What is ultrasonic cleaning

Ultrasonic cleaning is a highly effective cleaning method using ultrasonic cleaners. Due to its effective cleaning, it is often used in the medical and dental fields. Ultrasonic cleaners are not only suitable for medical purposes but also for electronics and technology. In this article, we will tell you everything about how ultrasonic cleaning works.

How Does Ultrasonic Cleaning Work?

An ultrasonic device is required for ultrasonic cleaning. What does an ultrasonic device do? This device uses sound waves to clean objects. In the ultrasonic fluid, the sound intensity increases, creating a vacuum. This vacuum breaks the fluid apart, creating tens of thousands of tiny vapor bubbles. When these vapor bubbles are hit by a sound wave, they start to vibrate.

Through the vibrations, the vapor bubbles grow until they become unstable and implode. These implosions cause small but strong currents in the ultrasonic fluid. Because tens of thousands of implosions happen simultaneously, a strong reaction occurs, which we call ultrasonic cleaning.

How Do I Use an Ultrasonic Cleaning Device?

How ultrasonic cleaning works has already been explained, but how do you use an ultrasonic cleaner? Every ultrasonic cleaner is filled with (demineralized) water and ultrasonic fluid. It is recommended not to place items on the bottom of the device, so our ultrasonic cleaners have a basket. We also have additional baskets with extra fine mesh, ideal for small parts and instruments. These are available in round and rectangular shapes. Please consider the space the baskets take up when choosing the format.

Degassing Before Cleaning

Before you place objects in the cleaning bath, it is important to degas the cleaning bath and bring it to temperature. Make sure the ultrasonic bath is filled to the fill line or at least ⅔ with ultrasonic fluid. Do you have a digital ultrasonic cleaning device? Then it might have a "degassing" function. No "degassing" function? That's not a problem. You can achieve the same effect by turning on the ultrasonic cleaner with the ultrasonic function for 10 to 30 minutes. The time depends on the size of your cleaner. If the cleaner holds 10 liters, degas for 10 minutes. If the cleaner holds 27 liters, degas for 30 minutes. The degassing process also speeds up the temperature increase of the ultrasonic cleaner.

Direct or Indirect Cleaning

After you have prepared the cleaning bath, you can place the items in the ultrasonic cleaning device. There are two options for this: indirect or direct cleaning. In direct cleaning, the objects are placed directly in the cleaning bath, and it is important to replace the fluid after each cleaning process. In indirect cleaning, a glass beaker and a fine mesh basket are used. By using a glass beaker, you can clean multiple materials simultaneously, and loose dirt does not remain in your ultrasonic device. Note: Rinse the items with warm water after cleaning. This prevents the cleaning fluid from penetrating.

What Are Frequencies?

The frequency of the vibrations and the sound is given in Hertz, sometimes abbreviated as Hz. The frequencies used for ultrasonic cleaning generally range between 20 kHz and 50 kHz. A frequency of 20 kHz creates relatively large air bubbles and ensures quick and powerful cleaning. At a frequency of 40 kHz, small bubbles are created, ensuring intensive cleaning. This frequency is particularly ideal for hollow bodies, for example. The small air bubbles easily clean these. The ultrasonic cleaners from CertoClav have a high cleaning frequency of 40 kHz, ensuring thorough ultrasonic cleaning.

The Advantages of Ultrasonic Cleaning

The principle of ultrasonic cleaning should now be clear. But what are the main advantages of this system?

Thoroughly Clean Result

First of all, ultrasonic cleaning simply delivers the most thorough result. The items are cleaned down to the pores, ensuring even difficult surfaces and hard-to-reach places remain spotless. With hand cleaning, you will never achieve the same result, as it is impossible to achieve the same intensity without damaging the items.

No Scratches and Damage

This brings us directly to advantage number two: Items are not attacked or damaged during ultrasonic cleaning. Because of the ultrasonic cleaning, there is no abrasive effect. Even the most delicate and intricately shaped parts can be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner.

Saves Time and Effort

Finally, it is, of course, very nice that you don't have to make any effort with an ultrasonic cleaner. Once the device is turned on, you can simply do something else, which also saves time.

Want to Learn More About Ultrasonic Cleaning?

Do you have any questions about the principle of ultrasonic cleaning or would you like to find out which of our ultrasonic cleaning devices is best suited for you? We are happy to answer all your questions and look forward to hearing from you at +43 (0) 732 674 278 or support@certoclav.com. Our specialists are happy to assist you!