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We in the ultrasonics industry have long been aware of an effect which is sometimes called “ultrasonic shadowing.”  In general, this is what happens when parts being cleaned are positioned in such a way that parts cast an “ultrasonic shadow” which prevents parts in the shadow from being effectively cleaned.  This phenomenon, although we know … Continued

Most of us are aware that the power we get from the power line coming into our house or factory comes as alternating current.  Basically, the voltage on the “hot” wire as referenced to ground varies, going negative then positive 60 times each second (60 Hz). The benefit and compelling argument for using alternating current … Continued

Three phase power is commonly used where large amounts of electrical power are required.  Examples are power transmission lines and large industrial machines which require considerable power.  What is three phase power anyway? Let’s start by thinking of a two wire transmission line as shown below connecting the source of alternating current power to the … Continued

Electricity is not something we give considerable attention to in our daily lives.  At home or at work (or wherever) there are electrical outlets.  We simply plug devices into the outlets and the devices light up, heat, rotate, vibrate, charge or do whatever they’re supposed to do.  What’s behind the outlet, generally, is of little concern … Continued

Maximum ultrasonic performance requires the most efficient transfer of ultrasonic vibrations from the ultrasonic transducers to the liquid in the process tank.  This is generally accomplished by applying ultrasonic transducers directly to the exterior surfaces of a tank containing the process liquid.  Transducer attachment techniques favor attachment to metals like stainless steel.  What if the chemistry to be used … Continued

When a liquid or a gas flows uniformly and without turbulation, the result is called “laminar flow.” The most visual example of laminar flow for most of us are those arching water displays where perfectly shaped slugs of crystal clear water flys gracefully through the air from one point to another. When I first saw this effect at … Continued

The environment in the area of an industrial cleaning system is often not a “healthy” one for personnel or equipment.  Caustic and acidic cleaning chemistries rise as mist above cleaning processes along with humidity and heat.  Although our first thought is to protect personnel from these hazards, the equipment can also suffer serious consequences as a … Continued

Wherever there are liquids there are leaks – it’s inevitable.  Leaks, of course cost money in downtime and repair of industrial cleaning systems.  So, you ask, what is the best defense against leaks. Most leaks occur where one piece of plumbing connects with another.  A pipe to a valve, unions, connections to pumps and filters and … Continued

In ultrasonic cleaners, sound waves (vibration) originating from ultrasonic transducers must be efficiently transmitted into the cleaning liquid where they create cavitation bubbles which implode to enhance cleaning.  The weak links in the path from the transducer to the cavitating liquid are typically the  locations or “interfaces” where vibrations must be transmitted from one vibrating … Continued

Ultrasonic cleaning is widely used for removing particles from surfaces.  It is generally agreed that the high energy of implosions of cavitation bubbles break the bonds holding particles to the surface being cleaned and that liquid motion (streaming) carries the particles away once they have been dislodged.  However, it is also well known that ultrasonic cavitation … Continued