Ultrasonic baths: types and characteristics

There are situations when microcracks appear on the surface of a wide variety of products, in which dust and dirt become clogged over time. It is impossible to clean such contamination by any means and brushes. The situation can be aggravated if it is a fragile or valuable item, for example, jewelry.

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

An ultrasonic bath is a container in which sources of oscillations of an ultrasonic nature are embedded. The tank itself is filled with a washing liquid. Under the influence of ultrasound pulses in a liquid cavitation occurs, or "cold boiling", thanks to which thorough cleaning of surfaces is possible. Cavitation refers to the process of the 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 envelop the entire surface being cleaned. Therefore, the removal of dirt becomes possible even in hard to reach places.

They are easily removed by ultrasonic cleaning. Jewelry of silver and gold, including those with precious stones inlaid in them, is likewise cleaned.

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

• with its help it is possible to eliminate pollution, including in hard-to-reach places;
• This cleaning method allows you to avoid damage to the surface of the object, cracks;
• the device is universal and suitable for cleansing a wide variety of items;
• the bath is easy to use - it is necessary to fill in a suitable liquid and turn on the device;
• high cleaning speed (2-4 minutes is enough for domestic use).

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

Ultrasonic bath:

• it is used in pharmaceuticals and perfumery, speeding up some chemical processes;
• used for seed treatment before sowing;
• it is used in industry, where it cleans the complex shape of parts of components and mechanisms.

Ultrasonic cleaning demonstrates its effectiveness in getting rid of various types of dirt.

• Pollution, in which no organic compounds. These include dust, soot, metal chips. Some types of pollution penetrate the surface of the object, others form a crust on its surface.
• Organic pollution caused by exposure to the surface of the object of lubricating, grinding compositions, paint coatings, lapping pastes, sawdust, metal chips.

The injectors are an electromagnetic valve designed to dose the flow of fuel or other liquid. Clogged nozzles do not cope with their functions, but cleaning them in an ultrasonic bath easily solves this problem.

Small parts made of metal and hard alloys, optics, elements of office equipment will acquire the original purity and brilliance, restore their functions, thanks to washing in the device. It allows you to significantly increase the service life of the product. 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, lose their natural beauty. Ultrasonic cleaning allows you to restore shine and clarity. At the same time, even hard-to-reach elements (places of engraving, incrustation of precious stones, various bends) are cleaned with quality. When 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 the cleaning process involves easy polishing products.

Old-fashioned (and not only) coins are always covered with a layer of dirt, traces of patina. Ultrasound will effectively clean the surface. It is more convenient to use a bath having a special strainer where coins, medals and similar items to be cleaned are put.

Depending on the volume of liquid poured in for purification, portable and industrial devices are isolated. First called desktop, they have a volume of not more than 1 liter and are well proven for use in everyday life and small repair shops. The tanks of most of them are made of stainless steel, which provides protection against the appearance of corrosion, durable operation of the product.

Industrial devices for ultrasonic cleaning have a reservoir volume of more than 4 liters. The most popular models are 4, 5 and 10 liters. There are devices and a larger volume. Their purpose is to clean a large number of products, including sufficiently dimensional elements of mechanisms. Qualitative models produce heated fluid.

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

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

An essential element of the baths is the radiator, which performs the function of the engine, which triggers the ultrasonic waves. It is usually located at the bottom or side of the device, and the oscillation frequency is 28-40 kHz.The element's task is to convert the electric power 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 increases the temperature of the working fluid to 70 degrees C and maintains this parameter during the cleaning process.

Using an ultrasonic bath is quite simple.

• It is necessary to pour a special liquid (concentrate) into the bowl of the working tank, place the contaminated object there, close the lid and turn on the appropriate cleaning mode. Most household models automatically start cleaning for 180 seconds. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated or manually select another purification mode.
• For better cleaning it is recommended to turn the item.
• At the end of the cleaning should be disconnected from the mains. Only then can you remove the object to be cleaned.
• Then the liquid is drained from the bowl, and it is rubbed and dried.

The principle of operation of the device involves the receipt of electricity by the radiator and its further conversion into mechanical energy of ultrasonic vibrations. Passing through the walls of the working tank, electromagnetic frequencies enter the liquid, causing cavitation in it. As a result, microbubbles containing vapor and gas are formed. There is an injection of bubbles, merging them with each other, micro-shock waves are formed and, as a result, the collapse of bubbles.

Inside the bubble, the pressure is huge, so when a collapse occurs, a large amount of energy is released. The collapse occurs at the boundary of the contaminated surface. The resulting energy pulls dirt away from the surface. When the bath is in operation, a large number of bubbles are emitted (if the unit has a transparent cover, they are clearly visible), a humming sound is heard.

• Appreciation of buyers invariably receive production ultrasound "Sapphire". Impeccable quality of components and a unique production technology due to the cooperation of the domestic manufacturer with a leading American company for the production of ultrasonic baths. For the manufacture of models used imported components, at each stage of production is carried out thorough control. 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 "Hail". Its range includes separate UTsV and units that are part of the technological lines for complete cleaning and drying of parts. Models are equipped with a system of circulation and cleaning fluid. They have drying chambers, systems to protect the device from overheating.
• Brand Ultrasonic Baths "Tack" differ in a wide model range and include devices from 1,3 l to 56 l. Users note the uniform distribution of the effects of cavitation. This ensures prompt and high-quality cleansing (complex contaminants are removed in 1-2 sessions). They have a splashproof panel, are distinguished by durability of operation.

• For cleaning and primary disinfection of dental, cosmetic and manicure instruments, an aggregate of the company is recommended. UltraEst. The ergonomics of the device, the volume of the bowl equal to 150 ml, the economical consumption of liquid and several modes of operation - these are the distinctive features of the device that determine its popularity.
• For domestic use, you can recommend a compact bath Skymen. Users note the presence of a complete basket for cleaning jewelry or coins, a special rack for cleaning watches, chains.Most models have a transparent window in the panel, 3-4 modes of operation.
• Customers appreciated the device brand Triton Ultra (150x70), Elma (industrial model Elmasonic). They are distinguished by decent quality and affordability.

A mandatory component of the ultrasonic bath is a cleaning solution. Efficient, safe and versatile - distilled water. However, it is not always able to cope with heavy pollution, therefore it needs amplifiers. For example, to clean an overly contaminated jewelry, the solution may consist of 10% of window cleaner, the rest being distilled water.

It is unacceptable to use flammable liquids as a cleansing agent. However, many ignore this rule and pour flammable liquids into the bath. This way they increase the risk of fire and damage to the product. This is due to the fact that during operation the bath elements are heated to high temperatures. Vapors of alcohol, gasoline, solvents are concentrated near these elements, which exacerbates the dangerous situation.

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

• For the purification of small parts, jewelry, coins, glasses, a small device of 1 liter or less is enough.
• For washing nozzles and small parts, medical and manicure tools, a bath of 1.5-2.5 liters will be optimal.
• When choosing the bowl of the device, remember that the objects to be washed should 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 should be made of stainless steel. Only in this case, the ultrasonic pulses reach the cleaning fluid, and the tank itself will be protected from corrosion.

• If the device breaks down, its body must be opened, check the contacts. A broken 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 reached the warranty period, it is impossible to open it, you should contact the service center or the place of purchase of the bath.

About the principles of operation of ultrasonic baths can be found in the video.