SubscribeCleaning gun barrels has traditionally presented health, safety and environmental problems. A new foam-based system provides an economical and safe system.
Copper deposits in gun barrels have always been a problem. In the past, copper deposits were removed by maintainers, for example by flooding the interior of the barrel with a solution of water and acid. The process proved to be time-consuming, dangerous to personnel and hazardous to the environment.1
The Milfoam bore cleaning foam (NSN 6850-99-734-1309) has been proven to be effective for cleaning corrosive combustion residue on various types of military ammunition. The bore cleaning foam is easy to use and has reduced the time and labour needed for weapon maintenance.
As a result of two to five treatments, both 23mm (barrel length 1700mm) and 30mm (barrel length 1080mm) weapons were cleaned to meet quality standards. The number of treatments was related to the length and extent of copper residue in the barrels. Experience shows that the foam is easy to use and cleans barrels effectively.3
Dispensing System
The new mechanical bore cleaning foam dispensing system (NSN 1015-20-001-7605) available from Milfoam Ltd not only addresses time and safety issues, but also offers the operator independence, because now the operator can keep the barrel in optimum condition. Routinely cleaning with de-coppering agent ensures reliable predictable muzzle velocity measurements. By itself the foam is non-toxic and so the only remaining hazard is the combination of propellant residue and metal deposits absorbed by the cleaning foam. This is easily absorbed by rags.
Heavy Barrel Cleaning System
Eight 5in 54-calibre gun barrels were cleaned by the Milfoam system and inspected. An earlier inspection had shown that there was propellant residue, rust and copper deposits throughout the bore and chamber areas. In order to determine that the barrels were in serviceable condition it was imperative to clean the barrels to the extent that the inspector could be able to visually see the bore and chamber surfaces and collect accurate internal measurements. The Milfoam Cleaning System was selected as the most ideal system to accomplish this task. The Milfoam system was programmed to clean overnight while unattended as well as during the daytime hours. The barrels were thoroughly cleaned to the satisfaction of the inspector
NATO Approved Substances
Milfoam Ltd is a Finnish company specialised in barrel cleaning solutions. Milfoam provides a complete barrel cleaning system, which has been provided to the Finnish Defence Forces and many other end users worldwide. The system is based on a patented foam technology and NATO approved chemicals and lubricants for artiller y, mechanised units, infantry, navy and air force.
