Abstract: A method and system for inhibiting corrosion of aluminum and other metal-containing components and structures exposed to water is disclosed. In one embodiment, the silicate solution is used as a test fluid medium for structural testing of aluminum-alloy or other metal container structures including propellant tanks, in which a structure filled with the medium is then subjected to various structural load testing. In another embodiment, the silicate solution is used as a test medium for proof pressure hydrostatic or load testing of launch vehicle booster tanks. The silicate film protects the underlying base metal surface against corrosion during these tests. The film also protects the base metal surface in normal atmospheric conditions from exposure to humidity and other atmospheric moisture after removal of the test medium from the propellant tank following completion of testing.

Abstract: A method and system for inhibiting corrosion of aluminum and other metal-containing components and structures exposed to water is disclosed. In one embodiment, the silicate solution is used as a test fluid medium for structural testing of aluminum-alloy or other metal container structures including propellant tanks, in which a structure filled with the medium is then subjected to various structural load testing. In another embodiment, the silicate solution is used as a test medium for proof pressure hydrostatic or load testing of launch vehicle booster tanks. The silicate film protects the underlying base metal surface against corrosion during these tests. The film also protects the base metal surface in normal atmospheric conditions from exposure to humidity and other atmospheric moisture after removal of the test medium from the propellant tank following completion of testing.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting corrosion of aluminum and other metal-containing surfaces exposed to environmental conditions, including moisture, salt and extreme temperatures, for extended periods. In one embodiment, an aqueous silicate solution is applied to a water break free aluminum alloy surface, forming a silicate protective film on the surface. After the silicate compound protective film dries, an aqueous dichromate solution is applied to the surface, forming a dichromate sealant layer on top of the silicate protective film. The combination of silicate compound protective film and dichromate compound sealant layer provides significant corrosion-inhibiting effects, protecting the underlying metal surface from corrosion for periods more than a year even when the metal surface is exposed to rain, salt fog, and extremes of temperature.

Abstract: A method and system for inhibiting corrosion of aluminum and other metal-containing components and structures exposed to water is disclosed. In one embodiment, the silicate solution is used as a test fluid medium for structural testing of aluminum-alloy or other metal container structures including propellant tanks, in which a structure filled with the medium is then subjected to various structural load testing. In another embodiment, the silicate solution is used as a test medium for proof pressure hydrostatic or load testing of launch vehicle booster tanks. The silicate film protects the underlying base metal surface against corrosion during these tests. The film also protects the base metal surface in normal atmospheric conditions from exposure to humidity and other atmospheric moisture after removal of the test medium from the propellant tank following completion of testing.

Abstract: A method for precision-cleaning the aluminum alloy inner wall surface of a tank is disclosed. In one embodiment, the inner wall surface is cleaned by a method including the steps of washing the inner wall surface with a first portion of water, applying an aqueous cleaning solution comprising sodium silicate, sodium tetrafluoroborate and sodium molybdate, and rinsing the inner wall surface with a second portion of water. In a second embodiment, the method is directed to precision-cleaning a launch vehicle booster propellant tank. In this embodiment, the method includes the steps of applying washes of water and aqueous cleaning solution on at least upper and lower sections of the inner wall surface of the tank, washing such sections with water, and analyzing samples of effluent cleaning solution and water collected from the effluent drain of the tank for hydrocarbon and particulate contaminants.