What Is the Difference Between Cleaning Solvents and Detergents?

When industrial parts have to be cleaned, the use of ultrasonic cleaners with detergents offers several advantages over the more traditional methods of using solvent baths.

When used by themselves, detergents are not strong enough to remove tough contaminants, whereas powerful solvents that are matched to the material to be removed can dissolve even the heaviest contaminants.

However, you will be surprised to discover that using detergents in ultrasonic cleaners can actually outperform solvents and work well with all types of industrial parts, which can result in cleaner parts and reduced operating costs. They’re a better alternative to solvent-based cleaning methods.

Detergents and solvents clean in different ways. While water can dissolve many substances, plain water alone cannot get rid of compound substances, such as grease and oil. Detergents form a bridge between the water molecules and oily particles by surrounding the contaminating particles, allowing them to be rinsed away.

Solvents clean by dissolving contaminants. Some solvents can dissolve specific substances while others dissolve a whole range of various compounds. The right solvent must be used to remove the contaminants from the part surface and put it into solution, to clean the parts effectively. The solution that contains the contaminant must then be disposed of.

Solvents are chemicals that are typically aggressive, flammable, and give off noxious fumes. They can be costly when used in large soaking baths. They are also harmful to the environment, that’s why they should be treated first before disposal.

Detergents, by contrast, are safe and inexpensive. Most of them are biodegradable, and thus, environmentally friendly. Unlike solvents, detergents are non-flammable and non-toxic. They also don’t generate fumes. When used with ultrasonic cleaners, detergents can clean quickly and effectively without leaving a residue or damaging the parts to be cleaned.

Here are the benefits of using detergents with ultrasonic cleaners:

·         A cleaner, more employee-friendly workplace.

·         A safer workplace.

·         No need for special fire protection.

·         Reduced cleaning costs.

·         Reduced environmental footprint.

·         Improved manufacturing output.

Automotive ultrasonic cleaning is a challenging application, but Kaijo’s ultrasonic cleaners are up to the task.

Read our complete article, What Is the Difference Between Cleaning Solvents and Detergents?, to learn more. You may contact Kaijo via email at info@kaijo-shibuya or call 408-675-5575 to set up a free consultation or discuss your specific ultrasonic cleaner needs.

Kaijo Exhibiting at MD&M Trade Show August 10-12, 2021 Booth #2385

Visit us at Booth #2385 at the MD&M (Medical Design and Manufacturing) West trade show in Anaheim, CA on August 10-21, 2021.

Key discussions will include the importance of using the proper frequency for different medical cleaning applications, as well as Phenix Hyper and Phenix+ ultrasonic cleaners that are ideal for cleaning all types of delicate medical parts, tools, and devices.

Medical devices are often delicate and have to be cleaned to meet high standards. Many of these devices cannot be exposed to conventional mechanical scrubbing, heat, and chemicals that will compromise their functionality and damage them.

Ultrasonic cleaners are perfect for medical industry applications because they provide gentle cleaning and complete removal of contaminants.

In order for an ultrasonic cleaner to clean most effectively, the right frequency needs to be used based on the application. Ultrasonic systems can be adjusted and configured to match the cleaning requirements of medical devices and components so that all surface contaminants are cleaned quickly and completely.

Selecting the right frequency is not important – it is also critical. That’s because using the wrong frequency can damage the parts and components. Using the right frequency, on the other hand, can provide rapid and thorough cleaning of the components, removing all contaminants from the surface of the parts and components being cleaned.

Lower frequencies – They’re usually 40 kHz and below. Typical cleaning frequencies used include 26 kHz and 38 kHz to provide robust cleaning for hard metals, glass, and porcelain parts.

Mid-range frequencies – They range from 40 kHz to 160 kHz. Typical frequencies used include 78 kHz, 100 kHz, 130 kHz, and 160 kHz for cleaning softer and more delicate materials, soft metals, aluminum, and ceramic parts.

Higher frequencies – They range from 200 kHz up to 1+ MHz. Typical frequencies used include 200 kHz, 430 kHz, 950 kHz, and 1.6 MHz for delivering very gentle cleaning parts with incredibly soft surfaces, delicate coating, and micro-structures.

Kaijo’s ultrasonic cleaners for medical cleaning applications

·         Kaijo-Shibuya Phenix+ – It has self-regulation features for ease of use, and remote-control operation and monitoring for ease of integration.

·         Kaijo-Shibuya Phenix Hyper – The Hyper Mode achieves 3-D cleaning of complex-shaped objects to ensure all surfaces with irregular shapes are thoroughly cleaned.

A leader among ultrasonic cleaner manufacturers for over 70 years, Kaijo Corporation provides powerful and precise cleaning of parts and components.

Read our complete article, Kaijo Highlighting Its Ultrasonic Cleaning Systems for Medical Applications at MD&M West August 10-12, 2021, to learn more. If you would like to discuss your ultrasonic cleaner needs prior to the MD&M event, call Kaijo at 408-675-5575 or send an email to info@kaijo-shibuya.com to set up a free consultation.