How Four Power Factors Affect Ultrasonic Cleaning

Effect of Power on Ultrasonic Cleaning.

Hello again..

Well, since I have been talking about the various things we are learning in finishing industry,it might be apt that we also speak the factors that affect the performance in ultrasonic cleaning.

Ultrasonic Power is a critical factor in deciding the effectiveness of a cleaning System.

It’s generally accepted that 50 W per litre is acceptable level to induce cavitation in a cleaning bath of the system. However there are factors that must be considered.

What’s loaded in the tank?

The washing component could be made from  plastic or cast iron . Will the power requirement capacities change? An honest answer is yes, In order to maximise the cavitation efficiency the power will have to be altered. The ability of component to absorb the energy and vibrations are extremely important. 

The relative density of the medium?

The medium in the tank could be could be water or a solvent ( specific gravity < .099 or > 1.44) Will the power rating differ? Yes, it will.

Changes in the media , when bath temperatures of 66-75 degree celsius is achieved?

There are materials whose properties change dramatically with temperatures. Thereby the ultrasonic power would need to be adjusted accordingly. Certain fluids drop in Viscosity at elevated temperatures.

What about using different viscosities of fluids to clean?

The relation between the power and the viscosities of the fluid is directly proportional. The thicker the fluid, the more power would be required, The thinner the fluid, the lesser the need of power.

People always want to know what is the ideal cleaning power of a tank. The answer to this varies from person to person due to different perspectives. They have their own standard or interpretation to such a question.

The cleaning ability depends on a few set factors, such as:

1.    Actual electrical power input

2.    Cleaning solution used

3.    Transducer matching

4.    Physical construction of the tank

As the manufacturers of these systems, we use universal electrical power expressed in RMS Volts or Watts to evaluate cleaners. The tanks are then properly sized according to the industrial standards of power levels for cleaning levels, as is, so many watts/gallon. Like I mentioned above, 50 Watts/litre is typically and widely used and is categorised as a high power cleaner. In a few cases, 35 Watts/litre is used and is categorised under lower power industrial cleaner.