Posts Tagged ‘Cleaning Solutions’

As we suggested in our blog post How to Select Ultrasonic Cleaner Solutions* cleaning solution chemistry has an important bearing on the success of operating an ultrasonic cleaner.  Here we will look at some other considerations to keep in mind.

For example, the choice of a cleaning chemistry depends not only on the surface material and contamination, but also on the use and level of cleanliness required after cleaning.  Here are but two of many examples we could share:

For precision cleaning prior to coating operations you need a cleaner that easily rinses residue-free.  This helps ensure that coatings such as powder, anodizing, chromium plating or paint will fully adhere to the surface.  For applications such as these we strongly suggest EC 260 d&s neutral foam-inhibited concentrate.

There are less-demanding levels of cleanliness for other applications.  If your shop cleans, repairs or reconditions used equipment made of materials such … Read the rest

A Tovatech customer asked us about the cause and removal of a discoloration inside his Elmasonic ultrasonic cleaning tank.   The location and size of the tank discoloration suggested to us that it was caused by the heater.   We present here a tip on how to prevent discoloration (sometimes called “furring”) and if it occurs how to remove it.

Furring can show up in a variety of colors in an ultrasonic tank.  It can occur if the unit’s heater is activated when the ultrasound is not activated.  This causes the solution adjacent to the heater to reach very high temperatures resulting in discoloration.  (It’s somewhat like placing an empty stainless steel pot on the stove and turning on the burner.  You’ll soon get a discoloration.)

So, even though the tank may be filled, if the solution is not circulating there will be a significant temperature differences that can result in discoloration.… Read the rest

Mixing an ultrasonic cleaning solution is simply a matter of following instructions.  While it may be politically incorrect we refer to the common cliché “real men don’t read instructions” to introduce our point: There are many benefits to be gained by preparing an ultrasonic cleaning solution according to instructions.

Ultrasonic cleaning solution manufacturers such as Elma, represented by Tovatech, spend a significant amount of time developing instructions on preparing recommended dilutions and cleaning procedures for their line of liquid cleaning solution concentrates and powders.  As an example, elma tec clean A4, a widely used demulsifying formulation for labs and workshops, is to be diluted to 2 to 5 percent with water in the ultrasonic bath.  Whip out your calculator and figure out how many liters of cleaning solution can be prepared with a standard 2.5 liter container of biodegradable elma tec clean A4 concentrate.

Well golly, you might think (that … Read the rest

Ultrasonic cleaning is an excellent method to remove grease and other oily deposits on newly fabricated and refurbished metal parts.  Two types of ultrasonic cleaning solutions – emulsifying and demulsifying (or non- emulsifying) – are commonly used for removing such deposits.  Let’s look at these two options.

Emulsifying cleaning solutions collect oily contaminants in a mixture or an emulsion of the water-based cleaning solution and the oil.    While cleaning is initially thorough continued operation of the cleaning bath causes a build-up of contaminants in the solution.  This eventually reduces cleaning effectiveness.

Moreover, when products are removed from the bath they may carry this contamination into the rinsing cycle. Because of this carry out it is important that the parts are thoroughly rinsed to remove remaining emulsified oil.  More than one rinsing cycle may be required.

Elma clean 210 is an example of an emulsifying cleaner that is a good choice … Read the rest

You know the routine. Chances are you’ve done it yourself.  If the recipe calls for a tablespoon of oregano you think well, two tablespoons will make it taste better.  If directions say bake at 325⁰F you think well, if I bake at 425⁰F it will be done faster. That’s not the always the case for recipes and it certainly is not the case when you operate an ultrasonic cleaner.

How to Prepare Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution from Concentrate

This is the recipe portion of our introductory paragraph.  Ultrasonic cleaning solution concentrates are formulated to be diluted with a specific amount of water.  An example is the widely used general purpose elma tec A4 concentrate where the recommendation is dilution to 2% – 5% with water.

Now on the often mistaken theory of “more is better” you may be tempted to dump in … Read the rest

Inkjet cartridges can represent a significant expense for businesses large and small.   Investing in an ultrasonic cleaner system might prove practical to refurbish inkjet cartridges after which they can be refilled using widely available cartridge refill kits.  Cleaning inkjet cartridges is fast, safe and thorough with ultrasonic cavitation produced in tabletop ultrasonic cleaners such as the Elmasonic Select series available from Tovatech.

The process is faster than soaking the cartridge print heads in a hot water and rubbing alcohol mixture then blotting them dry.  The ultrasonic cleaning cycle can be as short as 3 to 5 seconds but may take longer if the cartridge jets are clogged with dried ink residues.  When cleaning is handled properly it is safer than cleaning by hand because there’s no temptation to use brushes on the print head surface. It is thorough because cleaning action penetrates openings that cannot be reached by … Read the rest

Ultrasonic cleaning practices generally focus on cleaning solution chemistries best suited to products being cleaned and contaminants removed.  Other posts on this site describe the importance of cleaning solutions to a satisfactory cleaning process.

But what happens immediately after cleaning has equal importance to your ultrasonic cleaning process.  Procedures should be in place to reduce or prevent deposition or re-introducing contaminants that negate what would otherwise be a successful cleaning operation.    Here’s a short list:

• Cleaning solutions can deposit residues if not immediately rinsed off
• Rust and other forms of oxidation, tarnish and corrosion may result if surfaces are not protected
• Dust particles, condensation, oil mists and other airborne contaminants can land on cleaned surfaces

Post-Cleaning Rinsing

Contaminants removed during ultrasonic cleaning remain in the cleaning solution and can be carried out as deposits on the products when the basket is … Read the rest