Ultrasonic cleaning by cavitation might sound like a complicated or even scientific method of cleaning. But let us assure you, once you understand the process of it, it is actually pretty simple.
Ultrasonic cleaning is a fast and effective cleaning method which uses ultrasound energy and with the help of additional cleaning concentrates penetrates deep into the pores of any subject.
It provides thorough removal of unwanted soils from the items undergoing ultrasonic waves penetration. This cleaning method is one of the most recent and efficient ways of dirt removal from different kinds of objects. Ultrasonic cleaning method is based on a cavitation effect.
The process involves several key steps
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Generating ultrasonic waves: An ultrasonic cleaner consists of a tank filled with a cleaning solution and transducers. The transducers produce high-frequency sound waves, usually in the range of 20 to 40 kHz.
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Formation of cavitation bubbles: As the sound waves pass through the cleaning solution, they create alternating compression and rarefaction cycles. During the rarefaction cycle, low-pressure areas are formed, causing the liquid to vaporize and form tiny bubbles. This process is known as cavitation.
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Bubble growth and collapse: The cavitation bubbles continue to grow during the rarefaction cycle as more vapor accumulates inside them. Once the bubbles reach a certain size, they can no longer absorb more energy and become unstable. This leads to their rapid collapse during the subsequent compression cycle.
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Release of energy: When the cavitation bubbles collapse near the surface of an object being cleaned, they release a tremendous amount of energy in the form of localized shockwaves. These shockwaves create intense scrubbing action that effectively dislodges dirt, grime, and contaminants from the surface of the object.
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Cleaning action: The combination of the collapsing bubbles and the resulting shockwaves creates a process called acoustic streaming. This process involves the rapid flow of the cleaning solution, with its microjets and eddies, which further enhances the cleaning action. The cleaning solution reaches into small crevices, tight spaces, and intricate details that are difficult to clean using conventional methods.
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Removal of contaminants: As the cavitation bubbles collapse and the cleaning solution agitates, the contaminants on the surface of the object are loosened and dislodged. They are then dispersed and suspended in the cleaning solution.
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Rinse and drying: After the ultrasonic cleaning cycle, the objects are typically rinsed with clean water to remove any residual cleaning solution and dislodged contaminants. They are then dried using methods such as air drying or a soft cloth.
Ultrasonic cleaning is highly effective because it provides thorough and consistent cleaning, reaching areas that are difficult to access by other means. However, it’s important to note that not all materials and objects are suitable for ultrasonic cleaning. Delicate or sensitive items, such as certain gemstones, electronic components, or items with fragile surfaces, may require alternative cleaning methods or precautions to avoid damage.
Cavitation
Cavitation is a process of fast formation and dissipation of micro bubbles in a liquid environment. The effect takes place when the ultrasonic waves are passing through the liquid. Ultrasound (high frequency sound, most commonly used from 28 to 100 kHz) generates the alternating high and low pressure waves which produce tiny bubbles (cavities). They start growing from microscopic size at the low pressure phase until they compress and then implode at the high pressure phase.
The molecules in the liquid collide releasing a massive amount of energy. The energy instantly increases the local temperature producing a high-energy stream aimed at the surface of the object. The bubbles have enormous energy which is targeted and its release lifts contamination off the surface of the objects you are cleaning.
Cavitation process is the basis of ultrasonic cleaning.
Emission of ultrasound waves through liquid causes cavitation – formation of microscopic bubbles in liquid. When these bubbles hit the object surface they implode releasing energy that separates impurities from objects surface. Small size of bubbles enables them to penetrate cracks, holes, pores, perforations and undulations that are hard to reach when cleaning manually. Cavitation removes debris such as dust, dirt, oil, pigment, rust, grease, algae, fungi, bacteria, lime, soot, wax and so on. Materials suitable for cleaning in ultrasonic cleaner are metal, plastic, glass, ceramic and rubber. For optimal cleaning results we recommend solution of distilled water and specially formulated ultrasonic cleaning concentrates.
Use of ultrasonic cleaner is extremely simple.
Put items for cleaning in supplied basket. Carefully place the basket with items in ultrasonic cleaner. Fill the tank with distilled water or cleaning concentrate solution. Submerge all items in cleaning solution. Set the desired cleaning temperature and activate the tank heater. When liquid in tank reaches the set temperature, the heater will turn off. Set ultrasound timer in accordance with requirements of the cleaning process, depending on the type and degree of soiling on the cleaning item. Once cleaning is complete, wait for liquid to cool down and then carefully remove basket with items. Rinse items with clean water. Drain soiled cleaning liquid from ultrasonic cleaner. Use a soft cloth to wipe the tank.