Meeting Military Cleaning Standards: TT-I-735A Isopropyl Alcohol

Preventive maintenance is the most important part of the aircraft maintenance process. It keeps minor problems from becoming major problems, and cleanliness is foundational to the PM process. 

Aircraft are highly technical machines, and many different types of cleaners are used all over the aircraft for many other things. One of the most versatile and functional cleaning agents is isopropyl alcohol, also commonly called IPA. The military standard for IPAs is TT-I-735, so let’s dive into how Greenwood Aerospace supplies IPAs to the military. 

Cleaning Standards

Isopropyl alcohol, or rubbing alcohol, is a household and shop product used as a disinfectant. The industrial variety is 99% alcohol and only 1% water, effectively pure alcohol.

Meeting military spec TT-I-735A is key to the quality and effectiveness of cleaning products and is mandatory for military uses. TT-I-735A dictates how and in what capacity a product should be used. 

Properties and Uses

90-100% isopropyl alcohol is good for various applications, including cleaning electronics and removing oil. However, it is not a great option for use as a disinfectant because it evaporates too quickly to kill off bacteria and disinfect surfaces. 

Full-strength IPAs are best suited in places where they can act as solvents or grease cutters; IPAs are exceptionally well suited to this type of work. Also, they are one of the better water removers out there. 

Military Spec and Compliance

TT-I-735 Isopropyl Alcohol (Grade A) is an industrial-grade solvent produced by several manufacturers. We carry Univar 99, which is used in aerospace, electronics, and precision cleaning applications. This material is 99% isopropyl alcohol by weight and is a fast-evaporating, effective cleaning agent. Due to its low flash point of 53°F, it’s a highly flammable liquid and vapor and must be handled and stored according to safety protocols.

If inhaled or ingested in large quantities, the product can cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation and dizziness, fatigue, or central nervous system depression. It is not carcinogenic or mutagenic, but prolonged skin contact should be avoided. PPE such as gloves, goggles, and respirators should always be worn in the workplace. Facilities using this material must have good ventilation and safety measures, like eyewash stations and emergency showers. When disposing of TT-I-735, it must be treated as an ignitable hazardous waste and handled according to EPA regulations.

  • Military specification TT I 735A is the standard for isopropyl alcohol products to meet the required purity and quality. This MIL SPEC has been the standard since it was approved in the 1960s, so very little has changed for this product since then. 
  • MIL-SPEC TT-I-735A is required for products used in military and industrial applications.
  • The Spec covers the chemical composition and physical properties of isopropyl alcohol.

Applications and Storage

  • Isopropyl alcohol cleans, disinfects, and removes oil and stains.
  • It is available in 1 quart, 1 gallon, and 55-gallon drums for large and small uses.
  • Proper storage and handling of isopropyl alcohol are critical, as it is a hazardous material.
  • Shelf life is 4 years, and the price may vary by size and quantity.

The lead time is 10-15 business days, and the product is often available at a competitive price.

Authorized Distributor: Greenwood Aerospace

Greenwood Aerospace is an authorized distributor of isopropyl alcohol products that meet military spec TT-I-735A. Here are a few of the products we stock:

  • 16131785-PKG10: Isopropyl Alcohol, Aero Arposolve, TT-I-735GL, Quart size, 10 pack, Univar Solutions.
  • IPA99%-A1GL-CASE: Military Spec TT-I-735A, 99% Isopropyl Alcohol, Gallon Jug, four pack.
  • IPA99%-A1GL-PALLET: Military Spec TT-I-735A, 99% Isopropyl Alcohol, Gallon Jug, 144 case pallet (576 gallons).
  • IPA99%-55GL: Military Spec TT-I-735A, 99% Isopropyl Alcohol, 55 Gallon Drum.

Greenwood Aerospace is AS9120B certified and registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), which allows contracting officers to identify us as eligible to receive HUBZone contracts.

Greenwood Aerospace is a U.S. Department of State ITAR-registered company, enabling us to partner with large defense contractors on various military initiatives involving the export of ITAR-controlled items.

  • UEI: KVSUYYSJS174
  • DUNS: 604006874
  • Cage Code: 2Y735
  • ITAR DDTC Export Compliant
  • AS9120B QMS Certified
  • NAICS: 488190, 336413, 332722, 336411, 336413, 481212, 532411

Whatever your demands are for your maintenance operation for IPA, Greenwood Aerospace has got you covered. Give us a call at (580) 762-2580 or email us at contact@governmentprocurement.com.