Ultrasonic baths: types and characteristics

There are situations when microcracks appear on the surface of a wide variety of products, into which dust and dirt are clogged over time. It is impossible to clean such dirt with any means and brushes. The situation can be aggravated when it comes to a fragile or valuable item, such as a piece of jewelry.

Similar difficulties arise when it is necessary to clean the internal elements of electronic devices. But it is precisely this kind of pollution in 25% of cases that causes equipment malfunction. The way out of the situation will be the use of an ultrasonic bath.

An ultrasonic bath is a container with built-in sources of ultrasonic vibrations. The container itself is filled with washing liquid. Under the influence of ultrasound pulses, cavitation occurs in the liquid, or "cold boiling", thanks to which a thorough cleaning of surfaces is possible. Cavitation is the process of formation of a huge number of tiny bubbles generated under the influence of high and low frequency ultrasonic waves.

Colliding with a contaminated surface, the bubbles burst, literally "pulling out" the contamination. They cover the entire surface to be cleaned. Therefore, the removal of dirt becomes possible even in hard-to-reach places.

They can be easily removed by ultrasonic cleaning.Jewelry made of silver and gold, including those with precious stones inlaid in them, is cleaned in the same way.

The popularity of the device is due to its clear advantages:

• it can be used to eliminate pollution, including in hard-to-reach places;
• this cleaning method avoids damage to the surface of the object, cracks;
• the device is versatile and suitable for cleaning a wide variety of items;
• the bath is easy to use - you need to fill in a suitable liquid and turn on the device;
• high cleaning speed (2-4 minutes are enough for domestic use).

Due to its effective and gentle cleaning, the ultrasonic cleaner is used in repair shops to clean telephone boards and some other elements of electronic devices, as well as in the jewelry industry for cleaning jewelry. In the medical industry, including dentistry, the device is designed to remove contamination from the surface of working tools and to disinfect them.

Ultrasonic bath:

• finds application in pharmaceuticals and perfumery, accelerating some chemical processes;
• used for seed treatment before sowing;
• it is used in industry, where it is used to clean complex-shaped parts of assemblies and mechanisms.

Ultrasonic cleaning has been shown to be effective in removing various types of dirt.

• Pollution containing no organic compounds. These include dust, soot, metal shavings. Some types of contamination penetrate the surface of the object, while others form a crust on the surface of the object.
• Organic pollution caused by exposure to the surface of the object of lubricants, grinding compounds, paint and varnish coatings, lapping pastes, sawdust, metal shavings.

Injectors are a solenoid valve designed to meter the supply of fuel or other liquid. Clogged nozzles are not performing well, but cleaning them in an ultrasonic bath easily solves this problem.

Small parts made of metal and hard alloys, optics, office equipment elements will acquire their original cleanliness and shine, and will restore their functions due to washing in the device. It allows you to significantly increase the service life of the product. In this case, there is no risk of damage or deformation of parts.

In the process of wearing, gold and silver jewelry fade, covered with a thin film. Stones also tend to fade and lose their natural beauty. Cleaning them with ultrasound allows you to restore shine and cleanliness. At the same time, even hard-to-reach elements (places of engraving, inlaid with precious stones, various bends) are qualitatively cleaned. During processing, there is no risk of deformation of the product, the appearance of cracks and chips on its surface, weakening of the attachment points of stones. In addition to cleaning, the process involves light polishing of items.

Old (and not only) coins are always covered with a layer of dirt, traces of patina. Ultrasound will effectively clean surfaces. It is more convenient to use a bathtub with a special strainer, where coins, medals and similar items to be cleaned are placed.

Depending on the volume of the liquid to be poured, portable and industrial devices are distinguished for cleaning. The first called desktop, they have a volume of no more than 1 liter and have proven themselves well for use in everyday life and small repair shops. The reservoirs of most of them are made of stainless steel, which provides protection against the appearance of traces of corrosion, long-term operation of the product.

Industrial devices for cleaning with ultrasound have a tank volume of more than 4 liters. The most popular are models with a volume of 4, 5 and 10 liters. There are also larger devices. Their purpose is to clean a large number of products, including sufficiently large elements of mechanisms. High-quality models are produced with heated liquid.

Industrial generators, in turn, are divided into 2 types:

• Small baths (the latter does not exceed 65-67 liters). Used in dentistry, aircraft construction (for cleaning parts), laboratories. They are equipped with heating, cleaning fluid transfer system, timer.
• Baths of large (up to 100 l) volume. Such devices have a powerful emitter and a highly efficient generator, a system of circulation and filtration of the washing liquid. Suitable for cleaning large-sized items with strong contamination (for example, parts of a railway train).

