APCR on the metallurgical structure, post APCR coating adhesion , surface profile, tensile strength, and fatigue life of APCR treated substrates. The resulting system will support sustainment activities and increase readiness by reducing the time and cost of removing organic coatings from USN metal assets found aboard submarines, surface ships and ground support equipment.