How Ultrasonic Cleaning Works

By definition, ultrasonic cleaning refers to the complete and rapid removal of all contaminants from objects through the process of immersing them into a tank of liquid that is flooded with high frequency sound waves. A scrubbing action within the fluid itself is created by these sound waves that are non-audible. This particular process occurs through a high frequency electrical energy which is converted into sound waves of high frequency by a transducer. This is then known as ultrasonic energy. The transducer, being the core of the unit, is form where it derives its ability to clean the most difficult of substances from items. The transducer’s performance is from where the cleaning power of the unit stems.

The cleaning time as well as the efficacy achieved during the cleaning cycle both are affected by the efficiency of the transducer. More power is used by a transducer of poor quality and it also takes a longer time to clean the objects as compared to a transducer of good quality. This is the reason why it is wise that one should invest in a benchmark transducer so that they can benefit from a faster and more efficient cleaning unit.

The rapid formation as well as the collapse of minute bubbles is caused when the ultrasonic energy enters the liquid within the tank. This phenomenon is called cavitation. Before imploding against the surface of the item, the bubbles start to increase in size rapidly as they are immersed in the tank with a huge energy release that lifts all the contaminants off of the surface as well as the innermost recesses of parts that are intricately shaped.

Ultrasonic cleaning has become the first choice in industries all over for more than twenty five years due to its ability to clean hinges, box joints as well as threads both effectively and quickly. When cleaning items though, there are a lot of variables that need to be taken into account. These include time, frequency, heat, power and detergent type as they all have an effect on the cleaning process. However, the flexibility of ultrasonics can incorporate all of these into the process so as to achieve results that are the most effective.

When the cavitation occurs as the bubbles implode, the gaps that are left by the bubble are filled quickly by the cleaning solution. As the fluid comes into contact with the surface of the item, all the contaminants that are present are removed.

Sometimes people get confused as to whether to use spray washers or undertake ultrasonic cleaning. Aqueous spray washers are ideal for a great many cleaning applications. Stand alone basket washers and multistage conveyorised equipment both can often attain quick throughput as well as high standards of cleanliness. In a few cases, soils that are heavy are better dealt with spray washing because of the impact of the pumped cleaning solution through the wash jets.

In other instances though, ultrasonic cleaning and spray washing both might attain the standard of cleanliness that is required as well as the throughput requirements. This makes the choice dependent on either preference or cost.

Though there are applications in which ultrasonic cleaning units offer a clear cut advantage over the spray washers. Examples of such instances include:

• Tubular components
• Lightweight or delicate components that may be susceptible to damage
• Components that may have deep or blind holes or other kinds of complex geometries

When achieving cleanliness standards that are measured in parts per billion or when achieving sub micron cleanliness standards then also ultrasonic cleaning is preferred over the use of spray washing. 

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