An obligatory element of the baths is the emitter, which acts as a motor, which launches the ultrasonic waves. It is usually located on the bottom or side of the device, and the oscillation frequency is 28-40 kHz. The task of the element is to convert the electricity supplied to it into the energy of mechanical vibrations of the ultrasound wave. The generator acts as a source of vibration formation, and a special heater provides an increase in the temperature of the working fluid to 70 degrees C and the maintenance of this parameter during the cleaning process.

The use of an ultrasonic bath is quite simple.

• It is necessary to pour a special liquid (concentrate) into the bowl of the working tank, place a contaminated object there, close the lid and turn on a suitable cleaning mode. Most household models automatically start cleaning for 180 seconds. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated or manually select a different cleaning mode.
• For better cleaning, it is recommended to turn the object over.
• After completing the cleaning, disconnect the device from the power supply. Only then can the object to be cleaned be removed from it.
• Then the liquid is drained from the bowl, and it is wiped and dried.

The principle of operation of the device involves the receipt of electricity by the emitter and its further transformation into mechanical energy of ultrasonic vibrations. Passing through the walls of the working reservoir, electromagnetic frequencies enter the liquid, causing cavitation in it. As a result, microbubbles containing steam and gas are formed. Bubbles are injected, merged with each other, microshock waves are formed and, as a result, the bubbles collapse.

Inside the bubble, the pressure is enormous, therefore, when it collapses, a large amount of energy is released. Collapse occurs at the boundary of the contaminated surface. The resulting energy pulls the dirt away from the surface. During the operation of the bath, a large number of bubbles are released (if the unit has a transparent cover, they are clearly visible), a buzzing sound is heard.

• Highly appreciated by buyers invariably receive RAS production "Sapphire"... The impeccable quality of components and the unique production technology are due to the cooperation of the domestic manufacturer with the leading American company for the production of ultrasonic baths. For the manufacture of models, imported components are used; at each stage of production, careful control is carried out. A fairly wide product line (22 types of devices) will allow you to choose the best device.

• One of the leading manufacturers of industrial devices is the company "Grad"... Its range includes individual recirculating water systems and units that are part of technological lines for complete cleaning and drying of parts. Models are equipped with a liquid circulation and purification system. They have drying chambers, systems to protect the device from overheating.
• Brand Ultrasonic Baths "Tack" are distinguished by a wide range of models and include devices with a volume of 1.3 liters to 56 liters. Users note the uniformity of the distribution of the effects of cavitation. This ensures prompt and high-quality cleansing (complex impurities are removed in 1-2 sessions). They have a splash-proof panel and are durable.

• For cleaning and primary disinfection of dental, cosmetic and manicure instruments, we recommend a unit from the company "UltraEst"... Ergonomics of the device, bowl volume equal to 150 ml, economical liquid consumption and several operating modes - these are the distinctive features of the device that determine its popularity.
• For domestic use, we recommend a compact bathtub Skymen... Users note the presence of a basket for cleaning jewelry or coins, a special rack for cleaning watches, chains. Most models have a transparent window in the panel, 3-4 operating modes.
• Brand devices were highly praised by buyers Triton Ultra (150x70), Elma (industrial model Elmasonic). They are distinguished by decent quality and affordability.

An essential component of an ultrasonic cleaner is a cleaning solution. Distilled water is an effective, safe and versatile product. However, it is not always able to cope with heavy pollution, therefore it needs amplifiers. For example, to clean overly soiled jewelry, the solution may be 10% window cleaner, the rest being distilled water.

It is unacceptable to use flammable liquids as a cleaning composition. However, many neglect this rule and pour flammable liquids into the bath. By doing so, they increase the risk of fire and damage to the product. This is due to the fact that during operation, the elements of the bath are heated to high temperatures. Vapors of alcohol, gasoline, solvents concentrate near these elements, which aggravates the dangerous situation.

When buying an ultrasonic cleaner, decide for what purpose it is needed. The volume and power indicators of the device, its dimensions and cost will depend on this.

• For cleaning small parts, jewelry, coins, glasses, a small device with a volume of 1 liter or slightly less is sufficient.
• For washing nozzles and small parts, medical and manicure instruments, a bath with a volume of 1.5-2.5 liters will be optimal.
• When choosing the bowl of the device, remember that the objects to be washed must be completely immersed in it. In most cases, it is more rational to purchase a bath with a deeper bowl.
• The body of the working tank must be made of stainless steel. Only then will the ultrasonic pulses reach the cleaning liquid and the tank itself will be protected from corrosion.

• If the device breaks down, its case must be opened, check the contacts. A faulty emitter can be replaced. However, this process is quite costly from a financial point of view.In most cases, it is easier to purchase a new device. If the product has not yet expired the warranty period, you cannot open it, you should contact the service center or the place of purchase of the bath.

You can learn about the principles of operation of ultrasonic baths in the video.