Written by Rachel Kohn
Cavitation action in an ultrasonic cleaner tank results from the violent implosion of millions of microscopic bubbles every second. The implosion creates a temperature of 5000˚C (>9000˚F) and a jet of plasma impacting the objects being cleaned. It is this action that quickly strips away dirt and other contaminants.
Cavitation bubbles are created by ultrasonic transducers that in turn are driven by an ultrasonic generator operating at a set frequency, examples being 40 kHz at a lower level and 130 kHz at an upper level. (Several models are available with selectable dual frequencies.) Lower frequencies create more vigorous cleaning action than higher frequencies. Because of this, they are generally used for removing coarse contaminants. Higher frequencies are used for cleaning products that are more delicate or have highly polished finishes.
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Written by Bob Sandor
Air and other gases contained in a freshly filled ultrasonic cleaning bath interfere with the cleaning performance of the ultrasonic cleaner. Evidence of these gases can be seen as bubbles that form on the inside of a standing glass of warm water. Ultrasonic cleaning is accomplished by the energy released from the violent collapse of tiny vacuum-filled bubbles. Air bubbles and dissolved air in the cleaning liquid absorb ultrasonic energy and inhibit the implosion of these cavitation bubbles, significantly reducing the cleaning effect.
Air can also be introduced as bubbles clinging to objects immersed in the ultrasonic bath.
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Written by Josh Ferry
Heat is a natural byproduct when operating an ultrasonic cleaner because ultrasonic energy is transformed into heat in an ordinary physical process. For instance, during permanent operation cleaning bath temperatures exceeding 60 °C (140⁰F) can be reached simply by the use of ultrasonic energy.
Temperature has a direct impact on the efficacy of the cleaning bath itself. As an example, in pure water cavitation is maximized at about 70⁰C (160⁰F) but this does not necessarily hold true when ultrasonic cleaning solutions are used in the tank. In such cases higher or lower temperatures are called for based on instructions provided by the cleaning solution manufacturer and the objects being cleaned.
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Written by Bob Sandor
Ultrasonic cleaning is a proven method of removing dirt, contamination, paint, rust, tarnish – virtually any unwanted material that adheres to products being manufactured or repaired. But dirt and contamination have to go somewhere and that “somewhere” is in the ultrasonic cleaner solution – or bath. This simple fact brings up three points of concern for operators of ultrasonic cleaning facilities.
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