Friday, March 13, 2020

How Ultrasonic Cleaners Are Used in Biotechnology Applications


Biotechnology companies have special requirements for cleaning tools, parts, and equipment and for cleaning applications that do not contaminate biotechnology processes. Parts such as containers, tanks, sieves, sensors, and tubes must be completely cleaned before use. These items need to be free of contamination before being used in a biotechnology application. Mechanical cleaning by hand is time-consuming and cannot reach inaccessible places and may damage parts and equipment. Using harsh chemicals, on the other hand, may leave deposits that can harm the biological process.

Industrial ultrasonic cleaners can clean parts and equipment quickly and thoroughly without mechanical scrubbing or the use of harsh chemicals. It is the ideal — and much better — alternative to the traditional cleaning methods. It serves as the best solution to many of the biotechnology industry cleaning needs.
Ultrasonic cleaners work by generating microscopic cavitation bubbles in the cleaning solution. The bubbles form and then collapse in time with the frequency of the ultrasonic system. A bubble bursting near the surface of a part to be cleaned releases a tiny but powerful jet that dislodges surface contaminants. High frequencies generate smaller bubbles with a gentle cleaning action, while lower frequencies produce larger bubbles and robust cleaning.

The key to successful cleaning is choosing the right ultrasonic frequency to use based on the materials to be cleaned and nature or level of contamination. Parts with hard surfaces (such as those made of stainless steel or glass) that have severe contamination can be cleaned using lower-frequencies (in the 20 kHz range). Parts with softer surfaces (such as aluminum or plastic) can suffer pitting if the frequency is too low. Instead, these types of parts should be cleaned using higher-frequencies (in the 40 kHz range), so they are not damaged.

The highest frequencies (up to 100 kHz) are used to clean delicate parts and components such as sensors or electronic devices. Such parts are more fragile; thus, they have surfaces that can be easily damaged. They also have delicate microscopic structures or fragile connections. High frequency is the best frequency because it will gently clean and remove the contaminants without damaging the parts.

Kaijo, one of the leading ultrasonic cleaner manufacturers, builds their ultrasonic cleaners in-house and can customize them for your company’s needs. For more details read the entire article, “How Ultrasonic Cleaners Are Used in Biotechnology Applications.” Contact Kaijo Shibuya at 408–675–5575 for a free consultation or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com.

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