The Role of Sonicator Baths in Sample Preparation

Sonicator Baths in Sample Preparation

Sonicator baths are often employed for sample preparation steps in research and development activities. For example, a sonicator bath may be used to extract an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) from its carrier, or excipient, prior to conducting content uniformity and potency assay tests.  Many USP monographs recommend using a sonicator bath to dissolve samples prior to analysis.

As noted in Chapter 8 of Optimization of Pharmaceutical Processes, “A  growing need for developing novel technologies for obtaining better quality products with enhanced process efficiency has created promise for application of ultrasound in the area of food and pharmaceutical processing.” 

The chapter “offers discussion on the governing mechanisms for the improvement based on the use of ultrasound, different ultrasonic reactor configurations, as well as the selection of operating conditions for the specific applications of encapsulation and crystallization.”

In chapter 2 of Sample Preparation of Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, discussing agitation and … Read the rest

How to Select an Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution

Ultrasonic Cleaner Solutions

According to Verified Market Research, the Global Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution Market value is estimated to be USD 1,934.90 Million in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 3,211.88 Million by 2030 witnessing a CAGR of around 6.54% during the forecasted period (2024-2030)

Ultrasonic cleaner solutions – also called “soaps” or “chemicals”- are specially formulated to accomplish specific ultrasonic cleaning challenges. Most ultrasonic cleaning solutions are available as concentrates and are biodegradable. These two features contribute to economy and reduce disposal concerns. This post offers tips on how to select your ultrasonic cleaner solution.

How Ultrasonic Cleaner Solutions Work

Regardless of the chemistry, an ultrasonic cleaner solution works by a process called cavitation. But rather than get into a detailed explanation here, please check out our post Ultrasonic Cleaners and How they Work.  More info can be found at our ultrasonic cleaner learning center.

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Two Practical Solutions to Clean Lab Sieves

Ultrasonic Sieve Cleaning

Cleaning fine mesh particle analysis lab sieves becomes more difficult as mesh size decreases, making it more likely that particles become trapped in fine sieve openings.  Manual cleaning test sieves has drawbacks including potential damage to the mesh and failure to achieve 100% particle removal.  Here are two practical solutions to clean lab sieves as well as perform other important functions in food and pharmaceutical research facilities.

Lab Sieve Cleaning Solution No. 1

One way to solve the problem is by combining the 7.5-gallon Elmasonic EP300H ultrasonic cleaner with the Elma SRH 4/200 sieve rotation holder.

Sieve Rotation Holder
SRH 4/200 Sieve Rotation Holder

Ultrasonic cavitation produced by the Elmasonic EP300 H creates billions of minute vacuum bubbles.  These implode vigorously against the surfaces of objects being cleaned to quickly and safely dislodge contaminants.

The unit operates at 37 kHz ultrasonic frequency.  Features include a heater (30⁰ – 80⁰C) and a timer (1 … Read the rest

5 Key Points to Selecting the Correct Ultrasonic Cleaner Size

How to Select an Ultrasonic Cleaner Size

Ultrasonic parts cleaners are manufactured in a tremendous variety of sizes.  By “size” we mean the dimensions and capacities of tanks in which ultrasonic parts cleaning is accomplished.  For example the Elmasonic E Plus series is offered in 9 tank capacities from 0.25 to 7.5 gallons and the Select Series in 11 capacities from 0.7 to 23 gallons.  Industrial-sized units such as SHIRACLEAN can hold 100 gallons or more.  This post will help you select the correct ultrasonic parts cleaner size. 

Five Points to Selecting your Ultrasonic Parts Cleaner Size

Here are the key points to consider:

  1. Parts you are cleaning
  2. Cleaning tank dimensions
  3. The importance of “working depth”
  4. The role of cleaning baskets
  5. Cleaning solution volume and service volume

1. What Parts are you Cleaning?

Ultrasonic parts cleaning has proved a very effective and economical way to remove all types of contaminants from nearly anything that can be safely … Read the rest

How to Safely Use a Solvent Cleaner

As described in Chapter 3 of the Adhesives Technology Handbook*, “solvent cleaning is the process of removing soil from a surface with an organic solvent without physically or chemically altering the material being cleaned. This includes methods such as vapor degreasing, spraying, immersion, and mechanical or ultrasonic scrubbing.” This post describes how to safely use a volatile solvent cleaner with a low flash point.

Solvent Cleaner Flash Points

Solvent cleaners have different flashpoints. In chemistry, the flash point of a volatile material is the lowest temperature at which its vapors ignite if given an ignition source. In brief, the lower the flashpoint the more flammable they are. This is important when using a solvent cleaner.

