Ultrasonic Power vs. Cavitation Density

The notion persists that more power is better in ultrasonic cleaning applications.  In the past, this may have been an absolute as the amount of power available was often limited by the limitations of the equipment that was available.  As we discussed in a recent blog however, today’s ultrasonic equipment is no longer limited in power …

Heat – Definitions and Concepts

Temperature has been identified as one of the important variables in cleaning – arguably the most important.  So I thought it might be worth some time to develop a little understanding of heat – – especially how it is generated and transmitted. Heat is a form of energy.  The amount of heat contained in an object …

Ultrasonic “Shadowing”

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 …

Heat Alternatives for Cleaning

I have stressed the importance of temperature to cleaning processes many times in previous blogs.  This blog will discuss the heat source options for achieving and maintaining the temperatures required for effective cleaning. Electric – Electric heat is, without a doubt, the most prevalent heat alternative used for cleaning applications.  This is because electric heaters are relatively inexpensive, relatively small, …

Automation – Load and Unload

This series of blogs about automation will address automation as an “add-on” or accessory to an existing or planned cleaning system.  In many cleaning systems, automation, or at least partial automation, is an integral part of the system as it is required for effective cleaning process.  This is especially true of spray washers which often rely …

Automation – Introduction

Many cleaning systems are automated.  There are a number of benefits that can be realized through automation – Reduced labor cost Increased throughput Improved process consistency Reduced Labor Cost The cleaning process is inherently labor intensive.  Parts to be cleaned must be prepared and fixtured or put into suitable carriers.  They must then be moved …

What is a “Closed Loop” cleaning system?

The ultimate “closed-loop” cleaning system would produce no effluents requiring disposal. In many manufacturing facilities, disposing of waste liquid containing chemicals and other contaminants removed from parts being cleaned is either very costly or just not possible using municipal sewer or other available facilities.  Even in the best cases, most cleaning system effluents require pre-treatment prior …