How Ultrasonic Transducers Work and Are Used in Industrial Cleaning Applications

The role of a transducer in an ultrasonic cleaning system is converting the electric high-frequency signal (produced by the ultrasonic generator) into physical sound waves in the cleaning solution. Ultrasonic cleaning transducers can work at different frequencies and produce enough power to fill the cleaning tank with ultrasonic waves.

Ultrasonic cleaning transducers consist of a thick metal plate and active parts that vibrate when an electric signal is applied. When the ultrasonic waves pass from the transducer's metal plate through the cleaning solution, the wave troughs create low-pressure regions that generate cavitation bubbles. The bubbles form in the wave troughs and collapse in the ensuing wave peaks, releasing jets of energy. The collapse of the bubbles dislodges the dirt and contamination from the surface of the parts being cleaned.

In this way, the transducer turns the electric signal from the generator into physical scrubbing and cleaning action.

There are two types of transducers according to materials:

•    Piezoelectric transducer – Historically, they were constructed from delicate materials and thus had a relatively short useful lifespan when used in ultrasonic cleaning applications. The active parts consist of piezoelectric material that changes shape in tune with the vibration of the electric signal. However, recent advancements in piezoelectric materials have contributed to the re-emergence of the piezoelectric transducer. The newer materials are more rugged and can resist even the highest megahertz frequencies.

•    Magnetostrictive transducer – These consist of metal plates and coils of wire that are not easily damaged. The metal plates vibrate in tune with the high-frequency magnetic field created by the electric signal. The use of higher frequencies require shorter plates, however, there is a limit on reducing the size of the plates. As a result, magnetostrictive transducers can only be used for the lower frequencies.

There are different types of transducers can be used:

•    Immersible transducer – an independent unit with a sealed case and waterproof cable attached. As the name implies, it is usually immersed in the cleaning solution and can be placed into an ultrasonic tank to produce the required ultrasonic sound waves.

•    Bolt-on transducer – the most appropriate for new installations with a new cleaning solution tank. It can be bolted onto the sides or the bottom of the cleaning tank.

·       Permanently mounted transducer – used with turnkey ultrasonic cleaning systems that are ready to operate as a self-sufficient system.

The complete article titled “How Ultrasonic Transducers Work and Are Used in Industrial Cleaning Applications” provides more details on this topic. For a free consultation or quote contact Kaijo at 408-675-5575 or email to info@kaijo-shibuay.com.