Ultrasonic Cleaning Glossary Terms

Formation of tiny bubbles in a liquid as a result of high-frequency sound waves.

On/off cycling of ultrasonic power to rapidly remove dissolved gas from a freshly filled bath.  If not removed, dissolved gas will inhibit ultrasonic cleaning.

Alternates between Sweep mode and Pulse mode providing the benefits of both modes: uniform high-intensity cleaning.

Low-intensity Sweep mode for gentle cleaning of delicate objects. Operating in this mode extends the tank lifetime.

A simple qualitative method using aluminum foil to test performance of an ultrasonic cleaner.  The foil is suspended in the tank, the ultrasonic power is activated for a short period, and the foil is examined for a ‘pin prick’ pattern.

Modulates ultrasonic power to produce intermittent sharp spikes.  Operating in this mode increases cleaning and mixing intensity.

Continuous small variation of the ultrasonic frequency above and below a central frequency.  Sweep enhances the cleaning uniformity within a tank.

A device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy in the form of sound waves.  Electrical energy from a generator causes the transducer to vibrate.

Sound waves in an ultrasonic tank are produced by the rapid vibration of transducers bonded to the tank. The number of vibrations per second is the ultrasonic frequency. Ultrasonic frequency determines the cavitation bubble size.  Higher frequency produces smaller bubbles.  The amount of energy released by the collapsing bubble is directly related to the bubble size. Smaller bubbles release less energy.

Ultrasonic power, normally expressed in watts, is the output power of an ultrasonic generator which delivers electrical energy to the transducers.  The relationship between ultrasonic power and ultrasonic cleaning intensity is complicated; higher generator output power does not always translate to more powerful cleaning.

A weir is an overflow section built into an ultrasonic tank.  A spray bar is a perforated tube that directs a spray of cleaning solution across the surface of the liquid towards the weir.  The combination of weir and spray bar removes oil floating on the liquid surface.