Chemistry
Chemically Enhanced Weapon Cleaning (CEWC)
CEWC (Chemically Enhanced Weapon Cleaning) is the operational framework that defines verified bore preparation as a precondition for inspection.
Unlike oil-based cleaning systems — including standard CLP — which leave residue in the bore, CEWC cleans large-calibre tubes back to bare steel with every cleaning cycle. Measurement on a fouled bore reads residue as wear; CEWC measures after verified cleaning, so condition data reflects the tube.
Chemistry formulated for the tube material and residue type delivers CEWC-standard bore preparation.
Cleaning Chemistry
Cleaning Chemistry Behind CEWC
Chemistry formulated for the tube material and residue type delivers CEWC-standard bore preparation. Unlike oil-based CLP systems — which leave fouling in the bore — this chemistry eliminates carbon and copper fouling back to bare steel in every cleaning cycle.
Carbon Remover
Removes all carbon fouling from the bore surface without abrasion. Water-based, non-toxic, non-flammable. Colour-change patch system confirms bore cleanliness — no subjective assessment required.
Copper Remover
Dissolves copper fouling deposited from projectile jackets and driving bands. Essential for accurate bore measurement — copper build-up masks true wear readings and creates false erosion profiles.
Corrosion Inhibitor
Short-term corrosion protection applied immediately after cleaning. Protects bare steel surfaces for up to 3 weeks in standard storage conditions. Suitable for operational turnaround between firing and re-deployment.
Care & Storage
Post-Cleaning Protection Protocol
CEWC has been tested under Hot, Cold, Dry, and Wet environmental conditions. The cleaning chemistry performs consistently across operational theatres.
After cleaning, the corrosion inhibitor provides short-term protection for up to 3 weeks. For any weapon system entering long-term storage beyond this window, a long-term storage protectant must be applied to maintain bore integrity.
Storage Decision Guide
- ◆≤ 3 weeks: Corrosion inhibitor is sufficient
- ◆> 3 weeks: Apply long-term storage protectant for extended storage protection
- ◆Before firing: Remove storage protectant and re-clean with CEWC protocol
Hardware
Zistos Bore Inspection Systems.
Zistos video borescope systems were originally developed for the US Army and have since been adopted by all US military services and several allied nation militaries. With over 1,400 systems in active service worldwide, Zistos borescopes have an established operational track record.
The modular design allows a single kit to service a wide range of tube diameters. Systems are engineered for field deployment but equally effective in depot, manufacturing, and R&D environments.
Government Procurement
Zistos borescope systems are available for government procurement through standard defense acquisition channels.
System Configurations — Tube Length
- Up to 1.8m (46")
- Up to 3.8m (12.6 ft)
- Up to 7.2m (23.6 ft)
- Up to 7.81m (25.6 ft)
- Up to 10.5m (34.6 ft)
Resolution Options
- Zistos Video Borescope — Standard (640×480)
- Zistos Video Borescope — HD Resolution
Bore Measurement Accessory
The Zistos Bore Measurement Accessory attaches directly to Zistos borescope systems, enabling bore diameter and erosion measurement within the same inspection workflow. Measurement data is recorded digitally to the SAFEBORE Bore Record for fleet-level tracking.
- HD real-time video — not stored-frame review
- Field-rugged — designed for deployment, not laboratory use
- Single kit covers multiple tube/barrel diameter configurations
- Operated from standard rugged tablet
- Compatible with 25mm – 155mm+ tube/barrel diameter range
Data Layer
The SAFEBORE Bore Record.
The documentation and lifecycle monitoring layer of the SAFEBORE program.
The SAFEBORE Bore Record retains condition imagery, dimensional measurements, cleaning method and date, and trend across cycles for each individual tube. The Zistos Borescope application optionally collects and records asset bore images, measurements, and inspection data — enabling fleet-wide data collection, maintenance history, and wear trend analysis.
Inspection Reports
Each SAFEBORE inspection generates a standardised, timestamped report — linked to a specific weapon asset, operator, and date. Searchable by weapon serial number, unit, or inspection date.
Fleet Monitoring
The SAFEBORE Bore Record aggregates inspection data across a unit's full weapon inventory. Bore condition trends become visible at fleet level — enabling proactive maintenance scheduling.
AI-Assisted Defect Analysis
Machine learning models trained on bore inspection imagery will flag anomalies, track wear patterns, and surface condition alerts before they require human escalation.
The SAFEBORE Bore Record converts inspection events into institutional knowledge.
Full specification → zistos.com
Advantages
Key
Benefits.
- Improved accuracy and consistency
- Extended barrel life
- Standardized lifecycle maintenance workflow
- Documented, repeatable maintenance process
- Suitable for most medium- to large-caliber gun barrels
- Particular focus on mortar tubes
Software
Digital
Traceability.
Every SAFEBORE service produces documented maintenance records — from initial inspection through cleaning validation. Built for operational accountability and repeatable results.
- Pre- and post-cleaning inspection records
- Longitudinal barrel condition tracking
- Configurable maintenance alert thresholds
- Structured data export and reporting
Detailed specifications available upon verified request.
Establish tube condition. Keep the record.
Talk to a Zistos sustainment specialist about your fleet, tube types, and current maintenance cycle.
View GBIS Systems