Posts Tagged ‘Cleaning Solutions’

While most of our ultrasonic cleaning posts provide practical advice on how to clean specific items there’s more to the science of the process.   In fact effective ultrasonic cleaning is a combination of ultrasonic frequency and power, the temperature of the cleaning solution, the time it takes to complete the job, post-cleaning procedures if required, and cleaning solution chemistry.

 Three Cleaning Solution Chemistries

A wide variety of cleaning solution chemistries are on the market but just about all commonly used solutions fall into three categories: alkaline, acidic and neutral. While terms like alkaline and acidic may cause some initial concern we are confining our examples to highly diluted biodegradable … Read the rest

Ultrasonic cavitation is a proven cleaning technique used throughout industry to quickly and safely remove grit, grime, grease, and other contaminants on products ranging from delicate laboratory glassware and surgical instruments to steel and iron castings and forgings.  Performed in an ultrasonic cleaner such as the Elmasonic series available from Tovatech, cavitation occurs in a cleaning solution when generator-powered ultrasonic transducers create billions of minute bubbles that implode with tremendous force upon contact with objects being cleaned.

While there are many ways you can improve ultrasonic cleaning performance here are some examples.

A.  Ultrasonic Frequency

The frequency of ultrasonic cleaning is measured in kilohertz and generally ranges upwards from 25,000 (25 kHz) cycles per second.  Low frequencies create relatively large cavitation bubbles and more vigorous cleaning action.  As frequencies increase to 37, 40, 45, 130 kHz and higher, cavitation bubbles become smaller, cleaning action gentler and the ability to penetrate … Read the rest

Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometers are costly and require regular maintenance to assure accurate performance.  An ultrasonic cleaner is recommended for ICP-OES spray chambers and we share here two approaches, one employed by a user and the other recommended by a distributor.   Labs using this equipment should above all follow the recommendations of their supplier but can look to Tovatech for ultrasonic cleaning equipment that meets these recommendations.

Ultrasonic Cleaning ICP-OES Spray Chambers        

An ultrasonic cleaner is recommended because spray chambers have complex shapes making it difficult to remove contaminants that deposit during ICP-OES operation.  Cleaning is provided by cavitation action, or the implosion of minute bubbles in an ultrasonic cleaning solution, on all chamber surfaces while immersed in the solution.  This action is produced by generator-powered ultrasonic transducers bonded to the bottom of a stainless steel tank.  It quickly and safely blasts away … Read the rest

There is a wide variety of ultrasonic cleaning solutions on the market – each formulated for specific cleaning operations in an ultrasonic cleaner.  These solutions are generally classified as alkaline (high pH), neutral, or acidic (low pH).  Most acidic ultrasonic cleaning solution concentrates are biodegradable and when diluted according to instructions can be used in stainless steel ultrasonic cleaning tanks such as the Elmasonic series available from Tovatech.

Protecting Staff and Ultrasonic Cleaner Tanks from Highly Acidic Baths

There are exceptions, and an important one is if you must use corrosive low pH solutions such as nitric, sulfuric, formic, or hydrofluoric acid in an ultrasonic cleaner.  Without proper protection these solutions can wreak havoc on your ultrasonic cleaner and the investment it represents.

Solving this problem is twofold and while relatively simple requires a procedure that must be part … Read the rest