How does ultrasonic cleaning
work? Ultrasonic cleaning systems use ultrasonic waves to clean parts, tools, and equipment quickly, thoroughly and
effectively. Typical features of the ultrasonic cleaning system include an ultrasonic generator, a transducer, and a cleaning tank.
The ultrasonic generator generates an electric signal at the required
ultrasonic frequency, which ranges from 26 kHz to 200 kHz; it may be designed
for a single frequency or a frequency range.
The transducer is usually submerged in the cleaning solution. Once it
receives the electric signal from the ultrasonic generator, it converts the signal
into ultrasonic waves in the cleaning solution. When this happens, the
transducer's metal plate vibrates at the ultrasonic frequency and fills the
liquid with the ultrasonic waves. High
performance industrial ultrasonic cleaners use plain water to clean
but adding a mild detergent and heating the solution can assist with some
contaminants.
The cleaning tank holds the items to be cleaned, the cleaning liquid
and the transducer. It may include a basket to keep the items from touching the
tank's walls and bottom, and may also include a heater to warm the liquid.
While all industrial
ultrasonic cleaners work in the same way, the operating frequency
will influence what kinds of parts can receive the most effective cleaning.
Generally lower frequencies are good for heavy dirt and contamination on harder
surfaces while higher frequencies are most effective for delicate cleaning
applications on softer surfaces.
The ultrasonic waves effectively and thoroughly remove contaminants
from the surface of the being cleaned through the action of the cavitation
bubbles. The ultrasonic waves produced by the generator travel in the cleaning
solution, the peaks, and troughs becoming
areas of high and low pressure. The bubbles form and the collapse under low and
high pressure, respectively, creating the scrubbing action that lifts the
impurities from the surface.
Low frequencies (26 kHz to 38 kHz) create comparatively large bubbles
that provide a more intense and robust cleaning action for certain items like
glass and metal tools. High frequencies (100 kHz and higher) gives off a
gentler cleaning action -- ideal for cleaning delicate tools and parts such as
solar cells and medical equipment. Choosing the correct frequency and other
features in the ultrasonic cleaning system is critical to ensure optimal
cleaning performance.
For more details read the complete article titled “Ultrasonic
Cleaning 101: What are Ultrasonic Waves and How Do They Clean?” If
you have questions or would like a free quote, send an email to info@kaijo-shibuya.com or call
408-675-5575.
