Video Tutorial
How to Degas an Ultrasonic Cleaner
Degassing removes trapped air and dissolved gases from cleaning solutions, significantly improving cavitation efficiency and cleaning performance. Learn when to degas, why it matters, and how to properly degas your ultrasonic cleaner.
Key Takeaways
- Fresh cleaning solutions contain trapped air and dissolved gases that reduce cavitation efficiency
- Degassing cycles (on/off) help bubbles rise to the surface where they escape
- Proper degassing improves cleaning speed and effectiveness, especially for delicate parts
- Ultrasonic cleaners with dedicated degas modes accomplish this faster than manual methods
- Degassing is most important when using fresh solutions or after solution has been exposed to air
Why Degassing Matters
When ultrasonic cleaning solution is first mixed or exposed to air, it absorbs gases from the atmosphere. These trapped gases create bubbles that interfere with the ultrasonic cavitation process. During cavitation, ultrasonic waves create microscopic bubbles that implode to remove contaminants. When dissolved gases are present, they compete with this cavitation action, reducing cleaning efficiency.
Degassing removes these gases, allowing the ultrasonic energy to focus entirely on cavitation and cleaning. This results in faster cleaning cycles, better results on delicate parts, and more efficient use of your cleaning solution.
The Degassing Cycle
Most ultrasonic cleaners with degas mode use an on/off cycling pattern:
- On cycle: Ultrasonic waves create bubbles in the solution
- Off cycle: Bubbles rise to the surface and escape into the air
- Repeat: Multiple cycles ensure thorough degassing
This approach works faster than passive degassing and is more effective than trying to degas a non-equipped ultrasonic cleaner running without a load.
When to Degas Your Solution
- After mixing a fresh batch of cleaning solution
- After the solution has been stored with the lid off
- At the start of each workday or production shift
- If you notice cleaning performance has decreased
- After adding water to top up the solution level
Ultrasonic Cleaners with Degas Mode
Not all ultrasonic cleaners have a dedicated degas mode. Models that do include:
- Elmasonic S series: Three operating modes including degas
- Elmasonic P series: Advanced degas mode with adjustable power
These models allow you to select degas mode for 3–10 minutes before beginning your cleaning cycle, ensuring optimal solution preparation.