DMS-R-IM
Fundamentals of Ultrasonic Cleaning
April 7, 2021
Digital Modular System - Rinse
7-1
7.
Fundamentals of
Ultrasonic Cleaning
7.1
Introduction
NOTE
To assist you in determining the proper chemistry and
equipment requirements for your different cleaning needs,
Crest Ultrasonics operates an
Applications Laboratory
with a
Class 100 Clean Room
.
Ultrasonic energy is activated in a liquid by means of transducers that convert
electrical energy to acoustic (sound) energy. Transducers are similar to radio
speakers in that they convert electrical energy to acoustic energy; however; they
differ in that they operate at ultrasonic frequencies and transmit acoustic energy
to a liquid rather than to air.
When ultrasonic energy exists in liquid, it results in alternative rarefactions and
compressions of the liquid. Small vacuum cavities are formed during
rarefactions and which collapse (implode) during compression. This is a
continual and rapid process known as
cavitation
. Cavitation produces a
powerful
scrubbing action
. This scrubbing action is what makes ultrasonic
cleaning so powerful and effective.
7.1.1
Factors Affecting Scrubbing Action
Three factors that affect the scrubbing action:
Degassing
– the removal of unwanted air from the water.
Electrical frequency
– the frequency produced by the generators.
Chemical characteristics
– chemical characteristic of the solution at
specific temperatures.
