Ultrasonic Performance – Ceramic Ring Test – Post Script

I usually try to make sure I’ve done my research prior to posting a blog.  As I was thinking about the post about the ceramic ring test, however, it occurred to me that there are a couple of variables that I had not previously considered – – the pencil and the means of applying the markings to the …

Cleanliness Testing – White Glove and Swab Tests

I have spent considerable time on the blog disclosing and discussing a variety of cleanliness testing methods.  A couple of tests that escaped earlier discussion, however, are the “white glove” test and the closely-related “swab” test.  These tests are conducted by rubbing or wiping a surface using a white (usually cotton) glove or a cotton …

Six Sigma – – The Role of Cleaning

Achieving Six Sigma Capability Parts Washing “Six Sigma” methodology is one of many tools that can be used to improve process efficiency.  The following several blogs are excerpted from an article written by Dale Bowden of the Cleaning Technologies Group and was published in Process Cleaning Magazine.  Mr. Bowden specifically explores the role of cleaning …

Potential Process Problems NOT Related to Cleaning

Most cleaning processes are comprised of a number of discreet steps.  A wash followed by one or more rinses and then a dry would be a typical cleaning process.  As parts being cleaned are moved from one process step to the next, they are vulnerable to potential risks by conditions not directly related to cleaning.  Whether related …

Chemistry – What is Titration?

Titration is a procedure frequently used to measure the chemical concentration in a liquid.  The concept is pretty simple.  A specific volume of the solution under test is collected and put into a container which is usually an erlenmeyer flask or a beaker. The container can be glass, plastic or another material.  Glass is often preferred because …

Ultrasonics – Ultrasonic Power Density vs. Tank Size

As a leading ultrasonic manufacturer, we are often asked to manufacture large, industrial ultrasonic cleaning systems producing a particular ultrasonic power density based on laboratory trials.  In fact, it may not be appropriate to base the watts per gallon requirement for a large industrial application on those found effective on a laboratory scale.  A paper at the following …

Coolants and Lubricants – Ramifications on Cleaning

Lubricants and coolants are two of the most common contaminants requiring removal in industrial cleaning.  Understanding their basic nature and how they work may help lead to the solution of many cleaning problems Lubricants help prevent friction between two surfaces moving relative to one another by, in effect, providing a barrier between the two surfaces …

Applications Notes – Ultrasonic Filter Cleaning

Filters used to filter air, water and chemicals in industrial processes can cost thousands of dollars and more.  Some filters are intended to be renewable by cleaning.  Other filters, even some considered “disposable,” can be recovered for re-use using ultrasonic cleaning techniques. A filter, as we discussed in earlier blogs (search “filter”) is a device …

Ultrasonic Cleaning – More About Baskets and Fixtures

This blog is in response to recently received reader questions regarding the best designs for baskets and fixtures used in ultrasonic cleaning applications.  The blog Reader Questions – Baskets for Ultrasonic Cleaning addressed previous questions.  Today’s question concerns the use of metallic fasteners in the construction of baskets and fixtures to hold parts for ultrasonic cleaning. The …