The American Chemical Society publishes a table of common organic solvents that includes flash points. Examples of low flash point volatile solvents are 1-propanol at 59⁰F (15⁰C), acetone at -4⁰F (-20⁰C)  and toluene at 39⁰F (4⁰C). … Read the rest

How to Use an Ultrasonic Cleaner in Your Hair Salon

Ultrasonic Cleaners for Hair Salons &. Barbers

Some states are adopting regulations requiring ultrasonic cleaning and sanitizing of tools used in hair salons and cosmetology salons.  New Jersey, for example, requires a designated area for cleaning and disinfecting implements and tools, an ultrasonic cleaner for metal implements and tools, a clean, closed receptacle at each work station so soiled implements and tools can be completely immersed in an enzyme solution prior to cleaning and disinfection, and a clean, closed receptacle for storage of sanitized implements and tools at each work station.

Nothing surpasses an ultrasonic cleaner for removing dirt and contaminants from any equipment that can be safely immersed in water.  Healthcare facilities have long relied on ultrasonic cleaners to remove blood and tissue from surgical instruments prior to disinfecting and sterilizing. A compact ultrasonic cleaner such as Elma’sE30H model available from Tovatech easily fits on a bench or tabletop in a designated cleaning area in a … Read the rest

How to Select an Eco-Friendly Ultrasonic Parts Cleaner

How to Develop an Eco-Friendly Metal Parts Cleaning System

Challenges relating to cleaning new or refurbished parts, many of which require subsequent processing such as painting and plating, are increasing due to environmental regulations.  This post shows you why an ultrasonic parts cleaner using eco-friendly biodegradable parts cleaning solutions is a favored alternate to washing and spraying with harsh solvents along with their associated disposal concerns.   

Why Choose an Ultrasonic Parts Cleaner?

Let’s start with why you should consider an ultrasonic parts cleaner.

Cleaning is faster, safer and easier when using an ultrasonic parts cleaner.  Machining oils, grease, residues left from molding or handling, soot and other contamination are difficult and can be dangerous to remove by soaking in harsh and sometimes flammable solvents, manually scrubbing or power washing in solvent parts washers. 

Moreover these methods do not reach difficult-to-access surfaces such as cracks, crevices, small diameter and blind holes where contaminants remain and can cause future problems.… Read the rest

Maximize Performance of your Ultrasonic Bath

Ultrasonic Bath

If you have invested in an ultrasonic bath you have an appreciation of how these units contribute to fast, safe and efficient removal of contaminants from virtually any product that can be safely wetted in a biodegradable ultrasonic bath.  In this post we provide recommendations on maximizing the performance of your ultrasonic bath, thereby contributing to the efficiency of your ultrasonic cleaning operations.

Points covered include:

  • Selecting the correct cleaning bath chemistry
  • Cleaning time and cleaning temperature
  • Tips on extending the effective life of ultrasonic baths

Ultrasonic Cleaning Bath Chemistry

There is a wide variety of formulations available to support ultrasonic cleaning operations.  Some manufacturers term these ultrasonic cleaning solutions, others use an overall category called soaps.  One can’t argue with that because using soaps conjures up images of cleaning, whether in the car wash, clothes washer or shower.

Regardless of nomenclature, these formulations are designed to perform specific cleaning … Read the rest

How to Select Ultrasonic Cleaner Accessories

Ultrasonic cleaner accessories
Ultrasonic cleaner accessories

Think of selecting ultrasonic cleaner accessories as though you are buying a new car.  You have the choice of standard equipment and equipment or features that are “optional at extra cost.”

The “options” largely depend on the ultrasonic cleaner manufacturer.  This is why it is important for you to have a clear understanding of what you want to accomplish in your ultrasonic cleaning process.  Our post on ultrasonic cleaner application ideas provides a good tutorial on this.

This post is designed to help you select ultrasonic cleaning accessories that are either required to help you quickly and successfully accomplish your ultrasonic cleaning tasks or simply “nice to have.”

Similarly this post does not go into detail on selecting a specific ultrasonic cleaner.  That is generally based on the size of your operations and what you intend to do with the equipment.  We cover this topic in … Read the rest

Solving Tough Cleaning Challenges with Ultrasonic Cleaning

Ultrasonic Cleaning Solutions

According to a report available from market research firm IBIS World, “in 2016, the ultrasonic cleaning equipment manufacturing industry is expected to generate $359.6 million in revenue,” and, “over the five years to 2016, industry revenue increased at an annualized rate of 1.8%, including an expected 3.7% rise in 2016.”*

At Tovatech we believe that this positive projection is due in part to the continuing and growing realization that tough cleaning challenges can be overcome with ultrasonic energy.  Many of our posts go into detail on the use of ultrasonic energy to solve cleaning challenges.  We present here a compendium of applications that may or may not be top of mind to folks grappling with difficult cleaning challenges.… Read the rest