The size of cavitation bubbles produced in an ultrasonic cleaning bath depends primarily on the ultrasonic frequency. The number of cavitation bubbles depends on both the ultrasonic frequency and the ultrasonic power being introduced into the cleaning tank. Frequency – Higher ultrasonic frequencies produce smaller cavitation bubbles than lower frequencies. This is at least partially due …
The concept of a barrier layer in ultrasonic cleaning can be a little difficult to understand – in fact, a lot of people don’t even know what “barrier layer” means. In this blog, I’ll attempt to describe what the barrier layer is and how the thickness of the barrier layer is affected by changing ultrasonic frequency. The …
In a previous post, Ultrasonic Cleaning – Soluble Contaminants, I discussed the effect that ultrasonic cavitation and implosion play in enhancing the removal of soluble contaminants from surfaces. Today’s blog will introduce the effect that ultrasonic cavitation and implosion have on the removal of insoluble particles from surfaces. There are several mechanisms that can cause …
In the blog entitled Get a Move On, I briefly discussed the importance of some form of mechanical action to assist cleaning. This is true in both the case of soluble and insoluble contaminants. In this blog I will dig a little deeper into the subject of the benefits of mechanical action in removing soluble …
A reader has asked for a description of how “near field” ultrasonics works. First of all, the term “near field” is one that is not well defined in the ultrasonic cleaning world. For the purpose of this discussion regarding ultrasonic cleaning, “near field” means putting the ultrasonic source close to the work piece. It may …
In the blog “Reader Questions – Monitoring Ultrasonic Transducers,” I suggested a couple of ways one might test individual ultrasonic transducers to assure they have not become ineffective due to de-bonding from the cleaning tank. In an extension of the spirit of that blog, quality control measures for ultrasonic cleaning performance, I decided to check out a paper I …
A previous blog Cleaning – Soluble Contaminants – “Solvents” described soluble contaminants as those contaminants that can be dissolved using a solvent or engineered liquid such as a surfactant. Contaminants that are not soluble are the other distinct classification of contaminants. Sometimes the line between soluble and insoluble is not well defined since there are …
I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. This is a time for family and friends. We all have a lot to be thankful for. The blog will be back on Monday. – FJF –
Today’s blog is responding to two questions asked by readers. Both concern monitoring of ultrasonic transducer performance. Ralph Clendenin asks – “Is there a measurement of the frequency I need to be aware of during “good” operation I can check monthly that would show reduction in cleaning due to change in frequency?” Stephen Sharkey asks – …
Before we get to today’s topic, we have an announcement! Many of you may have recently subscribed for email updates of the blog either on your own or as a result of emails sent out by the Cleaning Technologies Group. The names of those of you who did were entered into a drawing for an ipad (wish I could …
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