Q1.How do I get the best ultrasonic cleaning?
There are many considerations important to ultrasonic cleaning.
Optimizing these variables will produce the best cleaning. The most
important decisions to be made are choosing the proper cleaning
solution, cleaning at the right temperature for the correct amount
of time, and choosing the right size and type of ultrasonic
cleaner.
Q2.Can ultrasonic cleaning damage my parts?
With certain cautions, ultrasonic cleaning is considered safe for
most parts. While the effects of thousands of implosions per second
is very powerful, the cleaning process is safe since the energy is
localized at the microscopic level. The most important cautionary
consideration is the choice of cleaning solution. Potentially
adverse effects of the detergent on the material being cleaned will
be enhanced by the ultrasonic.
Q3.Why is a special solution required for cleaning?
Soils adhere to the parts... if they didn't, the soil would just
fall off the parts! The purpose of the solution is to break the
bond between parts and their soils. Water alone has no cleaning
properties. The primary purpose of the ultrasonic activity
(cavitation) is to assist the solution in doing its job. An
ultrasonic cleaning solution contains various ingredients designed
to optimize the ultrasonic cleaning process. For example, increased
cavitation levels result from reduced fluid surface tension. An
ultrasonic solution will contain a good wetting agent or
surfactant.
Q4.What cleaning solution should I use?
Modern ultrasonic cleaning solutions are compounded from a variety
of detergents, wetting agents and other reactive components. A
large variety of excellent formulations are available, designed for
specific applications. Proper selection is crucial for acceptable
cleaning activity and to preclude undesirable reactivity with the
part being cleaned.
Q5.What cleaning solution shouldn't I use?
Flammables or solutions with low flash points should never be used.
The energy released by cavitation is converted to heat and kinetic
energy, generating high temperature gradients in the solution, and
can create hazardous conditions with flammable liquids. Acids,
bleach and bleach by-products should generally be avoided, but may
be used with indirect cleaning in a proper indirect cleaning
container, such as a glass beaker, and appropriate care. Acid and
bleach will damage stainless steel tanks, and/or create hazardous
conditions.
